Story

At the Independent Film Alliance Chicago, our mission is to provide the community and resources needed to build a diverse and sustainable industry of independent content creators & filmmakers. We support creatives and entrepreneurs in the film industry and are conveniently located at the bustling Cinespace Studios, where shows like Chicago PD, Chicago Med and Chicago Fire etc are filmed!

Our annual fundraiser gala, entitled MAGIC HOUR, will help us continue our mission and also celebrate the continued 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.

Join us at one of Chicago’s newest film and TV studio spaces, 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.

Magic Hour Silent Auction

Back by popular demand! Place your bids in our Magic Hour Silent Auction the night of the event! This unique auction will feature experiences, luxury items and more. Bidding will take place in-person at the event and winners will be determined at the end of the night.

Magic Hour Honorees

Creative Vision Award | The Bear and Chicago’s Local Crew

IFA’s Creative Vision Award will be presented at our annual gala, MAGIC HOUR, on December 5th, 2024. The award recognizes an individual, production, or organization that embody IFA’s vision for Chicago as a city where diverse and creative storytellers can impact culture and achieve their dreams. IFA’s work is rooted in the belief that art can be transformative and that film, in particular, has the power to enlighten and provoke the empathy of millions of people in positive ways.

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. 

Breakthrough Voice Award | Dewayne Perkins

IFA's Breakthrough Voice Award will be presented at our annual gala, MAGIC HOUR, on December 5th, 2024. "Breakthrough" in this case means emerging onto the national scene in a competitive way, and likely refers to someone who is mid-career or higher. This award is given to an individual whose work has already received professional acclaim/success and demonstrates an exceptional level of creative quality and storytelling integrity that is competitive within the national film landscape.

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.

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