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.
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.
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
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.
Join us for "The Green Frame" event where we'll explore environmental conscientiousness as a subject in film and alternative practices!
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 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 but it is free when RSVP'ed before April 18. 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.
Doors open at 10:30am at Alliance Française de Chicago (810 N. Dearborn St.)
Lecture starts promptly at 11am and are 90 mins.
Lecture features Open Captions.
Mark your calendars and submit your films!
The night will kick off with a thoughtful, industry-relevant keynote at 6 PM. Useful discussions, beautiful films, and who knows what else?
And the night isn’t over after credits roll. Spend some post-event time with fellow artists in Sojourn Restaurant, just a few steps away.
Interested in joining IFA? Membership is only $8.33 a month. ($100/year) Click on this link for membership details!
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
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.
Featuring a post-film Q&A with Writer/Director Jack C. Newell and members of the filmmaking team!
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.
If you're curious about next steps you can take with your screenplay or pilot, join Chicago Writer/Director/Producer Patrick Webb to learn what to do with your script. This workshop will cover plotting your next draft or rewrite, seeking professional feedback, producing and filming your own project, seeking management and representation, and taking your project out on spec.
The Chicago Southland International Film Festival is a film festival located in University Park, IL and hosted by Governors State University. With core values of inclusiveness, diversity, and promoting quality of life, we at GSU value an atmosphere that fosters a capacity to enjoy life through the fine arts and humanities.
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.
Be on the watch for more information, including participating organizations and keynote speakers
Please note (from Andrea who hosts this event): the kind folks at The Long Room have let me know that March 24th is a part of their Do Good fundraising events, and 20% of all bar sales from 6-10pm will go to the Chicago Abortion Fund. While I am excited to support this cause, I wanted to be transparent about where a portion of your dollars will be going by purchasing drinks at this event. There is no programming happening that night and it will feel like a normal night at their bar.
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!
Mark your calendar with the important dates below.
Sundance Film Festival: January 23–February 2, 2025
First Half: January 23–28, 2025
Second Half: January 29–February 2, 2025
Ticket Selection for Packageholders Begins: January 14, 2025
Single Film Ticket Sale Begins: January 16, 2025
Online Festival Screenings: January 30–February 2, 2025*
*Dates may vary for Sundance Industry Office and Sundance Press Office members.
Monday, January 20, 2025
6:30-9:30pm
@ The Long Room
(in their back room)
1612 W Irving Park Rd
Come and go as you please!
Join fellow film professionals and fans for an exciting evening of entertainment, silent auctions, food, and networking with the who's who in Chicago's film and television scene!
Announcing IFA’s Creative Vision Award Recipient: The Bear and Chicago's Local Crew!
Both on screen and behind the scenes, The Bear beautifully captures the spirit of resilience, creativity, and grit. Chicago's local crew members, artisans, and professionals' dedication and craftsmanship have contributed to the show’s success and IFA Chicago is celebrating their hard work that has long defined our city’s film and television community. Emmy Award winning Director of Photography Andrew Wehde and Emmy Nominated Production Designer Merje Veski will accept the award on behalf of the crew. Previous winners include Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Film Office, and Alexander Pissios.
Magic Hour brings together Chicago’s creative and civic leaders to support Chicago's independent filmmakers and storytellers. This event is titled creatively after the filmmaking term magic hour - the time of day just after sunset and just before sunrise, when the warmest colors are produced!
Announcing IFA Chicago’s Breakthrough Voice Award Honoree: Dewayne Perkins
Dewayne Perkins is a queer Chicago born and raised writer/comedian. He was recently named one of Deadline’s Favorite Movie Performances of 2023 for his role in The Blackening. He is an EMMY, NAACP IMAGE, WGA, and GLAAD Award-nominated writer, producer, actor, and comedian who has steadily built his comedic portfolio over the years. A true multi-hyphenate, Perkins has emerged as one of the most-watched Black queer creatives in film and television. Dewayne’s work demonstrates an exceptional level of creative quality and storytelling integrity that is competitive within the national film landscape. Previous winners include Minhal Baig and McKenzie Chinn.
Join us at the stylish CineCity Studios for an evening of dancing and celebration. With food and drink from Beyond Catering, event design from Fierce Productions, and dancing to the hottest DJ beats - it's an evening you don't want to miss. This year, our popular Silent Auction will only be available at the event itself. Individuals must be present to bid and win.
IFA Chicago members get 50% off the general admission price! Member tickets are limited - get yours by logging into the member portal now.
Script Night! is a bi-monthly workshop which gives screenwriters and filmmakers a chance to connect, and provide feedback on scripts in development. In November, Script Night! will be hosted at The IFA Chicago Hub, Cinespace Studios. Scripts are due November 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 November 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, and Jon Knecht.
Questions? Email events@ifachicago.org
On November 20th at 12pm CST, IFA Chicago will host one of our partners, Bright Iris Film Co., in a lunch hour online webinar.
Publicist and strategist, Lisa Trifone, will talk us through independent film publicity - what it is, when it’s appropriate, and how it can benefit Chicago filmmakers. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions halfway through, and the final 10 minutes of the webinar will introduce the online course. All who attend will receive a free Press Kit Essentials downloadable resource.
Publicity Essentials for Independent Films is a self-directed, on-demand, three-module course that covers PR foundations and terms, essential promotional materials, and goal setting and strategy.
Our one hour webinar is free to attend and only available to IFA Chicago members (who will receive a 20% discount on the course, should they choose to purchase additional modules).
Please register no later than November 19th!
Celebrating its 30th year in 2024, the Black Harvest Film Festival is Chicago’s annual showcase for films that celebrate, explore and share the Black, African American, and African Diaspora experience. Born from an urgent need to celebrate the Black experience, the Black Harvest Film Festival unites filmmakers and audiences to showcase the power of Black cinema. This annual festival highlights emerging and established talents and historical narratives, enriching the landscape of Black culture. The festival curates both short and feature length films, proudly presenting influential auteurs and emerging filmmakers of color side by side
The IATSE Local 476 Women's Committee presents a Film Workers' Holiday Market on Saturday, Nov. 16th 12-5pm. This market is a mix of an Arts and Craft Show, plus a Vintage Sale. The vendors are all local, talented film workers who are excited to show off their wares! There will also be food, music and a visit from Santa!
Celebrating its 30th year in 2024, the Black Harvest Film Festival is Chicago’s annual showcase for films that celebrate, explore and share the Black, African American, and African Diaspora experience. Born from an urgent need to celebrate the Black experience, the Black Harvest Film Festival unites filmmakers and audiences to showcase the power of Black cinema. This annual festival highlights emerging and established talents and historical narratives, enriching the landscape of Black culture. The festival curates both short and feature length films, proudly presenting influential auteurs and emerging filmmakers of color side by side
The 3rd Annual Cariño Festival de Cine is a free annual showcase of 10 short films created by emerging filmmakers (ages 13-26). The festival is dedicated to providing a platform for young filmmakers to share their unique perspectives on themselves, their communities, and the world.
Cariño Festival de Cine was created in honor of Zedrick "Cariño" Alfredo Aurelio. Zedrick, who passed away at the age of 26, after a long battle with adenoid cystic carcinoma. Cariño devoted his life to bringing people together and sharing his passion for the cinematic arts.
All films will be accessible in both English and Spanish (English films with Spanish subtitles, and vice versa).
IFA Chicago and Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals (CAFF) are ecstatic to bring you this program on November 12th. We’ll have a phenomenal panel of film festival experts, ready to share their valuable skills and insights when it comes to entering films into fests!
In this new and unique Business of Film session, we will explore how to properly navigate the film festival application process, and the extensive journey in finding which film festivals are right for you.
Joining us to represent the behind-the-scenes angle will be festival programmer, Raul Benitez, who can address the ins and outs, and do’s and don’ts, all fest applicants should know.
Exemplifying the independent filmmaker, and speaking as an IFA Member and educator, is Missy Hernandez, who has priceless success navigating film festival circuits.
IFA Creative Cabinet member and producer, cinematographer, and instructor, John Otterbacher, will provide an extensive academic and filmmaking experience lens.
Rujanee Mahakanjana, founder of Nebula Creatives L3C and Pixquid, will be present for advice and views on what comes next for film festival participants.
Deidre Searcy, Festival Program Director of FACETs, is set to moderate the discussion.
Our Business of Filmmaking series is generously sponsored by Cast & Crew! Check them out here
Complimentary beer, wine, and popcorn will be served. Stick around after the panel for some socializing, and details on upcoming fests!
This event is FREE for IFA Chicago and CAFF members. Tickets are $5 for the general public.
New users will need to create a free account in our event system to register. Reach out to info@ifachicago.org if you need assistance!
Celebrating its 30th year in 2024, the Black Harvest Film Festival is Chicago’s annual showcase for films that celebrate, explore and share the Black, African American, and African Diaspora experience. Born from an urgent need to celebrate the Black experience, the Black Harvest Film Festival unites filmmakers and audiences to showcase the power of Black cinema. This annual festival highlights emerging and established talents and historical narratives, enriching the landscape of Black culture. The festival curates both short and feature length films, proudly presenting influential auteurs and emerging filmmakers of color side by side
Join Martini Shot! and Mainstage for a night of spooky short films, a costume contest, and prizes sponsored by Eleven04!
Get ready to be part of something truly special this fall at the 60th edition of the Chicago International Film Festival, North America’s longest-running competitive film festival!
Keep an eye out for updates on the 60th #ChiFilmFest, including some exciting programming to commemorate this momentous anniversary. Join us as we celebrate six decades of cinematic excellence!
