Please join IFA member and screenwriter, Paul Fagen, at Kibbitznest for a discussion and live reading from his award winning screenplay Peter, Peter.

DESCRIPTION
Independent filmmaking is alive and well in The Windy City! Join us as we hear from one of our local screenwriters about a feature film in the early stages of pre-production and fundraising.  Peter, Peter tells the story of our 12-year-old protagonist as he navigates the developmental upheaval of early adolescence, complicated by being both a Jewish kid in a culturally blended household and a gay kid years away from understanding his own sexuality. With the help of a few supportive adults and his musical fantasy daydreams, Peter takes a few awkward steps along the path to making sense of himself.  You'll get a chance to hear excerpts from the script performed by celebrated Chicago actors, take part in a Q&A with the screenwriter, and learn how you can help spread the world and join the fundraising effort.

BIO
Paul Fagen (writer and producer of Peter, Peter) is both a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, University of Chicago, AM ’98) and a working actor (proud member of both Actors Equity and SAG-AFTRA).  As a social worker, he's provided or supervised the delivery of clinical services for Chicago’s youth since the late 90’s.  He entered Chicago’s storefront theater scene in the mid-2000’s, performing with Goodman Theatre, Strawdog Theatre, The House Theatre, About Face, and others.  He can also claim a recurring role on NBC's Chicago Fire among his many commercial, television, and film appearances.  After two decades splitting time between two vocations, Paul found an outlet for both passions in the creation of the screenplay Peter, Peter.  Paul has been speaking about the film project for the last two years to a variety of audiences.  He also regularly speaks on the topic of youth development in a professional social work capacity, most recently in Dallas at the National Town Hall for Communities In Schools, September 2024.

FOR MORE INFORMATION please visit www.peterpetermovie.com

Everyone employed in Chicago must complete Sexual Harassment and Bystander Intervention Training on an annual basis! 

An employer’s failure to train employees could result in fines as high as $10,000, plus attorney fees. 

Lawyers for the Creative Arts wants to make sure that every arts organization with one or more Chicago employees is in compliance and has a clear understanding of their responsibilities under the new law. 

This training will satisfy the annual training requirement for Chicago Employers and includes the two hour Sexual Harassment Prevention Training for supervisors and managers and one hour Bystander Training for all employees, plus a Q & A session at the end. 

Come for the screening, stay for the community. IFA Chicago and Jake Prine of Kernel Productions are delighted to bring you a brand new series, Indie Takes!

Join us on June 26th for a special screening of Not If I See You First!, followed by an exclusive conversation with director, Aaron Wertheimer!

Synopsis

In town for work, Kenny meets Aaron, who convinces him to extend his trip a few days to check out the famous sights of Chicago. But when Kenny's car explodes and Aaron gets selective amnesia, will their fledgling friendship lose its way? Director Aaron Wertheimer will be in attendance for a post-film Q&A.

Directed by: Aaron Wertheimer

Starring: Kenny Zimlinghaus, Aaron Wertheimer, Johanna Wertheimer, Elizabeth Stam, Leslie Crum

Run time: 71 minutes

This is an in-person event at Drip Collective!

Join us on June 25th for a screening of the indie short and lesbian rom-com, Calling Cara, which will be followed by a moderated discussion of the ultra-low budget production process and Q&A with Director Jessica Carey and an all-women panel.

Synopsis:

Calling Cara follows Gretchen, a young woman whose private moment takes an unexpected turn when she accidentally leaves a compromising voicemail to her best friend, and secret crush, Cara. Panicked and scrambling to undo her mistake, Gretchen is caught off guard when Cara shows up at her door, and everything changes between them.

Written & Directed by Jessica Carey

Producers:

Katlin Schneider

Jessica Carey

and Rosie Hernandez

This is a free event that is open to IFA Members and cast and crew invitees only. Click here for membership details, or reach out for more information to info@ifachicago.org 

IFA Chicago members can RSVP by emailing events@ifachicago.org

Age restricted. 18+

Join us at Chicago Filmmakers, for a screening and In Focus With… Director and IFA Chicago member Jon Silver!

THE PREMIERE | IN-PERSON (5/24)

1326 W Hollywood Ave | Friday, June 20, 2025 | 7:00PM

On the night of his first movie premiere, Jacob Sanders is hounded by mounting issues and paranoid delusions appearing on the screen. Disaster looms at every turn - his family argues, audience members complain, the popcorn machine breaks, and the movie file doesn’t work.

All of these problems are exacerbated by the rumored arrival of a famous actor. Jacob struggles to overcome disaster, all while fending off criticisms, expectations, and disturbing figments of his imagination.

Director and IFA Chicago member Jon Silver will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening. _

Chicago Filmmakers does not deny admission to those who do not have the ability to make a donation. Please email coop@chicagofilmmakers.org to inquire about free admission.

6:30-9:30pm

@ The Long Room

(in their back room)

1612 W Irving Park Rd

Email chicagoscreenwritermeetups@gmail.com with any questions!

Featuring a post-film Q&A with Writer/Director Jack C. Newell and members of the filmmaking team!

This April marked the commercial release of Andrew Ahn’s The Wedding Banquet, a Korean-American remake of Ang Lee’s beloved and Oscar-nominated Taiwanese comedy-drama from 1993. Part of our session will compare and contrast these two takes on shared material and highlight past work by Ahn, a remarkable, versatile filmmaker whose work deserves more attention. We will also celebrate The Wedding Banquet as a rare and meaningful course-correct in a U.S. film culture that has alternately desexualized and over-sexualized Asian and Asian American characters, only rarely promoting them as romantic leads.

Recommended viewing: Both versions of The Wedding Banquet and, if time, Ahn’s Fire Island (Hulu) and/or Alice Wu’s Saving Face (multiple streaming platforms).

Please note: The discussion does not include screenings of films.

Join us for our series, At The Table, in partnership with SAG-AFTRA Chicago, for a table read of the script: Invasion of the Housewives

Invasion of the Housewives follows a group of suburban women trapped at a girls’ night during a supposed alien invasion. As inexplicable events unfold, and conflicting news divides the group, the women begin to turn on one another.

Written & Directed by Zach Lorkiewicz

Produced by Grace Hahn

This event is open to IFA Members and SAG-AFTRA invitees only. See below for membership details, or reach out to us at info@ifachicago.org

SCREEN TIME 2025: 90min of Chicago-Made Shorts

The 3rd Annual Event – Same But Different | A Surrealist Celebration of Local Short Cinema

Step into Chicago’s most anticipated night of local film, connection, and creative celebration.

Now in its third year, Mxxd Media and IFA Chicago have partnered for a high-energy showcase of Chicago-made short films from some of the city’s most exciting emerging and established voices. From magical realism to humanistic storytelling, this year’s theme – “Same, but Different” - invites audiences to experience stories that stretch reality and reflect the human experience in powerful new ways. 

What To Expect

• Live Keynote Discussion - Taking the Leap: A Discussion on Feature Filmmaking 

• 90-Minute Screening

• Q&A Panel – Meet the minds behind the films 

• Sponsors - Remy Martin, Maison Perrier, IFA Chicago 

• After Party – Vibes, networking, & music from Global Currency 

About Mxxd Media

Mxxd Media is a Chicago-based production company on a mission to celebrate local filmmakers, help brands tell their stories, and create films with emerging filmmakers. They’re not just screening work – they’re elevating artists. 

About IFA Chicago 

The Independent Film Alliance (IFA) Chicago is a non-profit organization that provides the community, resources, and programs needed to build a diverse and sustainable industry of independent content creators. 

"...No joke, every step of the ethos of Screen Time has been incredible... They’re setting the bar for how screenings and festivals should be run" - Sean Raju, Filmmaker

Follow: @screentimeshortcinema and @MxxdMedia for updates & premieres 

Selected Films 

• A Sweetness of Lapse - When best friends, Ava & Mina, are introduced to the internet phenomenon of “timeline shifting”, they decide to try it one night. The result tests their friendship and grasp of reality.

• CHECK PLEASE - Two headstrong Koreans can't agree on who's treating who to dinner, causing their casual restaurant outing to spiral into a martial arts deathmatch.

• CineYouth Comedy Award Winner – Chicago International Film Festival

• Prawn Star - When a young shrimp gains aspirations to become an actor, he purposely gets caught by humans so he can end up at a fancy restaurant and on the plate of someone who could make him famous.

• “A Film by Texas Smith” (Sneak Preview) -  After some time apart, a former couple (Charlie and Austin) run into one another, and over the next 24 hours, the pair reconnect, living many years and lives simultaneously.

• Protagonist Gene - A timid woman hoping to change her life is medically diagnosed as a Supporting Character forcing her to undergo a radical treatment to attain Main Character energy.

• Spanked by a Ghost (Premiere) - Alone in her home, a woman is spanked by an unseen entity – awakening a force she cannot control.

• About Time - After years apart, former lovers reunite and struggle to connect until an edible spurs an emotional night of dredging up past hurts and self-discoveries.

• Everything is Everything - Chicagoans reflect on history and identity during Juneteenth 2024 

• Hand Job - A sentient hand must save its body after an attempted suicide.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just a screening – it’s a movement.

A place for filmmakers, creatives, and culture lovers to gather, discover new stories, and celebrate the heartbeat of Chicago film. Whether you’re a cinephile, an industry pro, or just curious – this is where you want to be.

IFA Members receive a 20% discount on tix! Head to the membership portal for your discount code.

Interested in joining IFA? Membership is only $8.33 a month. ($100/year) Click on this link for membership details!

We’re kicking off summer with a celebration of what’s ahead for Chicago’s film scene—and you’re on the guest list to learn one of the biggest filmmaking events in our city.

oin Kinowerks and Filmscape Chicago for an exclusive first look at the Filmscape 2025 schedule—packed with top-tier education, gear showcases, and community-forward programming happening this June. This event brings together filmmakers, programmers, and storytellers to connect, collaborate, and build momentum.

The night will feature a spotlight class from IFA Member Andrea Zile Bish:
Screening Chicago – Programming Films for Chicago Audiences
Explore the strategy and heart behind curation in a city with an audience as vibrant and diverse as its creators.

With support from our incredible sponsors—Machina Rentals, Camera Ambassador, and IFA Chicago—expect great vibes, familiar faces, and a peek into what makes Filmscape the Midwest’s must-attend industry event.

Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker or a seasoned pro, this is your chance to plug into the creative current and raise a glass to Chicago’s bright film future.

Free to attend, but space is limited. RSVP now.

Monday, May 19, 2025

6:30-9:30pm

@ The Long Room

(in their back room)

1612 W Irving Park Rd

Email chicagoscreenwritermeetups@gmail.com with any questions!

*** REGISTRATION CLOSES AT 3PM ON SATURDAY MAY 17TH. You will not be allowed into the event if you haven’t secured a ticket prior to 3pm.***

Come for the screening, stay for the community. IFA Chicago and Jake Prine of Kernel Productions are delighted to bring you a brand new series, Indie Takes!

Join us on May 17th for a special screening of unique indie film “BAM!”, followed by an exclusive conversation with director, Jordan Tragash!

Synopsis: The lives of gig economy workers intersect during a hot Chicago summer in this rollicking modern day farce. A nonbinary bike messenger delivers sex toys, two sisters deliver art for their mother, and two roommates watch their best friend's drug empire while he takes a vacation.

This is an in-person event at IFA Chicago! Tickets are $15 for the public, and $8 for IFA members. To learn more about IFA membership, see below!

Join us for some dumplings and sake at the our AAPI Heritage Month celebration with a screening of short films by AAPI filmmakers and artists!

​Program includes:

​6p Reception

​6:30p Screening of short films by AAPI filmmakers and artists
The Gift by Elizabeth Love
Follower by Ryan Park
Arrangements by Thavary Krouch
Lab 99 by Rujanee Mahakanjana

7:30p Q&A/Talkback with filmmakers in attendance

​Admission is $10 (IFA Members, check your member portal for discounts).

Seats are limited so grab yours today!

​​​Pixquid® is a content ecosystem that combines streaming, community, and a marketplace where artists connect, collaborate, and grow with partners while maintaining full control - all in one place. To get started, join for free today at pixquid.com.

​​Independent Film Alliance Chicago is a non-profit organization that provides the community and resources needed to build a diverse and sustainable industry of independent content creators. IFA believes in Chicago as a place where all media creatives can achieve their dreams. For more info or to become a member, visit ifachicago.org.

Join the Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals and the IFA Chicago for a virtual session with Barbara Twist from the Film Festival Alliance exploring FFA's tools and initiatives that support both filmmakers and festivals.

Barbara will introduce the Film Festival Directory, a resource connecting mission-driven film festivals with the filmmaking community, and share best practices for festival engagement, including submissions navigation, communication, and relationship-building.

We'll also highlight FFA's new partnership with FilmFreeway, designed to improve transparency across the submission ecosystem.

This session is tailored for filmmakers and film festivals alike, with time for Q&A with Barbara as well as Chicago attorney Elaine Wyder. 

This Workshop co-presented by Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals and IFA Chicago. 

Join Lawyers for the Creative Arts on May 6th from 1PM-4PM CT, for an in-person contract review clinic. Each organization or independent artist will be paired with attorneys from Loeb & Loeb and TransUnion to work through and update a current contract. You’ll walk away with a document ready to support your creative plans.   

Are you working as or with a visual artist, designer, musician, or writer to create new work? Your contract needs to include intellectual property clauses and we’re here to help!  

Learn about best practices for work made for hire, commissions, and assignments/licenses and get your contract updated with Lawyers for the Creative Arts and attorneys at Loeb & Loeb and TransUnion.  

Contracts for: 

• Work for Hire 

• Commissioned Work 

• Assignments 

• Licensing Agreements 

Lilly Wachowski joins Stephanie Jeter and Tracy Baim for an exclusive screening of the acclaimed series Work in Progress, followed by an intimate discussion with the legendary filmmaker. 

Join us for "The Green Frame" event where we'll explore environmental conscientiousness as a subject in film and alternative practices!

Doors open at 5:30 for check-in and an exhibition by Alt Space Chicago’s Redemptive Plastics project, with art displays and functional art made solely from single-use plastics.

Arrive early to talk with action partners, avoid lines, and get the best seats.

FILM DESCRIPTION: "Single-Use Planet" is a documentary film that investigates the issue of single-use plastic pollution, particularly focusing on the political and economic factors driving the excessive production of plastic, by examining the construction of new plastic manufacturing plants in the United States, primarily in Pennsylvania and Louisiana, and exploring how powerful industry lobbying influences policy decisions that contribute to the environmental crisis; it aims to highlight the need for systemic change to reduce single-use plastic waste by exposing the political forces behind its continued production. Winner of: Best U.S. Documentary, Santa Cruz Independent Film Fest/Best U.S. Documentary, Austin International Art Festival/Award of Distinction, IndieFEST Film Awards/Award of Excellence, Impact Docs/Award of Excellence, Accolade Global Film Competition.

Teens and young adults are encouraged to attend.

We will also be screening one of the One Earth Young Filmmakers winning films Throwaway Living by Helen Sun and Laura Malatos.

Stay after the film for an enlightening facilitated dialogue with relevant experts and advocates.

Panelists:

Nathan Miller, Artist

Cody Norman, Artist

Mercedes Pickett, Earth's Remedies

Lillian Holden, Holden Nature, City Ecologist + Naturalist

Sophia Vela, Chicago Department of Environment

Moderated by Justin Dwaun Redding

Our Facilitator for the evening will be Jordan Campbell, Founder & Director, Alt Space Chicago.

ADA-compliant accessible venue.

Please note: When booking tickets, your information will never be shared with any 3rd party outside of One Earth Film Festival and its co-hosting partners bringing you this event.

Script Night! is a bi-monthly workshop which gives screenwriters and filmmakers a chance to connect, and provide feedback on scripts in development. In April, Script Night! will be hosted at The IFA Chicago Hub, Cinespace Studios. Scripts are due April 9th. RSVPs due by April 16th.

Sign up to share your script (30 page maximum), or volunteer to read selected scripts before attending. Up to five scripts will be selected for feedback. Everyone who registers will be given access to the scripts 1-2 weeks in advance, to read and fill out the response forms ahead of time.

Participants are *not* required to have their own script, but are asked to read the selected scripts and provide feedback via an online coverage sheet. (Instructions will be included when sent out.) Scripts are due by 11:59pm CST on April 9th. Please submit your script using this Google Form**Please note you are also required to RSVP by April 16th for the event, using the registration button below.**

Script Night! Moderators are Jon Knecht, and IFA Members, Jennifer McMurtry, and Bish.

Questions? Email events@ifachicago.org

 Charles Burnett’s landmark film, submitted as his UCLA Master’s thesis, is a quietly powerful exploration of Black working-class life in Los Angeles. Stan works at a slaughterhouse in Watts, labor he abhors. The burden of his work mirrors his strained marriage and the stress of the daily grind, causing Stan to question whether a better way of life is possible. Burnett’s minimalist style creates a deeply resonant portrait of hardship and resilience in a tough, unforgiving world. Of his first feature, Burnett explained, “You don’t necessarily win battles; you survive.” Restored and remastered by UCLA Film & Television Archive, Milestone Films, and the Criterion Collection. Restoration supervised by Ross Lipman and Jillian Borders in consultation with Charles Burnett. 

Join Mainstage for their Monthly Happy Hour, 4pm-6pm! Enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks while networking with fellow film professionals. This is also a great chance to meet the Mainstage staff and explore our studio offerings. Registration is required.

Sustainability Now! Summit - A Business of film event

Date: Thursday, March 27
Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Presented by: Chicago Film Office, IFA Chicago, Chicago Department of Environment, Ecofixr, and One Earth Collective

As climate crises challenge our industry, our planet, and our communities, sustainable filmmaking is no longer optional. Join us for an inspiring evening packed with affordable, actionable steps to make a difference.

Discover the environmental and community impact of your work, hear from leaders like the Environmental Media Association, Local 600, and more, and experience cutting-edge clean energy tech demos paving the way to eliminate diesel generators. The event will conclude with tasty treats and a chance to connect with like-minded creators.

Let’s set the standard for a greener, more resilient filmmaking industry—right here in Chicago.

register now

Be on the watch for more information, including participating organizations and keynote speakers

PATRICK LIVES ON is a group of dedicated individuals committed to fostering community well-being through the power of storytelling and film.

The Patrick Lives On Annual Film Showcase and Fundraiser brings together community members and corporate partners to celebrate the power of storytelling, raise awareness, and drive meaningful conversations that promote social responsibility and collective action.

You're invited to celebrate the Women's History Month and the 41th Anniversary of the Chicago Latino Film Festival!

​Pixquid, IFA Chicago Latino Film Festival, CAFF (Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals), and Secret Sauce Marketing are partnering up to host this unique screening program, featuring a selection of short films by Latina filmmakers and artists followed by an intimate talkback and discussion with filmmakers in attendance.

​​The event includes:

​​6p  Reception

​​6:30p  Screening of short films and music videos produced by Latina filmmakers and artists (to be announced)

​​7:30p Talkback with filmmakers, raffle drawing, and networking

​​This event is free to IFA members (check your member portal for the code), and registration is required.