Join us for our series, At The Table, in partnership with SAG-AFTRA Chicago, for a table read of the script: Don’t Worry About It

After her father's death, a woman's obsessive-compulsive disorder spirals out of control. She enters an intensive therapy program, where she must confront his death and her OCD before it takes over her life.

Written & Directed by Melissa Kong

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

A hands-on workshop to help freelancers manage their finances better and achieve financial goals.

This is an in-person event at IFA Chicago! Light refreshments will be served.

Everyone must RSVP by 11:59pm August 25th. No one will be allowed past security without providing their first and last name via registration.

Script Night! is a bi-monthly workshop which gives screenwriters and filmmakers a chance to connect, and provide feedback on scripts in development. The next Script Night! will be hosted at The IFA Chicago Hub, Cinespace Studios. Scripts are due August 6th. RSVPs due by August 13th.

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 August 6th. Please submit your script using the provided Google Form.

**Please note you are also required to RSVP by August 13th for the event, using the registration button below.** This is an in-person event, open to the public. The names of all attendees must registered ahead. No one will be allowed past security without providing their full name, ahead of time, via event registration.  

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

Questions? Email events@ifachicago.org

After a triumphant 2024 run, the XL Film Festival is back, and founder Troy Pryor is taking it up a notch. The XL Film Festival 2025 is set to captivate audiences from Aug. 14 to Aug. 23, promising a groundbreaking cinematic experience like no other.

This annual Film Festival and Summit brings together industry professionals, providing an immersive experience for audiences to dive into. From thought-provoking panels to film showcases we aim to celebrate the power of storytelling through the captivating art form of cinema.

IFA Chicago members, check the member portal for your discount code.

We’ve all been there. You’ve created something for a client, but you haven’t been paid for your work. Artists are often asked to work “for exposure,” promised payment and creative credit that seems to never come, and frequently take work without an official contract. What can you do to advocate for yourself and hold employers accountable? 

Join Lawyers for the Creative Arts for an informative and actionable session on how to handle payment and credit issues, particularly when you don’t have a contract. We’ll share some tactics and actions you can take to ensure that you are properly paid and credited, debunk common myths, and we’ll cover helpful laws in Illinois, including the Freelance Worker Protection Act. We’ll also take your questions. 

Register for this free program and learn how to protect your livelihood and artistic work.

About the Speaker:  

Katie O’Neill is a litigation associate in the Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. She has represented a wide variety of clients in state and federal courts throughout the country, as well as in arbitration. 

Katie also maintains an active pro bono practice and has represented clients in clemency proceedings, asylum proceedings and other matters. As a member of the Associate Board for Lawyers for the Creative Arts, she has also represented several clients in arts-related disputes.

6:30-9:30pm

@ The Long Room

(in their back room)

1612 W Irving Park Rd

Email chicagoscreenwritermeetups@gmail.com with any questions!

Tech Chicago Week is a wrap, let's keep this party going and continue celebrating the artists and the creators of Chicago!

​Join IFA partner Pixquid for a short and sweet hangout on August 11th!

6p -Reception + Networking
6:30p -Screening of Award-Winning Short Films on Pixquid
7:15p -Meet the Filmmakers/Creators!

Lineup to be announced - because it's more fun that way 😆

See you there!

THE SOCIETY OF COMPOSERS & LYRICISTS

INVITES YOU TO

Scoring Synergy

How Composers, Music Editors, and Music Supervisors Collaborate

Featuring

Composer
JONATHAN ZALBEN

MODERATED BY TONY SCOTT-GREEN
Composer, SCL Chicago Chapter Chair

Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Doors: 6:30 PM CST
Program begins: 7:00 PM CST

Lincoln Park Room
2242 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60614

This event is GENERAL ADMISSION. Arrive early to the theater to secure groups of seats.

I Agree With You 
Directed by Jake VanKersen
Written by Ross Compton
Starring: Stevie Shale and Ross Compton

Runtime: 79 minutes
Genre: Comedy, Relationship Comedy
Contains strong language, references to sex
Plot Summary: After canceling plans with friends, Hector and Penny begin a game of role-play that threatens to undo their relationship.

This is an in-person event at The Davis Theater

Get ready for a revolution in entertainment 😎

Join our partner, Pixquid, at #TechChicagoWeek2025 with a night of celebration, creativity, and connection!

For the first time ever, we’re pulling back the curtain on Pixquid® 3.0 — the only platform where streaming, community, and marketplace collide in one bold, beautiful space that will take place at CineCity Studios, Chicago's premier film and TV production facility. An estimated 400 people are expected to attend from industries including film, TV, production, and technology during TechChicago Week.

This isn’t just an upgrade — it’s a total game-changer. Discover how Pixquid® 3.0 flips the script on traditional entertainment deals, empowering filmmakers, investors, and distributors to collaborate in exciting new ways — all while serving up endless fresh, independent content for curious audiences like you!

7:00p–8:00p | Reception (sip, snack, and mingle)

8:00p–9:00p | Opening remarks, partner/sponsor spotlights, the big Pixquid® 3.0 reveal, Pixquid Awards announcement, and closing thoughts

9:00p–10:00p | Dancing & Networking (yes, in that order — but we won't judge)

Come for the future of entertainment. Stay for the party.

Discounts for IFA Chicago members! Check your member portal for codes. (Or go here to learn about IFA membership.)

Black & Brown Femme Films (BBFF) 2025 

July 25–26, 2025 | Friday 4-9PM | Saturday 1-8PM 

Logan Center for the Arts | 915 E. 61st St., Chicago | Screening Room 201

Join BBFF for two powerful days of global storytelling, creative community, and femme-centered film at the BBFF 2025 Film Festival! 

Featuring: 

● 43 films from around the world — including documentaries, animation, horror, comedy, and drama 

● Inspiring panel talks (distribution, indie producing, and more) 

● Meet & greets, community networking, and BBFF After Dark for mature audiences.

● Senior (65+ and EBT/low-income ticket options. (With Proof) 

Tickets: 

● All-Access Passes, Day Passes, and Individual Screening Blocks 

● Discounted tickets available for Seniors (65+ and EBT card holders) — bring proof to the door! 

Come for the films, stay for the conversations. 

Celebrate women of color in film — on screen and behind the lens. 

️ Grab your ticket today & tell a friend! Eventbrite

6:30-9:30pm

@ The Long Room

(in their back room)

1612 W Irving Park Rd

Email chicagoscreenwritermeetups@gmail.com with any questions!

Come out to IFA Chicago on July 17th, for a dynamic and informative discussion on the working relationship between director and musician, when making a film.

Co-hosted with SCL Chicago, we’ll hear from filmmakers and film composers on smart practices, aligning creative visions, and fostering collaboration throughout production. This is an ideal opportunity to learn about key points and must haves for an engaging, cohesive partnership.

Musicians and filmmakers of all levels and interests are encouraged to attend.

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

Light refreshments will be served before the program.

"I'm Only Blind" Chicago Movie Premiere

Production Manager, IFA Chicago Member Valerie Zabriskie

Saturday, July 12, 2025

Join the filmmakers for the Chicago Premiere of "I'm Only Blind," winner of the Audience Choice Award for Best Documentary at the 25th Annual Beverly Hills International Film Festival. Directed by Kamelya Alexan, "I'm Only Blind" follows the story of Tim Paul, a 66-year-old blind marathon runner from Chicago and an employee of The Chicago Lighthouse. Despite his visual impairment, Tim refuses to let his disability define him. Embracing all life has to offer, pursuing activities that are beyond what the average human will accomplish in a lifetime.

6:00 p.m. | Reception

7:30 p.m. | Film Screening

8:30 p.m. | Panel Discussion Led by Lourdes Duarte of WGN TV

9:00 p.m. | Performance by Country Music Artist Austin Edwards

A portion of the proceeds from this event will support The Chicago Lighthouse. $75.00 Food/Drinks/Afterparty included

Get your tickets @ ImOnlyblind.com

Do you have questions about IATSE, but don’t know who to ask? Join our discussion with women leaders of Local 600, 476, & 769 as we demystify the unions.

This is an in-person event at IFA Chicago! Everyone must RSVP by 11:59pm July 9th.

Light refreshments will be served.

Comfort Film Presents

Professor O's Producing Festival Best of Shorts!

Best of Professor O’s Producing Festival - A series of award winning shorts all produced by local filmmaker, professor, and IFA Chicago Creative Cabinet Member, John Otterbacher. Ranging from under 3 minutes to almost 30 minutes, these short films will take you on trips around the neighborhood, up to Wisconsin, across the country to LA and even through the Southwest and in to Mexico. 6 different directors with very different perspectives and stories to tell but all with humanity and humor that all can appreciate. Professor O and local directors and filmmakers will be in attendance for post screening Q&A.

“Silt” directed by Emilie Upczak
“The Driver” by Jon Gollner
“Handle With Care” by Michael Glover Smith
“Barny and Herb” by Tommy O’Rourke
“Harsh Gruder” by J Paul Presault
“My Last Martini” by Rob Christopher

Media: Digital Projection.
Runtime: 92 mins
Free

Filmmakers will be in attendance and there will be a short Q&A.

Programmed for Comfort Station by Raul Benitez, Emily Perez, Luna Lux and Mathew Tapey.

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!