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 | Saturday May 24, 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.

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.

Are you engaged in a commercial lease for your arts business? Do you lease or sublease space to other artists or organizations?  

Learn how to navigate commercial landlord-tenant relationships, lease terms and best practices in Illinois, and how to negotiate during this information program with Neva Wagner of Perkins Coie LLP. You’ll gain actionable tactics, information on when you need to get support from an attorney, plus, we’ll take questions following the presentation. 

About Perkins Coie LLP: 

Perkins Coie is a leading international law firm that is known for providing high-value, strategic solutions and extraordinary client service on matters vital to our clients’ success. With more than 1,200 lawyers in offices across the United States and Asia, we provide a full array of corporate, commercial litigation, intellectual property and regulatory legal advice to a broad range of clients, including many of the world’s most innovative companies and industry leaders as well as public and not-for-profit organizations.

Learn more at https://www.perkinscoie.com/en/. 

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

Broken Sinclair was born empty – no blood, no guts, no feelings – just the hollow shell of a child walking around looking outwardly like any other awkward kid, trying to be normal. But this goal is made harder - not by the bullies at school, or by his Bowie-worshipping hover-mom and his neglectful, ninja-star-throwing dad, but by the relentless attention of Leigh, a nerdy sci-fi-loving girl at school who decides she wants to be Broken’s friend. When a mysterious collector of oddities offers his strapped-for-cash parents ten million dollars for Broken, he doesn’t mind. But when Broken later accidentally makes Leigh cry, he promises to go to her birthday party the following week, which complicates his prior commitment to the Collector.  What follows is a misadventure in which impossible obstacles and mad scientists push Broken towards making a choice between letting the momentum of the world sift him into oblivion - or choosing to show up for someone who cares about him, even if it means the humiliation and pain that come along with the act of caring back.

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

Script Night! is a bi-monthly workshop which gives screenwriters and filmmakers a chance to connect, and provide feedback on scripts in development. In February, Script Night! will be hosted at The IFA Chicago Hub, Cinespace Studios. Scripts are due February 6th.

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 February 6th. Please submit your script using this Google Form. **Please note you are also required to RSVP for the event, using the registration button below.**

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

Questions? Email events@ifachicago.org

Come to IFA Chicago on February 20th, for a special Business of Film event that tackles different resources for the creative worker in Illinois.

IFA Members and fellow creatives will be introduced to a handful of presentations and multiple possible sources of financial support, as well as methods, literacy, and navigation of funding.

Scheduled Speakers are:

- Elsa Hiltner, Lawyers for the Creative Arts

- Tonya Cody-Robinson, Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership

- Laura Trejo, DCASE

- scaleLIT (speaker TBD)

This event is free to attend, but space is limited. Please register as soon as possible to secure your spot! Once the event is SOLD OUT, you will not be able to register. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete our Volunteer Intake Form.

Monday, February 17, 2025

6:30-9:30pm @ The Long Room (in their back room)

Email chicagoscreenwritermeetups@gmail.com with questions!

Local film professor and IFA Chicago member, John Otterbacher, presents a screening and discussion of indie feature film, I AGREE WITH YOU (2025): After canceling plans with friends, Hector and Penny begin a game of role-play that threatens to undo their relationship. 

Ever wondered how independent films are made? Or maybe you’re an aspiring filmmaker or student looking for strategies to take filmmaking to the next level. Gain insight into producing an ultra low budget feature, from the producers and filmmakers who made one.  

Join Professor O and team for a screening and talk back with Q&A (thoughtful questions encouraged)!

Cast and crew members will be in attendance!