Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture Announces ‘Team Deakins: Film and Culture Festival’ Featuring Roger and James Deakins

The Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture presents Team Deakins: Athenaeum Center’s Film and Culture Festival, a two-day celebration of cinematic artistry, mentorship, and emerging talent, taking place April 11 and April 13, 2026, at 2936 N. Southport Avenue in Chicago.

Anchored by legendary cinematographer Sir Roger A. Deakins and James Ellis Deakins, the festival brings together film screenings, a collegiate short film competition, live conversation, and community engagement—honoring both the legacy of masterful cinematography and the future of filmmaking in Chicago.

A two-time Academy Award® winner with 16 nominations and five BAFTA Awards, Roger Deakins is widely regarded as one of the most influential cinematographers in the history of film. His work spans landmark films including The Shawshank Redemption, Fargo, No Country for Old Men, Skyfall, Blade Runner 2049, and 1917.

Festival Highlights

The festival opens on Saturday, April 11 with a 15th anniversary screening of the Academy Award®–winning animated feature Rango (3:00 PM), showcasing Deakins’ distinctive visual approach in animation.

That evening continues with the Team Deakins Collegiate Short Film Contest Finals (7:00 PM), featuring emerging filmmakers from Columbia College Chicago, DePaul University, Loyola University Chicago, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Finalists will present their work on the Historic Main Stage at Athenaeum Center, culminating in a live award presentation by Roger and James Deakins, followed by a public reception in the Paradiso Ballroom.

On Monday, April 13, the festival shifts to an intimate exploration of Deakins’ career and creative philosophy. The evening begins with a book signing (4:00 PM) for Reflections: On Cinematography, a visual memoir offering rare insight into his five-decade career.

At 7:00 PM, audiences are invited to a live Q&A on the Historic Main Stage, moderated by Emmy Award–winning journalist Jake Hamilton (FOX 32 Chicago), exploring the craft, collaborations, and visual language behind some of cinema’s most iconic images.

The festival concludes with a 25th anniversary screening of A Beautiful Mind (8:00 PM), offering audiences the opportunity to experience Deakins’ acclaimed cinematography on the big screen.

Supporting the Next Generation of Filmmakers

At the heart of the festival is the Team Deakins Collegiate Short Film Contest, an invitation-only competition celebrating emerging Chicago filmmakers. One finalist from each participating institution will be selected, with Roger and James Deakins personally choosing the Grand Prize Winner.

Festival Passes and Industry Access

A Two-Day Festival Pass provides access to all public events, including screenings, the short film finals, the award presentation, book signing, and live Q&A. Discounted industry pricing is available in limited quantities for Chicago-based artists and film professionals.

Additional Programming

In conjunction with the festival, the Athenaeum Center will present a special Roger Deakins Photography Exhibition, featuring selections from Byways alongside previously unpublished images, offering audiences an intimate look at the artist’s visual sensibility beyond the screen.

Event Details

Team Deakins: Athenaeum Center’s Film and Culture Festival

April 11 & April 13, 2026

Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture

2936 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL

Tickets and festival passes are available now.

Two-Day Pass / Overview: https://athenaeumcenter.org/events/2026/team-deakins-collegiate-short-film-contest/

Rango Screening: https://athenaeumcenter.org/events/2026/rango-15th-anniversary-screening/

Collegiate Short Film Contest: https://athenaeumcenter.org/events/2026/team-deakins-collegiate-short-film-contest-2/

Deakins Reflections Singning & Q&A: https://athenaeumcenter.org/events/2026/team-deakins-reflections-book-signing-qa/

A Beautiful Mind Screening: https://athenaeumcenter.org/events/2026/a-beautiful-mind-25th-anniversary-screening-team-deakins/

Photography Exhibition: https://athenaeumcenter.org/events/2026/roger-deakins-photography-exhibition-2/

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