Screen Time at The Davis Theater - May 23rd!
May
23
6:00 PM18:00

Screen Time at The Davis Theater - May 23rd!

Mxxd Media and IFA Chicago are delighted to host a second year of Chicago-made short films!

Mark your calendars and grab your tickets to see seven (7) short films, featuring Chicago-made stories and the filmmakers behind them. IFA Chicago is thrilled that two of our members have films accepted to this program!

The night will kick off with a thoughtful, industry-relevant keynote at 6 PM. Grab your ticket and unlock the full experience—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.

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!

For tickets, click on the flyer above or head to eventbrite here.

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Script Night!
May
30
6:30 PM18:30

Script Night!

Script Night! is a monthly workshop which gives screenwriters and filmmakers a chance to connect, and provide feedback on scripts in development.  This month, script night will be hosted at IFA Chicago!

Sign up to attend, share a script, or volunteer to read. Share your work (30 page maximum). Everyone who participates will be given access to the scripts. Up to five scripts will be selected for reading.

Participants are *not* required to have a script. We have lots of room for folx to be present as audience! **Please RSVP using the registration button below**

Scripts are due by 11:59pm CST on May 22nd. Please submit your script using this Google form. **Please note you are also required to RSVP for the event, using the registration button below.**

 Questions? Email events@ifachicago.org


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Chicago Film Club and IFA Chicago Present: Film and Feedback Night...
Apr
30
6:30 PM18:30

Chicago Film Club and IFA Chicago Present: Film and Feedback Night...

Chicago Film Club and IFA Chicago Present: Film and Feedback Night...

...an evening to socialize, show your film in progress, and share feedback.

Attendees will mingle, watch in-the-works projects, and provide notes and commentary to the group. You must be an IFA Chicago member, or a Chicago Film Club member, to attend.

Participants are *not* required to have a current project. We have lots of room for members to be present as audience! **Please RSVP using the registration button below**

To submit your film piece for viewing, sign up via the Google Form at this link. **Please note you are also required to RSVP for the event, using the registration button below.**

 Questions? Email events@ifachicago.org

 Event Details

Date & Time: Tuesday April 30th 2024 | 6:30PM CST
Location: IFA Chicago | 2602 W 16th Street, Chicago, IL 60608
Parking: Cinespace Studios. Due to shows/movies consistently being filmed, please check your email the day of the event for parking information.

—-

Chicago Film Club members are expected to bring snacks and drinks to the event.  IFA Members are welcome to do so as well, and IFA Chicago will have a few things out for all to share (please notify us of any allergies or aversions at least 3 business days in advance).

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IFA Chicago & SAG-AFTRA's: At The Table
Apr
1
6:00 PM18:00

IFA Chicago & SAG-AFTRA's: At The Table

  • KRC - 1 E. Erie St. Suite 660 Chicago, IL 60611 (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

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

I Don't Dream in Spanish Anymore
By: Missy Hernandez

ABOUT THE SCRIPT

A scientist must return to her roots to escape the horrors of an ancestral curse that threatens to kill her and her unborn child. The closer she gets to the truth of why her grandmother fled her homeland, the more danger she puts on herself and her pregnancy.

(This is an in-person event.)

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IFA Member Mixer: Meet the Chicago Film Office
Feb
29
5:30 PM17:30

IFA Member Mixer: Meet the Chicago Film Office

IFA Chicago will have its first Member Mixer of the year on Thursday, February 29th (Leap Day). Starting at 5:30 PM, we will have access to the Chicago Film Office for a tour, meet-and-greet, and overview of their services. Following the tour, we will walk down Michigan Avenue to the Chicago Athletic Association Game Room for drinks and networking.

Free for members & prospective members are welcome to join at the bar too!

REGISTER HERE

ABOUT THE CHICAGO FILM OFFICE

The Chicago Film Office, operating under the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, spearheads the city's initiatives to entice and facilitate the production of feature films, television series, commercials, documentaries, and various screen entertainment formats within Chicago. Serving as a comprehensive liaison, it acts as a centralized point of contact for filmmakers, addressing all production requirements within the City of Chicago, encompassing permits, city services, and logistical support.

REGISTER HERE

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In Focus With... Matthew Cherry
Jan
11
6:30 PM18:30

In Focus With... Matthew Cherry

Join us for an intimate, in-person event conversation and Q&A with Oscar-winning filmmaker Matthew Cherry! This is an in-person event open to the public. Appetizers and beverages will be served.

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ABOUT MATTHEW CHERRY

Academy Award winning filmmaker Matthew A. Cherry is a Chicago native and a former NFL wide receiver who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers and the Baltimore Ravens.

In 2007, Cherry retired and moved to LA to pursue a career in entertainment landing work initially as a production assistant for commercials and music videos before transitioning to being a Set PA for the final season of the hit CW TV series “Girlfriends” and the third season of “Heroes” for NBC.

In television, Matthew has also directed multiple episodes of television, including ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” “Black-ish”, and “The Wonder Years”, Peacock TV’s “Bel-Air”, “Saved By The Bell” , Apple’s “Swagger” and more.  

Cherry also served as an executive producer on the Academy Award®-nominated film “BlackKklansman” from Spike Lee while working as a creative executive at Jordan Peele’s production company, MonkeyPaw Productions.

Cherry’s latest project "Hair Love" is an animated short film about an African American father attempting to do his daughters hair for the first time. The short, which made its theatrical debut in August 2019 with Sony Pictures Animation’s “The Angry Birds Movie 2,” won the Academy Award in 2020 for Best Animated Short Film and has an accompanying picture book which is a six time New York Times Bestseller. 

Most recently Cherry released the “Hair Love” spin off animated television series “Young Love”  starring Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi, Issa Rae, Loretta Devine, Harry Lennox, Tamar Braxton, Sheryl Lee Ralph and more Young Love is currently streaming on Max.

GET TICKETS

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MAGIC HOUR 2023
Nov
30
6:00 PM18:00

MAGIC HOUR 2023

  • Independent Film Alliance Chicago (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join 400+ fellow film professionals and fans for an exciting evening of dancing, entertainment, a unique silent auction, food by Cocina Fusion, and networking with the who's who in Chicago's film and television scene at this annual fundraiser!

Our annual fundraiser gala, entitled MAGIC HOUR, will help us continue our mission and also celebrate the recent growth of the film industry in Chicago. It will be a night to remember – bringing together Chicago’s creative and civic leaders to support Chicago's independent filmmakers and storytellers. We will be honoring some big names while also acknowledging emerging artists!

*Tickets not available for purchase at the door. Must have a ticket to enter.*
*IFA members can get their discounted ticket by logging their member portal*

GET TICKETS

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Rise & Shine: Happy Hour
Nov
2
4:00 PM16:00

Rise & Shine: Happy Hour

Calling all female and nonbinary professionals in film! Join us as we change things up with this regular brunch series by making it a happy hour event! We're proud to co-host this with our friends from Mezcla Media Collective and 3AM Thoughts Productions. We’re incredibly grateful to our location sponsor, the award-winning bar and restaurant, Beard & Belly!

The theme is Sweater Weather Social - Wear your favorite fall sweater while enjoying some tasty apps, drinks and networking with other brilliant creatives in the community. Your first beverage is included with your ticket!

Details
Date: Thurs., Nov. 2, 2023 | 4-7PM
Location: Beard & Belly, 6157 N Broadway Chicago, IL 60660


* This event is open to the public and is for female and nonbinary filmmakers. * Space is limited - grab your ticket before they sell out!

Create an account (similar to Eventbrite) then register for the event at the link below.

BUY TICKET

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SeriesFest Pitch-A-Thon Roadshow: Chicago LIVE
Oct
25
6:00 PM18:00

SeriesFest Pitch-A-Thon Roadshow: Chicago LIVE

Come watch some of Chicago’s best comedic writers participate in this live pitch-a-thon at the iconic Second City Theater. Tickets are FREE!

We are excited to partner with SeriesFest and The Second City Film School for the second SeriesFest Pitch-A-Thon Chicago 2023! This event will give comedic independent creators the opportunity to participate in an exclusive live pitch session with top television, new media and digital executives to advance their unproduced episodic projects.

Doors open at 5:45PM
Pitch-A-Thon Starts at 6PM

GET TICKETS

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SeriesFest Pitch-A-Thon Roadshow: Chicago
Sep
29
11:59 PM23:59

SeriesFest Pitch-A-Thon Roadshow: Chicago

We are excited to partner with SeriesFest and The Second City Film School for the second Seriesfest Pitch-A-Thon Roadshow: Chicago! This event will give comedic independent creators the opportunity to participate in an exclusive live pitch session with top television, new media and digital executives to advance their unproduced episodic projects.

**PITCH SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS SEPT. 29.**

The live pitch event will be held at the iconic Second City Theater on Oct. 25. (Ticket information coming soon!)

Learn eligibility requirements, details and more at the link below!

SUBMIT HERE

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9th Annual Advertising Community Night at The Midwest Film Festival
Sep
25
6:30 PM18:30

9th Annual Advertising Community Night at The Midwest Film Festival

 Experience the 9th Annual Advertising Community Night at The Midwest Film Festival, presented by AICP on September 25th at The Gene Siskel Film Center. This event is a must-attend for industry professionals to come together and witness the magic of creative storytelling.

6:30PM - Networking reception followed by the
7:30PM - Screening & filmmaker Q&A

and then after-party.

The evening will showcase a lineup of short films created by working professionals from the advertising sector, including story-driven commercials, passion projects, and music videos. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to be part of a memorable evening filled with creativity and inspiration!

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IFA Chicago Member Showcase and Appreciation Night
Aug
24
6:00 PM18:00

IFA Chicago Member Showcase and Appreciation Night

**Attention Members**

We want to show our appreciation to you - our IFA members! Join us at the IFA Member Showcase and Appreciation Night!


Come see what other members are working on in a member showcase screening. After the screening, enjoy a social hour where members can discuss each other's work. We’ll have complimentary food and drinks and a special gift!

Register via our Member Event Registration Form (sent to you via email).
** This is an IFA member only event **

Not a member yet? Join here!

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IFA Open House
Aug
10
4:00 PM16:00

IFA Open House

Inviting all those who support creative filmmakers in Chicago!

Have some interest and want to learn more about how IFA supports filmmakers and creatives in the film industry? Want to become an IFA member? Already a member, and want to network and see what's new?

Our Open House is just for you!

Join us for an engaging, casual Open House - we'll have activities, IFA swag and answers to all your questions! Registration is mandatory, but admission is FREE.

Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served.

This is an in-person event at The Hub at IFA Chicago:
Independent Film Alliance Chicago
2602 W. 16th Street 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60608

Attendance is FREE but everyone must register!

REGISTER HERE.

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IFA Chicago & SAG-AFTRA's: At The Table
Jul
24
6:30 PM18:30

IFA Chicago & SAG-AFTRA's: At The Table

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

A Real One
Writer, Director: McKenzie Chinn

Date: Monday, July 24th
Time: 6:30 PM – 9 PM
Location: SAG-AFTRA Chicago
1 E. Erie St.
Suite 650
Chicago, IL 60611

About the Script: They’re 17 and live on Chicago’s largely Black south side. Their friendship is tested when Lauren reveals a tightly-held secret to Keisha, and the two friends must take matters into their own hands in a landscape where the only thing they can truly count on is each other.

(This is an in person event.)

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Business of Film: Agency Representation
Jul
13
6:00 PM18:00

Business of Film: Agency Representation

Join us for this moderated presentation discussing agency representation in the business - what it means, how to find representation, how agents work with production and more!

This is an online event.

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We will be joined by Katt Riley, Agent - A3 Artists Agency and Nick Harris, Agent - Avalon Artists Group.
This program will be moderated by Patrick Wimp, filmmaker, IFA Creative Cabinet Member.


ABOUT KATT RILEY

Katt Riley has been a TV literary agent at A3 Artists Agency since 2020. Prior to that, she was a TV literary agent at Paradigm Talent Agency specializing in writers, directors, and IP. She has a background at boutique literary agencies and was previously an agent at The Kaplan Stahler Agency for four years. A University of Michigan graduate, she got her start in the industry as an assistant at the Rothman Brecher Agency. She has an unwavering passion for identifying and developing unique, prolific literary talent.


ABOUT A3 ARTISTS AGENCY

A3 Artists Agency is a leading talent and literary agency known for fostering careers and building the personal brands of some of today’s most notable actors, writers, and content creators across a broad spectrum of the media industry.

For more than 40 years, A3 Artists Agency has earned a reputation and garnered access to all the major players in the industry. With a new approach, they work with their clients across all of their departments to maximize their brands, exposure and income from all possible sources.

ABOUT NICK HARRIS

Nick Harris started this career as a doorman at a comedy club in Portland and in a few years worked his way up to become the GM. During this time, along with all the other responsibilities of running a supremely successful and lauded institution, he helped run and produce the most popular local shows in Portland along with helping comics advance and develop. After ten years of cherishing and nurturing his relationships in comedy, Nick took his unique expertise in stand-up and moved to talent management at Avalon Entertainment where he does his absolute best every day to support and advocate for the community he comes from.


ABOUT AVALON ARTISTS AGENCY

Avalon Artists Group is a full-service talent agency representing actors across the United States with offices located in Los Angeles and New York and representatives in Chicago, Atlanta, and Miami. They offer representation in Film, TV, Theatre, Commercials, Voice-Over, Print, Industrials and Hosting.

Established in 2005, Avalon Artists Group prides itself on offering hands-on, personalized attention and guidance to all of our clients. They bring compassion, care and dedication to each and every one of our actors’ careers. Their goal is to make each actor feel as if they are the only client we represent.


ABOUT PATRICK WIMP

Patrick Wimp is a biracial, Black American director and producer from Chicago.

He recently completed the original comedic pilot Brothers from the Suburbs, developed by Warners Bros TV for HBO Max. His web series of the same name won numerous festival awards, including the Jury and Audience awards at the Austin Film Festival, Best Web Original at UrbanWorld Film Festival, and Best Director at SeriesFest. His 2017 crime-drama Public Housing Unit was awarded Best of Fest at HBO’s International Television Festival.

Patrick’s feature and short film work has been lauded in prestigious film festivals around the world, with screenings at the Chicago International, Cannes International, New York Television Festival, the Atlanta Film Festival, and many more. Patrick has also worked as a DP for A-list music artists like Jennifer Hudson, Billie Eilish, and the Chance the Rapper. Additionally, he was listed as #7 on NewCity’s Chicago Film 50 in 2021.

Patrick also works part-time as as Program Director for the film school at Chicago’s legendary Second City. He is currently repped by Avalon Management.

This is an online event.

GET TICKETS

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In Focus With... Kris Rey
Jun
1
6:30 PM18:30

In Focus With... Kris Rey

Join us for an intimate, in-person event conversation and Q&A with award-winning director and filmmaker Kris Rey. This is an in-person event open to the public. Appetizers and beverages will be served.

About Kris Rey

Kris Rey began her career as an independent filmmaker. She received critical acclaim with her 2015 feature film Unexpected, which played in competition at the Sundance Film Festival. Her recent comedy I Used To Go Here starring Gillian Jacobs and Jemaine Clement premiered at SXSW and can be seen on HBOMax. Recently, Rey has directed television for Showtime and Disney/Hulu and is attached to direct a new feature in 2023 for 20th Century Studios with producer Scott Frank. 

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Premiere Series: SCREEN TIME
May
25
7:30 PM19:30

Premiere Series: SCREEN TIME

Join us for the next installment of our IFA Premiere Series program: SCREEN TIME

Location:
DAVIS THEATER
| 7:30 PM
4614 North Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Co-presented by Mxxd Media, we’re bringing you six creative, unique stories and highlighting the talented, emerging Chicago filmmakers behind them!

Featuring the following shorts:
Something Like Intimacy
- A timid young woman attends a costume party and rediscovers true intimacy in ways she doesn’t expect. Directed by Grecia Aguilar

The Audition - An aspiring actor reckons with his past when an audition hits too close to home. Directed by Geno DiMaria

Manifold: Legend of the Siren is an animated short paying homage to the many Black and Queer people seeking joy and liberation. Creative produced by Adia Ivey

Hindsight: In the midst of a global pandemic and racial unrest - producers filmed four strangers with opposing political views and cultural ideologies as a social experiment. Directed by Kimberly Michelle Vaughn

Experience The World: The Train - An absurdist, soft-spoken journey along the Chicago Red Line during rush hour. Directed by Duro Howard Jr.

Buy Sell Trade: Marked by a run-in with the law and recovering from addiction, Daniel struggles to get his daughter the toy of her dreams. Directed by Gabriel Cuillier

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Business of Filmmaking: Case Study of the film: Finding Yingying
Apr
27
6:00 PM18:00

Business of Filmmaking: Case Study of the film: Finding Yingying

Join us for this moderated case study presentation discussing the experience of the making of this MTV Documentary Films acquired film about the disappearance of Yingying Zhang, a 26-year-old Chinese student, who came to the U.S. for school.

**This film will not be shown at this program. We encourage attendees to watch the film on your own anytime before this panel. ​The film can be found on Paramount+, Prime Video, or Pluto TV. **

GET TICKETS

About the Film

Yingying Zhang, a 26-year-old Chinese student, comes to the U.S. to study. In her detailed and beautiful diaries, the aspiring young scientist and teacher is full of optimism, hoping to also be married and a mother someday. Within weeks of her arrival, Yingying disappears from the campus. Through exclusive access to Yingying’s family and boyfriend, Finding Yingying closely follows their journey as they search to unravel the mystery of her disappearance and seek justice for their daughter while navigating a strange, foreign country. But most of all, Finding Yingying is the story of who Yingying was: a talented young woman loved by her family and friends. Learn more about the film: https://www.findingyingying.com/

Program Panelist:

Jiayan "Jenny" Shi - Director / Producer / Cinematographer

This is an in-person event at The Hub at IFA Chicago:
Independent Film Alliance Chicago
2602 W. 16th Street 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60608

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IFA Member Mixer +1
Apr
13
4:00 PM16:00

IFA Member Mixer +1

Reconnect with IFA members and the local film community - and bring a friend! Members can bring a +1 non-member to experience our community and IFA event. Registration is via a Google registration form that members receive via email. Registration is mandatory.

Join us for an engaging, casual evening with networking and connection. Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served.

This is an in-person event at The Hub at IFA Chicago:
Independent Film Alliance Chicago
2602 W. 16th Street 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60608

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Business of Filmmaking: Case Study of the film: The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain
Mar
30
6:00 PM18:00

Business of Filmmaking: Case Study of the film: The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain

Join us for this moderated case study presentation discussing the experience of the making of the award winning and HBO Max acquired film, The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain, based on true events.

**This film will not be shown at this program. We encourage attendees to watch the film on your own anytime before this panel. ​The film can be found on HBOMax, Apple TV, or on Amazon for $2.99. **

About the Film

The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain tells the true story of the final hours of the life of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr., an elderly African American veteran with bipolar disorder, who was killed during a conflict with police officers who were sent to his home to check on him. At 5:22 AM on November 19, 2011, Chamberlains’ medical alert device was mistakenly activated; police arrived shortly thereafter. Despite Kenneth informing the officers there was a mistake and he did not have an emergency, they were recorded taunting Kenneth, ridiculing his military service, howling racial epithets at him, and finally, the officers broke down his door and shot him to death. The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain speaks powerfully to our current national conversation about police brutality, institutional racism, and how we treat our most vulnerable citizens.

Executive produced by Lori McCreary, Gary Lucchesi, and Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman of Revelations Entertainment, the film was developed and produced in coordination with the Chamberlain family, as well as law enforcement reform advocates. Produced by Redbird Entertainment in association with Voltages Pictures, and distributed by Gravitas Ventures, TKOKC was released theatrically in late 2021. The film received a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes, and garnered an Outstanding Lead Performance Gotham Award for lead actor Frankie Faison. With several additional awards and nominations, including 3 Independent Spirit Award nominations and an NAACP Image Award nomination, the film has made a significant impact in the film industry, as well as the movement for justice and accountability for the Chamberlain family. Learn more about the film: https://www.killingofkcfilm.com/


Program Panelists:

Chris Paladino - Executive Producer
Sharad Chib - Executive Producer
David Midell - Director  
Enrico Natale - Producer/Editor/Actor
Kenneth Chamberlain Jr - son of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr

This is an in-person event at The Hub at IFA Chicago:
Independent Film Alliance Chicago
2602 W. 16th Street 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60608

Register online.

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Rise & Shine: Happy Hour Edition
Mar
16
4:00 PM16:00

Rise & Shine: Happy Hour Edition

Calling all womxn and nonbinary professionals in film! Join us as we change things up with this regular brunch series by making it a happy hour event! We're proud to co-host this with our friends from Mezcla Media Collective and 3AM Thoughts Productions. We’re incredibly grateful to our location sponsor, the award-winning bar and restaurant, Beard & Belly! Enjoy drinks, light appetizers and networking with other brilliant creatives in the community.

Details
Date: Thurs., March 16, 2023 | 4-7PM
Location: Beard & Belly, 6157 N Broadway Chicago, IL 60660


This event is open to the public and is for female and nonbinary filmmakers. Learn more info below.
Space is limited - grab your ticket before they sell out!

BUY TICKET

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Business of Filmmaking: Mastering Money
Mar
9
6:00 PM18:00

Business of Filmmaking: Mastering Money

A conversation about building wealth and security while building a name for yourself and your work. In this discussion we will boil down the basics of financial planning and show you how to apply these concepts both personally and professionally. The goal of this workshop is to strengthen the financial literacy of our community and give you the tools to succeed. 

Program leaders:
Laura DiFiglio, Financial Adviser, former Local 600

About Laura

Before starting a financial planning practice, I was a Local 600 camera assistant working on various film and television projects.

After ten years in the entertainment business, I learned there were four main topics of conversation that came up on any set. The first being “when do you think we’ll be out of here” which was followed closely by varying reviews of the food. Next up – updates on set gossip. And once that had been exhausted, the final question “so, what do you do with your money?”.  

The answers to this question always fascinated me and ultimately brought me to the point where my curiosity demanded a career shift. Since I had come from such a unique field, I felt it necessary to build a practice that catered towards those with differing styles of income. No matter someone’s path, I believe there is a financial plan for everyone.

This is virtual event.

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Leadership For Creatives 201
Feb
23
6:00 PM18:00

Leadership For Creatives 201

Specifically curated for independent producers, department heads, and entrepreneurs, this multi-part seminar series teaches the managerial and communication skills necessary to lead a team. Areas of focus include leadership training, communication, diversity, equity, inclusion, conflict mediation, listening skills, supporting the creative process, the art of networking and others. 

Program leaders:
Shelia Collins, PCC (Professional Certified Coach)
Angie Gaffney, PCC (Professional Certified Coach) and IFA Executive Director

About this event

Attendees will walk away with tangible skills to apply to their next film production or business endeavor. This is a great program for anyone in a leadership position in the film industry: department head, producer, writer, director, vendor, etc…. 

This is an in-person event at The Hub at IFA Chicago:
Independent Film Alliance Chicago
2602 W. 16th Street 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60608

This event is for IFA Chicago members. Register on our website. Click the Member Login tab in the menu bar. Log in and click Current Events to register.

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Member Mixer & Open House
Feb
9
6:00 PM18:00

Member Mixer & Open House

Start 2023 off right and reconnect with IFA members and the local film community! Join us for light appetizers and beverages, networking and connection.

Have some interest and want to learn more about how IFA supports filmmakers and creatives in the film industry? Want to become an IFA member? Already a member, and want to network and see what's new?

Join us for an engaging, casual event. Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served.

Registration is mandatory. Registration information coming soon!

This is an in-person event at The Hub at IFA Chicago:
Independent Film Alliance Chicago
2602 W. 16th Street 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60608

Get Tickets

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Architecture and Design Film Fest
Feb
1
to Feb 5

Architecture and Design Film Fest

The Chicago Architecture Center is delighted to announce the return of the Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF). Since its last appearance in Chicago ten years ago, ADFF has successfully mounted festivals in Toronto, Los Angeles and Vancouver, in addition to its yearly program in New York City. This multi-day celebration of human-centered design stories from around the globe highlights ingenuity at every scale—from our natural world to cities, buildings to product design. For this year’s line-up of 15 features and a dozen film shorts, we will be transforming our Center into a temporary cineplex and festival lounge.

The Architecture & Design Film Festival is a unique opportunity to unite Chicago’s greater arts and design community. Come show your support and help make this a new wintertime tradition in our city.

Hosted by the Architecture and Design Film Fest and in partnership with the Chicago Architecture Center, IFA is proud to be a Media Partner of ADFF: Chicago


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IFA Chicago & SAG's: At The Table
Jan
30
6:30 PM18:30

IFA Chicago & SAG's: At The Table

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

All Things Considered
Writer, Director: James Choi
Producers: Judi Krant and Alex Thompson
About the Script: All Things Considered is a coming of age dramedy about a man, Paul, experiencing his homeland for the first time in his adult life, as he accompanies his Mother, So-Ri, to a funeral in South Korea. What he doesn’t realize is...the funeral is for HIM.

(This is a virtual event.) There is no price for tickets, however tickets are donation based. Give what you can to attend this event.


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CHICAGO INDIE PILOTS
Dec
20
7:00 PM19:00

CHICAGO INDIE PILOTS

  • Independent Film Alliance Chicago (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

A World Premiere Screening of local Web-Series & Pilots

Location:
DAVIS THEATER
| 7 PM
4614 North Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

Start off your holiday break with the World Premieres of FOUR award winning, Chicago made, independent series from local filmmakers, presented by IFA Chicago!

IFA Chicago presents a festive Tuesday night at Lincoln Square's Davis Theater to watch the World Premieres of new, locally made web-series HAMMERSMITH and DAD MAN WALKING, as well as indie pilots THE COME UP and MID-TO-LATE, + some other surprises... Then come grab a drink in the bar to hang out and meet the filmmakers. It'll be a Christmas/Hanukkah miracle!

Get Tickets Here

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MAGIC HOUR
Dec
1
6:00 PM18:00

MAGIC HOUR

  • Independent Film Alliance Chicago (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join 300+ fellow film professionals and fans for an exciting evening of dancing, entertainment, a unique silent auction, food by Cocina Fusion, and networking with the who's who in Chicago's film and television scene at this inaugural fundraiser! More exciting details to come!

Our inaugural fundraiser gala, entitled MAGIC HOUR, will help us continue our mission and also celebrate the recent growth of the film industry in Chicago. It will be a night to remember – bringing together Chicago’s creative and civic leaders to support Chicago's independent filmmakers and storytellers. We will be honoring some big names while also acknowledging emerging artists!

Get Tickets Here

*IFA members can reserve their ticket by logging into our IFA Member Portal*

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Chicagoland Film Student Mixer
Nov
10
6:00 PM18:00

Chicagoland Film Student Mixer

  • Wirtz Center for the Performing and Media Arts (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

IFA Chicago presents the first ever All Chicagoland Film Student Mixer!
Calling all Chicagoland film students! This mixer is for you.

IFA Chicago is proud to partner with the Office of External Programs, Internships, & Career Services (EPICS) at Northwestern University on this special networking and industry event open to all university film students in the Chicagoland area. There will be a panel of recent film graduates who have risen up in various aspects of the Chicago film and television industry. This will also be an opportunity to learn about the benefits of a student membership in IFA Chicago, the primary support organization for independent filmmakers in the Chicagoland area. There will be ample opportunity to network and connect with film students from across the area over refreshments during the mixer portion of the evening. Produced in Partnership with EPICS at Northwestern University. Co-sponsored by DePaul School of Cinematic Arts

Panelists:
Ella Lubienski – DePaul '18
Ariella Khan – Northwestern '21
Jello Thompson – Columbia '21
Rashad Crosby – UChicago '18

This event is FREE, in person and open to the public.

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In Focus With... Sam Bailey
Oct
20
6:30 PM18:30

In Focus With... Sam Bailey

Join us for an intimate conversation with Emmy-Award nominated creator, director, and producer, Sam Bailey. This is an in-person event open to the public.

Buy General Admission tickets HERE.

(IFA Chicago members can register for this event for free by logging into the IFA Member Portal. Login and click Current Events to register.)

And don't forget to join us immediately after the Q&A for appetizers and beverages.

About Sam Bailey

Sam Bailey is a writer/director from Chicago. She is the co-creator of the Emmy-nominated Brown Girls and the creator of the Gotham-nominated You’re So Talented which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. Sam served as a producer and director on the final season of Netflix’s Dear White People as well as director on the previous season of the show. She also directed Powderkeg's East of La Brea (SXSW Selectee, Urban World Film Festival Winner). Sam was included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2018, The Root’s 100 Most Influential African Americans of 2018, and received Shadow and Act’s Rising Award in 2019. Sam is a director on Marvel's highly-anticipated series for Disney+ Ironheart, expected fall 2023.

This is an in-person event with Sam joining in person. Audience members will be able to partake in a live Q&A with Sam after the conversation. Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served.

IFA Chicago members can register for this event for free by logging into the IFA Member Portal. Login and click Current Events to register.

Buy General Admission tickets HERE.

View Event →