DIVERSE VOICES

Five Questions with ‘Waiting for the Light to Change’ Director Linh Tran

The theatrical premiere is here for a Chicago-made grand jury prize winner. Waiting for the Light to Change opens at the Gene Siskel Film Center this weekend through September 28th,…

Read More

Chicago-Made Slamdance Winner ‘Waiting for the Light to Change’ Opens at Siskel

The theatrical premiere is here for a Chicago made festival favorite. Freestyle Digital Media, the digital film distribution division of Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group, is pleased to announce both theatrical…

Read More

The 30th Chicago Underground Film Festival Is Here

The 30th edition of the Chicago Underground Film Festival–the longest-running underground film festival in the world–Opening night for CUFF30 is tonight at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., in…

Read More

‘We Grown Now’ to Open Chicago International FF; ‘The Bear,’ ‘Chicago Fire’ Vets Highlight Team

The 59th Chicago International Film Festival is set to open Wednesday, October 11th at the Music Box Theatre and it will do so with a highly anticipated hometown indie. The…

Read More

ColorNation Adds Colorists Vincent Taylor and Lea Mercado As It Marks First Anniversary

ColorNation, the remote color grading service founded by veteran post production entrepreneur Reid Brody, has added two colorists to its roster of available artists. The veteran artist Vincent Taylor, based…

Read More

Photo Exclusive: ‘Fresh Films: A Celebration of 50 Years of Hip Hop’ at the Music Box

It was a special night at the Music Box on Monday. For the entire month of September, the Music Box Theatre is proud to present “Fresh Films: A Celebration of…

Read More

Chicago-Made ‘Heist 88’ Gets Its Premiere Date; Courtney B. Vance Stars

At this time last year, The crime drama Heist 88 starring two-time Emmy winner Courtney B. Vance (The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story) was filming throughout the City…

Read More

Five Questions with ‘Power Book IV: Force’ Editor Jacques Gravett

The premiere is here for Season Two of the Chicago-made series Power Book IV: Force and we are honored to have a special guest from the show stopping by to…

Read More

XL Film Festival a Smashing Success; Townsend, Riddle Among Special Guests

Five years ago, Creative Cypher launched an accelerator lab for rising content creators. Founder Troy Pryor’s goal was to then provide those creators an opportunity to showcase their work and…

Read More

Chicago Film Critics Association Welcomes New Member Toussaint Egan, Announces Awards Calendar

The Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA), the Chicago-area print, online and broadcast critics group that celebrates the art of film and film criticism, released their roster for 2023-2024 today, announcing…

Read More

PHOTO BOOTH: Midwest Film Festival’s 14th Annual Women & Gender Non-Conforming Filmmakers Night

For the 14th consecutive year, the Midwest Film Festival (MFF) hosted its Women & Gender Non-Conforming Filmmakers Night. The event showcases and celebrates the work of historically underrepresented filmmakers and…

Read More

DESTROY YOUR ART Is Back, and Here Are the Four Chicago Filmmakers Destined to Destroy

Would you create a film if you knew it would only be seen once, and then immediately destroyed, never to be seen again? Four Chicago filmmakers are saying yes to…

Read More

‘Chicago Fire’ Exec Producer Among Honorees for Chicago Filmmakers 50th Anniversary Gala Sep 9

Join the Chicago Filmmakers community for a musical feast commemorating the historic Golden Anniversary of the not-for-profit arts organization best known for producing Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival and Onion City Experimental Film Festival. In…

Read More

Courageous Yemeni Women at the Heart of Huffman’s Latest Documentary

Cinema is often at its strongest when we find ourselves inspired by individuals displaying extraordinary courage and conviction. Such is the case with Chicago filmmaker Brent Huffman’s latest documentary feature…

Read More

Chicago Underground Film Festival Moves to Hyde Park in Celebration of 30th Edition

The 30th edition of the Chicago Underground Film Festival–the longest-running underground film festival in the world–is moving to Chicago’s South Side Harper Theater, 5238 S. Harper Ave., September 13-17, 2023. Opening night will…

Read More

Colette Ghunim, Co-Founder of Mezcla Media Collective, Named Obama Foundation United States Leader

Mezcla Media Collective announced that Co-Founder Colette Ghunim is among the first cohort of 100 emerging changemakers selected to participate in the Obama Foundation’s Leaders USA program. The Obama Leaders…

Read More

McKenzie Chinn, IFA Chicago, SAG-AFTRA Team Up for Table Read of ‘A Real One’

IFA Chicago, in partnership with SAG-AFTRA, assembled a superb cast and capacity crowd for a table read of the feature film script, A Real One, by writer, director and Sundance…

Read More

Colle McVoy Exec Creative Director Gil Muiños Answers Five Questions with SCREEN

What do Spiderman, The Grateful Dead, and the Miami Heat have in common? They’re all right here as Minneapolis agency Colle McVoy’s Executive Creative Director Gil Muiños stopped by for…

Read More

XL Film Festival Official Lineup Announced; Speakers Include Robert Townsend, Diallo Riddle

Creative Cypher’s XL Film Fest has released its official lineup for the three day festival beginning August 17th until August 20th. August marks the launch for the Black-owned and operated…

Read More

World Premiere at UK’s Legendary Frightfest for Clare Cooney’s Filmed-In-Chicago ‘Departing Seniors’

The legendary FrightFest, the UK’s biggest horror and fantasy film festival, returns to London’s Cineworld Leicester Square this August 24 – 28 for its 24th edition, and a filmed-in-Chicago feature is among the jaw-dropping…

Read More

Jennell Renai Joins charlieuniformtango Roster as Director

Jennell Renai is an emerging director who was first drawn to filmmaking through her belief that visual storytelling is the best way to shape the way people see the world….

Read More

XL Film Festival to Collaborate with Streaming Platform Mansa

The XL Film Festival, powered by Creative Cypher, will feature a top tier collaboration with Mansa. Mansa is a free, ad-supported streaming platform highlighting Black content for a global audience,…

Read More

Dani Jackson-Smith Launches The Cre8tors, A Creative Management Agency Rooted in Culture and Social Impact

The launch is here for the groundbreaking creative management agency Cre8tors. The excitement lifted off with events in Chicago and in New York during AICP Week earlier this month. Up…

Read More

‘Empire’ Star Terrence Howard and Mira Howard Talk with SCREEN, Launch Disruptor Platform Holly

Terrence Howard is best known among Chicago TV fans for his tenure as “Lucius Lyon” in the popular Fox series Empire, which filmed primarily in the Windy City. Born in…

Read More

XL Film Festival Set for August 18-20 in Chicago; Speakers Include Robert Townsend, Lil Rel

Creative Cypher will host the XL Film Festival Friday, August 18 to Sunday, August 20, and continue to host events throughout the year. The XL Film Festival is Chicago’s growing…

Read More

Charles Jenkins Teams Up with Agents of Slang

Charles Jenkins’ music video for “God Be Praised” is an awe-inspiring visual spectacle that seamlessly intertwines the power of music, breathtaking cinematography, and the poignant beauty of a historical setting….

Read More

Producer Daryl Sledge Returning Home to Chicago with His Next Feature ‘Why?’

Daryl Sledge is bringing his next project back home. The Chicago native and Brooklyn resident is currently in pre-production on the feature film Why?. Why? is the award-winning debut novel…

Read More

Telly Award Win for Chicago Native Karon Hamlet and Visions Blu Film ‘The Nell’

Chicago native and Visions Blu Institute Executive Director Karon Hamlet announced today its latest effort “The Nell” has been named Best Bronze Telly Winner Web Series Pilot in Online –…

Read More

‘One of the Boys’ Premiere Set for May 27th

Mark your calendars for this Saturday. Vibes Video Productions is proud to announce the premiere of One of the Boys, a comedic web series starring Hannah Eisendrath, Anania Williams, Ealon…

Read More

44th Annual Telly Awards Winners Announced

The Telly Awards, the world’s largest honor for video and television across all screens, has announced its 44th annual winners after a record-breaking year for entries. Winners include some of…

Read More

Black Harvest Film Festival Names New Lead Curator and Coordinator

The Gene Siskel Film Center at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago has named filmmaker, curator, and programmer Jada-Amina to lead the artistic vision and direction as lead…

Read More

‘Deli Boys’ Picked Up to Series at Hulu, But When and Where Will It Film?

As the television industry awaits resolution of the WGA Strike, there is some positive news for the Chicago production community… and naturally, some uncertainty as well. The comedy pilot Deli…

Read More

World Premiere Films Highlight ‘OTVTonight: A Return to Fellowship’ at MCA

For the first time since 2019, #OTVTonight from Emmy and Webby-nominated non-profit streaming platform OTV – Open Television returns in-person with Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago on Tuesday, May 16th…

Read More

Cannes’ Fantastic Pavilion Selects Clare Cooney’s Filmed-In-Chicago Flick ‘Departing Seniors’

The Fantastic Pavilion, a new hub for the genre community set to make its debut at Cannes’ Marché du Film this week, has revealed its seven Gala screenings, and a…

Read More

Reel Black Filmmakers and CFWC Host Filmmakers Meet and Create Workshop

CHICAGO… Calling all creatives! Reel Black Filmmakers is looking for you! On Saturday, May 27th from Noon-4pm, Reel Black Filmmakers and the Community Film Workshop of Chicago (CFWC) will be hosting its second, in-person Filmmakers Meet and Create…

Read More

Community Builders Grant Finalists Announced; Showcase Set for May 24

After another competitive grant season, the three finalists of the 2023 Community Builders Grant have been selected: Young Claude (written, co-directed, and executive produced by Adithi Chandrashekar), Killing Time (written…

Read More

‘Dear Grandma’ Leads Audience Award Winners at Chicago Latino Film Festival

The International Latino Cultural Center announced today the winners and runner-ups for the 39th Chicago Latino Film Festival’s Audience Choice Awards. The Audience Choice Award for Best Fiction Feature went…

Read More

Chicago Critics Film Festival Unveils Full Program, Special Guests, Grant Recipients

The Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA), the Chicago-area print, online and broadcast critics group that celebrates the art of film and film criticism, today announces the complete lineup, schedule and special…

Read More

PHOTO BOOTH: Rise and Shine, Happy Hour Edition in Chicago

IFA Chicago proudly partnered with Mezcla Media Collective and 3AM Thoughts Productions to host “Rise and Shine: Happy Hour Edition” earlier this month. Attendees enjoyed drinks, light appetizers and networking…

Read More

Disney’s Filmed-In-Chicago Series ‘Saturdays’ Premieres March 24th

The Disney Channel filmed its latest family-friendly franchise in Chicago last year, and the premiere is here! Saturdays debuts on the Disney Channel this Friday, March 24th. The show airs…

Read More

Women’s History Month Short Film Screening Saturday, Presented By Community Film Workshop of Chicago

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Community Film Workshop of Chicago (CFWC) will host a free screening with women filmmakers from Chicago’s South Side on Saturday, March 25th from…

Read More

Chicago Latino Film Festival Unveils Full Program of Premieres and Special Events

The 39th Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF) is right around the corner, and this week, the renowned festival announced its full slate of films and special events. Produced by the…

Read More

Disney Releases Teaser for Filmed-In-Chicago Series ‘Saturdays,’ Sets March 24 Premiere

The Disney Channel filmed its latest family-friendly franchise in Chicago last year, and the premiere is here! Disney has released a teaser trailer for the upcoming series, Saturdays, which is…

Read More

Tyler Perry, Kelly Rowland Wrap Chicago Filming of ‘Mea Culpa’

That’s a wrap! Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Rowland stars in Emmy winner Tyler Perry’s upcoming film for Netflix, entitled Mea Culpa. The production landed in Chicago for a few days…

Read More

Expert Oscar Predictions from MoviePass Co-Founder Stacy Spikes

It’s time to stack those Oscar predictions ballots for your numerous party pools coming up this Sunday. To help you make some tough decisions, SCREEN’s Genna Mark brought in MoviePass…

Read More

33rd Onion City Experimental Film Festival Announces Opening Night Film and Competition Programs

Chicago Filmmakers, the presenting organization of the Onion City Experimental Film Festival, is pleased to announce the full slate of programs for the 33rd edition, running March 30 – April 9….

Read More

Chicago Latino Film Festival Announces First Wave of Titles

The 39th Chicago Latino Film Festival announces the first wave of titles from the close to 100 feature and short length films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal and the United…

Read More

Tyler Perry, Grammy Winner Rowland Begin Filming ‘Mea Culpa’ in Chicago March 5th

Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Rowland stars in Emmy and Honorary Oscar winner Tyler Perry’s upcoming film for Netflix, entitled Mea Culpa. The production lands in Chicago for a few days…

Read More

Director Korey Miller Answers Five Questions with SCREEN

What do Prince, the Kardashians, and an apple green 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air have in common? They’re all right here as director Korey Miller of the acclaimed Quriosity Productions roster…

Read More

Sojourner Truth Festival for the Arts and Symposium Slated for March 2-4 at University of Chicago

In 1976, an extraordinary group of Black feminist artists and activists—Michele Wallace, Faith Ringgold, Patricia Jones, Margo Jefferson, and Monica Freeman—co-organized the first ever Black women’s film festival: the Sojourner…

Read More

Holba’ Pisachi’ Native Film Festival Set for March 11 in Oklahoma

“Montford: The Chickasaw Rancher will be in the spotlight Saturday, March 11, as the Chickasaw Cultural Center’s Holba’ Pisachi’ Native Film Festival returns. The Holba’ Pisachi’ (“Showing Pictures”) Native Film…

Read More

Creative Cypher Acquires the Chicago South Side Film Festival

During the last quarter of 2022, Creative Cypher, founded by Troy Pryor, agreed to merge its sister brand Cypher Foundation with the Chicago South Side Film Festival, founded by Michelle Kennedy….

Read More

Creative Changemakers Remember Black History And the Promise of Inclusion

Black History Month 2023 served up an opportunity for dozens of notable Black advertising creatives and entrepreneurs to look to the future, as Chicago house music pioneer Vince Lawrence’s music…

Read More

VSA Honored by Anthem Awards for Inspiring Racial Justice Work

Agency VSA Partners announced today that “Until Justice Just Is,” a social justice campaign created in collaboration with the YWCA, has received a Bronze Award in the 2nd Annual Anthem…

Read More

Colorist Calvin Bellas Answers Five Questions with SCREEN

What do Coldplay, the superhero Static Shock, and the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago have in common? They’re all right here as colorist Calvin Bellas of Reid Brody’s collective…

Read More

Marvel’s ‘Ironheart’ Release Might Be Delayed Until 2024

Marvel Studios might be looking at a possible delay for its upcoming Disney+ series, Ironheart, which filmed briefly in Chicago. Ironheart, with Dominique Thorne reprising her role as Riri Williams…

Read More

Reel Black Filmmakers Hosts First In-Person South Side Short Film Series

For the last three years, the South Side Short Film Series hosted by Reel Black Filmmakers was virtual. On Saturday, March 4th from 2-4pm, the free screening will be in-person at Harris Park, 6200 S. Drexel Avenue, where the Community Film Workshop of…

Read More

Quriosity Happy Hour Welcomes FCB, OKRP, DDB Creatives, Sheldon Candis, Korey Miller

Quriosity Productions is always celebrating and amplifying black excellence in advertising, and their latest event is a tribute to that mission. The company, led by founder and executive producer Qadree…

Read More

FCB Chicago Executive Producer Whitney Cusack Shares Her Super Bowl Hits and Misses

Which Super Bowl spots did you love? Which did you not love? Let’s hear what the pros had to say! We were thrilled to have FCB Chicago Executive Producer and…

Read More

Executive Producer Qadree Holmes Shares His Super Bowl Hits and Misses

Which Super Bowl spots did you love? Which did you not love? Let’s hear what the pros had to say! We were thrilled to have Quriosity Productions Executive Producer and…

Read More

Super Bowl Picks and Pans from Cinematographer Chris Rejano

What were your favorite spots from the advertising extravaganza that is the Super Bowl? How about your least favorite? Let’s see how your answers line up with what acclaimed cinematographer…

Read More

Director Justin Casselle Answers Five Questions with SCREEN

What do Better Call Saul, Kawhi Leonard, and the best pie ever have in common? They’re all right here as director Justin Casselle stops by for a thoroughly entertaining round…

Read More

Siskel Film Center Launches New Fund for Black Excellence in Filmmaking to Honor Sergio Mims

With the passing of celebrated film critic and Black Harvest Film Festival co-founder and consultant Sergio Mims last fall, the Gene Siskel Film Center today announced the establishment of the Sergio…

Read More

Chicago Composer Robert ‘Diggy’ Morrison Soars in BET Series ‘The Family Business’

Robert “Diggy” Morrison has been scoring films in Chicago for over thirty years. His latest endeavor has led him to the highly popular original series for BET, The Family Business,…

Read More

The ISA’s Diversity Initiative Paves the Way for Up and Coming Writers

The International Screenwriters’ Association kicked off the year with their list of Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch in 2023, and they are now on the search for more diverse up…

Read More

Slamdance Grand Jury Prize Goes to Chicago Film ‘Waiting for the Light to Change’

A Chicago and Midwest made independent feature has earned one of the most coveted awards on the festival circuit. The Grand Jury Prize for Narrative Feature at the Slamdance Film…

Read More

The 39th Chicago Latino Film Festival Announced Winner of Its Annual Poster Contest

The International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago (ILCC), producer of the Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF), is proud to announce that Los Angeles-based graphic designer and illustrator Chenwei Xu is…

Read More

Lena Waithe Series ‘The Chi’ Begins Filming Season 6 in Chicago January 24

The new year is in full swing and television production is picking up in the Windy City. Critically acclaimed Showtime series The Chi will get to work on Season Six…

Read More

Chicagoland Area Films ‘Waiting for the Light to Change’ ‘Teacher of Patience’ Set to Premiere at Slamdance

It’s time to head to Park City! Slamdance Film Festival is ready to roll and there are two films hailing from Chicagoland and the Midwest awaiting their premiere. Slamdance 2023…

Read More

The Daniels’ ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ Leads Online Film Critics Society Awards Nominations

The Online Film Critics Society (OFCS) today announces nominees for their top film honors of 2022; winners will be announced on Monday, January 23. Leading with a total of 11 nominations is EVERYTHING…

Read More

CMP Opens Submissions for 2023 Shifting Voices Film Fund

The Chicago Media Project (CMP), a premier social impact documentary funder in the Midwest, and producer of the annual Doc10 documentary film festival which has become known as a nonfiction…

Read More

Could ‘Santos of Chicago’ Be NBC’s Next Hit Series for the Windy City? Pharrell Williams Among Exec Producers

As we move into 2023, it’s time to consider potential television projects that could be landing in Chicago this year. Could NBC be bringing another series to the Windy City,…

Read More

11 Dollar Bill Lends Creativity to Award-Winning ‘Fund for the Fabulous’ Campaign

11 Dollar Bill threw its support behind North Carolina’s LGBT+ community in providing editorial and post-production services to Ponysaurus Brewing Co’s “Lieutenant Governor’s Fund for the Fabulous” campaign. Conceived by…

Read More

From Creative Producer to Creative Strategist: Zanah Thirus Joins Highdive

2023 is off to a stellar start for Chicago’s Zanah Thirus. The talented filmmaker and longtime agency producer is making a career shift, and doing so with one of the…

Read More

Senior Producer Margie Ayala of Quriosity Answers Five Questions with SCREEN

What do hot yoga sessions with Slash (yes, the guitar legend Slash), loving Star Wars, and completing FOUR triathlons have in common? They’re all right here as Quriosity Senior Producer…

Read More

‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ Leads Chicago Film Critics Association Awards, Wins Six Honors

 The Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA) today announces their 2022 award winners. Claiming the organization’s top honor as Best Picture of the year is THE BANSHEES OF INISHERIN, directed by Martin…

Read More

Lawrence, Jenkins and God In The House

Vince Lawrence is stepping to a groove that he pioneered forty years ago, and a legion of artists have now joined the ride. In 1983, the native Chicagoan helped create…

Read More

HBO Max Chicago TV Series ‘South Side’ Premieres Thursday

The season premiere is here. One of the crown jewels of Chicago’s booming television industry is the HBO Max series South Side. The highly anticipated Season Three Premiere is here…

Read More

Sundance Announces Lineup; Chicago Media Project Brings ‘Mariachi’ to the Party

Sundance is live and in-person once again! Today the nonprofit Sundance Institute announced the slate of independent films selected across the feature film categories for the 2023 Sundance Film Festival….

Read More

Agency Creative Director Turned Film Director Ed Han Joins Quriosity Productions

Ed Han, the former agency creative director turned film director, has joined the roster of Quriosity Productions. He brings with him a great eye for everything from lifestyle to automotive spots,…

Read More

IFA Chicago Announces McKenzie Chinn as Recipient of ‘Breakthrough Voice Award’ at Inaugural Fundraiser

IFA Chicago’s “Breakthrough Voice Award” is an honor given to an individual whose work has already received professional acclaim and demonstrates an exceptional level of creative quality and storytelling integrity,…

Read More

AICP Mentoring Program Gears Up for Second Cycle

The AICP Mentoring Program is now seeking mentee applications as it prepares to launch its second cycle. Information on the program, including how to apply for admission as a mentee,…

Read More

Why Chicagoans Should Be Particularly Excited to See ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ This Weekend

If you’re a Chicago movie and TV fan, you have even more reason to head to the theater this weekend. Your first look at Ironheart is approaching faster than you…

Read More

PHOTO BOOTH: ‘Ironheart’ Director Sam Bailey Headlines IFA Chicago Event

The highly anticipated Marvel Studios series Ironheart landed in Chicago to film in October and November, and it did so with a Chicago filmmaker in the director’s chair. The Emmy-nominated…

Read More

Cow Lamp Films and The Annoyance Theatre Partner for Chicago Sketch Show TV Series

From the home of sketch and improv, Chicago’s Cow Lamp Films and The Annoyance Theatre are partnering to produce a new Chicago sketch TV series, Out of the Loop. Earlier this…

Read More

That’s a Wrap on Marvel’s ‘Ironheart,’ Here’s the Latest on the Highly Anticipated Series

The new Marvel Studios series Ironheart has completed its two weeks of filming throughout Chicago, and that’s also a wrap on principal filming for the inaugural season of the franchise….

Read More

Justin Casselle Teams Up with PETA for Impactful Comedy Spot [Exclusive Interview with SCREEN]

Justin Casselle continues his rise through the commercial directorial ranks with his latest work for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), which brings you an unexpected comedy twist….

Read More

Jayce Baron and Hailie Sahar Kick-off Black Alphabet Film Festival with ‘Beyond Ed Buck’ Screening

Black Alphabet, a nonprofit committed to promoting equity awareness on behalf of the Black LGBT+ community through the use of media and the arts, has announced the 9th Annual Black…

Read More

Marvel’s ‘Ironheart’ Now Filming in Chicago; Sacha Baron Cohen Joins Cast as ‘Mephisto’

A Halloween treat is here for the Chicago production community as well as Chicago comic book diehards. The new Marvel Studios series Ironheart is now filming in the Windy City….

Read More

Black Harvest Film Festival Launches November 4th, Here’s the Lineup

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center has revealed the full festival schedule for its 28th Annual Black Harvest Film Festival, which will take place…

Read More

Filmmaker of the Moment: James Choi and His Promising Project ‘All Things Considered’

As we look ahead to 2023, there is one more promising Chicago production to add to your radar. The winner of The 8th Annual showcase of Windy City feature films…

Read More

‘Ironheart’ Director Sam Bailey Speaks Thursday; Filming Begins in Chicago Tuesday

One of the most highly anticipated series to land in Chicago is here, and the action is about to get underway. The Ironheart fandom will kick into high gear this…

Read More

Filming in Chicago Begins October 26 for Network Pilot ‘Deli Boys’; ‘The Bear’ DP Joins Team

It’s been a busy October in Chicago and the pace is only picking up. 20th Century Studios (formerly 20th Century Fox until a couple of years ago) is in town…

Read More

Powerful ‘Sons of Toledo’ Premiere Headlines Chicago Ad Federation and AAF Toledo Event Oct 24

Powerful homegrown and diverse storytelling takes center stage this Monday. Chicago Ad Federation’s Diversity Thought and Leadership Council and the AAF Toledo will be hosting the Chicago premiere of the…

Read More

PHOTO BOOTH: Chaz Ebert Honored at Sold Out Screen Gems Benefit

An uplifting and inspiring evening, and we’ve got the pics to prove it. Established in 1975, the now 47-year-old art cinema and pioneering video rental outlet FACETS hosted its first Screen Gems Benefit since…

Read More

Marvel Series ‘Ironheart’ Director Sam Bailey Headlines IFA Chicago Event October 20th

One of the premier up-and-coming directorial talents in the country hails from Chicago, and she will be back in town this month, with good reason. Sam Bailey is one of…

Read More

Your First Look at Five New Chicago Features In Development for 2023

As we look ahead to 2023, there are five Illinois features in the works that deserve a spot on your radar. Let’s take a look… The 58th Chicago International Film Festival has…

Read More

Winners Announced for Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival

Reeling: The 40th Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival has announced the winners of the Best Narrative and Documentary Feature Jury and Audience Awards, recognizing artistic achievements in global LGBTQ+ independent…

Read More

Marvel’s ‘Ironheart’ Filming in Chicago This Month

More good news for the Chicago production community… and for Chicago comic book diehards. The new Marvel Studios series Ironheart will be filming in the Windy City at the end…

Read More

Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals Announced, Will Begin Operations in 2023

Together we are stronger. And with that in mind, an all-new unifying organization has been formed in Chicago. It was announced at FACETS’ annual Screen Gems Benefit last week, honoring the life and career…

Read More

Reeling Film Festival Launches 40th Run with Celeb Style

The Reeling Film Festival launched its 2022 program with the US premiere of The Tiny Shrimps Strike Back at the Music Box Theatre on September 22. Now on its 40th annual run, the…

Read More

FCB Chicago Executive Producer Whitney Cusack Answers Five Questions with SCREEN

What do Keanu Reeves, the O’Jays, and an epic trip to Aruba have in common? They’re all right here as FCB Chicago Executive Producer Whitney Cusack stops by for an…

Read More

Emmy Nominated Showrunner Courtney A. Kemp Headlines IFA Chicago Event Tuesday

Power Book IV: Force fans, your Tuesday night plans are set. Join IFA Chicago this Tuesday, September 13th, as they sit down with Emmy-nominated showrunner, Courtney A. Kemp, creator of…

Read More

Chaz Ebert to Be Honored at FACETS Screen Gems Gala

Entrepreneur, publisher, author, producer, and philanthropist Chaz Ebert has spent her career championing overlooked films and filmmakers, providing invaluable opportunities for new and diverse voices. Her work as a film…

Read More

Destroy Your Art A Sizzling Success at Music Box

They came. They created. They destroyed. The fourth annual immersive event “Destroy Your Art” welcomed an enthusiastic crowd and four brave filmmakers to the historic Music Box Theatre on Thursday,…

Read More

McKenzie Chinn, Tessa Films Wrap ‘A Real One’; ‘This Is Us’ Star Leads Cast [Exclusive BTS Photos]

A Chicago filmmaker is ready to step into the national spotlight, and that moment may be fast approaching. A Real One, the new short film from emerging writer/director and Sundance…

Read More

WGN Radio Legend Nick Digilio Among Four New Chicago Film Critics Members

The Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA), the Chicago-area print, online and broadcast critics group that celebrates the art of film and film criticism, released their roster for 2022-2023 today, announcing the…

Read More

Two Projects Announced for Peng Zhao and Cherry Chen Fund for AAPI Voices at Kartemquin Films

Two talented and vital Midwest voices are about to be amplified. Kartemquin Films is pleased to announce the first two projects supported by the Peng Zhao and Cherry Chen Fund for…

Read More

ABC Says No to ‘This Is Us’ Exec Producer’s Pilot ‘Insight’

Hopes were high for a new ABC franchise coming to Chicago, but it looks like that moment will have to wait. The Disney-owned network has decided not to move forward…

Read More

Why You Gotta Get to Chicago Filmmaker Kevin Shaw’s ‘Let the Little Light Shine’ This Weekend

“A rousing tribute to grassroots activism with the visceral impact of all six ROCKY movies and a couple of CREED films put together.” So says Michael Phillips of the Chicago…

Read More

Courtney B. Vance, Paramount’s ‘Heist 88’ Begins Filming in Chicago

Emmy winner Courtney B. Vance is back in Chicago for his next project, and filming begins today. The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story star is teaming with writer…

Read More

Destroy Your Art Is Back, Led by Rebecca Fons and Jack C. Newell; Meet the Filmmakers Ready to Wreck Shop

It’s time to create and destroy. The fourth annual immersive event DESTROY YOUR ART that marries film and performance art for a completely unique experience that’s impossible to replicate, returns…

Read More

Chicago Filmmakers Production Fund Awards Cash Grants of Up to $20,000 Each to Local Artists

Chicago Filmmakers is pleased to announce that the Chicago Digital Media Production Fund (CDMPF) has awarded cash grants ranging from $3,000 to $20,000 to seven Chicago artists for the production…

Read More

Black Advertising Titans Team Up for ‘Channels Changers’ Doc 

Channels Changers is a documentary-in-progress about the advent of the African American Ad-Maker. Starting in the mid-1960s, the film celebrates Chicago-based industry leaders and innovators who were largely shut out…

Read More

Senior Director and Head of Production Otto Linwood Answers Five Questions with SCREEN

What do Chris Rock, John Legend, and the best season in Miami of Ohio football history have in common? They’re all right here as Senior Director and Head of Production at…

Read More

Chicago Southland International Film Festival Set for July 29th; Social Justice Issues In Focus

Chicago Southland International Film Festival (CSIFF) presented by Governors State University (GSU) is hosting its inaugural Summer Showcase event on July 29. The festivities will be hosted at Governors State…

Read More

Color Grading Veteran Reid Brody Launches ColorNation

He’s at it again. Reid Brody, the entrepreneur who’s helped build some of the industry’s leading production companies and post production studios, has announced the formation of his latest venture,…

Read More

Courtney B. Vance, Paramount to Film ‘Heist 88’ in Chicago in August

Emmy winner Courtney B. Vance is returning to Chicago for his next project. The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story star is teaming with writer Dwayne Johnson-Cochran, Gunpowder &…

Read More

Open Television Announces 2022 OTV Fellows; Chicago’s Adhana Reid Among the Honorees

Earlier this year, Open Television announced the national expansion of its highly-anticipated fellowship for emerging writers, directors and producers. Today, they announce this year’s class of fellows. This annual program…

Read More

Women of the Chicago Creative Community Speak Out in the Wake of Roe v. Wade Ruling

The Supreme Court ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade has sent shockwaves through the entire country, and women in the Chicago creative community are speaking out. From chief advertising executives…

Read More

Great Chicago Pitch a Smashing Success, Jennifer Huang’s ‘The Long Rescue’ Wins Top Prize

Think TED Talk meets Shark Tank meets Kickstarter. The Great Chicago Pitch took center stage this month, showcasing diverse, emerging documentary storytellers and celebrating the power of community. The GCP…

Read More

Former Chicago Film Office Director Kwame Amoaku Heads to New York

One of the anchors of the Chicago production community is heading east. Kwame Amoaku, who resigned from his position as Director of the Chicago Film Office earlier this month, appears…

Read More

CAC Announces Recipients of the 2022 ENVISION Grant

Chicago Artists Coalition is thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2022 ENVISION Grant for Chicago-based artists working in the field of time-based digital and electronic art: Erica Gressman, and Bun Stout. Gressman…

Read More

AICP Names Former Cinespace Exec Sheila R. Brown as VP, Equity & Inclusion 

Matt Miller, President and CEO of AICP, today announced the appointment of Sheila R. Brown as the association’s first-ever VP, Equity & Inclusion. Brown will represent the association in all…

Read More

Chicago LGBT+ Filmmaker Embarks on First Feature

Breaking the Barrier chronicles OnWord Skate Crew making history by building Chicago’s first non-traditional public mobile skatepark during a global pandemic. It is a vulnerable portrait of a variety of…

Read More

Special ADIFF Chicago Film Series Lands at Facets June 10-12

Watch 10 films from 10 countries with 9 U.S. Premieres at the special African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) Chicago Film Series from June 10-12, 2022.   For the 19th consecutive…

Read More

Marvel’s ‘Ironheart’ Now Filming in Atlanta… Will It Land in Chicago Soon?

Excitement has been building and comic book diehards are buzzing about the new Marvel Studios series Ironheart. The series is expected to film in Atlanta and Chicago between now and…

Read More

Director Sheldon Candis Answers Five Questions with SCREEN

What do LeBron James, the Jackson Five, and the best birthday cake ever have in common? They’re all right here as director Sheldon Candis answers Five Questions with SCREEN. A…

Read More

June 20th Start Date Confirmed for Marvel’s ‘Ironheart,’ ‘This Is Us’ Star Joins Cast

Excitement is building and comic book diehards are buzzing about the new Marvel Studios series Ironheart. SCREEN broke the news last week about a possible June shoot start, and those…

Read More

Chicagoland Shorts Vol. 8 Premieres Tonight at Siskel Film Center

Full Spectrum Features presents the Chicagoland Shorts Vol. 8 premiere at the Gene Siskel Film Center today, May 26 at 7pm with a post-screening Q&A. Click here to purchase your passes for tonight’s festivities. This…

Read More

Cinespace Studios Names Michael Scott Jr. Its First Director of Industry and Community Relations

Cinespace Studios, a global studio platform, announced today that Michael Scott Jr. will join the company in the newly created position of Director, Industry and Community Relations. Scott will report to…

Read More

Marvel’s ‘Ironheart’ Targets June Start, Taps Chicago’s Sam Bailey to Direct, Coogler to EP

SCREEN broke the news last fall that the Marvel Studios series Ironheart was likely to film in Chicago in 2022, and it appears that time may be approaching. Sources tell…

Read More

Doc10 Film Festival Is Here! SCREEN’s Exclusive Chat with the Programmers

Doc10 is Chicago’s only all-documentary film festival and provides a one-of-a-kind experience for its audiences, reaching thousands of local cinephiles over the last several years. The festival runs through this Sunday,…

Read More

‘This Is Us’ EP Kay Oyegun’s ABC Pilot ‘Insight’ Now Filming in Chicago; Emmy Nom Joins Cast

SCREEN reported earlier this Spring that a promising ABC pilot is heading to Chicago, and filming for that hourlong drama is now underway. This Is Us executive producer and episode…

Read More

Elevated Films Chicago Kicks Off Season Thursday

Go big or go home. That’s the mantra as Elevated Films Chicago will be taking over the 17th floor Town Hall – which also happens to be an NBA-sized basketball…

Read More

Reel Black Filmmakers Celebrates 10 Years of Empowering Black Filmmakers

Reel Black Filmmakers – a program of the Community Film Workshop  of Chicago – celebrates its 10th Anniversary with a Reunion and Membership Drive on  Saturday, May 21 at the…

Read More

Sundance Vet and Netflix Writer Minhal Baig to Direct ‘We Grown Now’ in Chicago

A Chicago filmmaker is bringing her next project back home. Minhal Baig’s most recent feature film, Hala, was a Sundance Grand Jury Award Nominee and critics’ pick, was executive produced…

Read More

Rotten Tomatoes and Chicago Film Critics Announce Winners of ‘Emerging Critics Grant’

Rotten Tomatoes and the Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA) announced today the inaugural recipients of the “Emerging Critics Grant” program.

‘This Is Us’ Writer-Director Kay Oyegun ABC Pilot to Film in Chicago in May

This Is Us writer-director Kay Oyegun has a new drama in the works for ABC, and that pilot will be heading to the Windy City. Sources tell SCREEN the pilot…

Read More

LeBron James Latest Project ‘Shooting Stars’ Begins Filming in Ohio in April

LeBron James is bringing his next feature film project back home to Ohio. He will be producing a movie entitled SHOOTING STARS, based on the four-time NBA champion’s life. Seeing…

Read More

What’s Next for Cinematographer Christopher Rejano: Thriller Collabs with Jennifer Reeder, Jim Vendiola

It’s been a busy year for cinematographer Christopher Rejano, and he is just getting started. This week marks the worldwide premiere of the highly anticipated horror feature Night’s End, which…

Read More

Young Chicago Filmmakers Receive Grant for Doc on Hoda Katebi’s Co-op Blue Tin Production

Chicago natives Jonah Ocuto and Amaya Benbow are the recipients of local video production company Lightswitch Video’s inaugural film grant.  The Full STEM Ahead Filmmaker’s Initiative is a first-year initiative…

Read More

Wednesday: Reel Black Filmmakers’ South Side Short Film Series Explores Family Dynamics

Reel Black Filmmakers, a program of the Community Film Workshop of  Chicago, will conclude this year’s South Side Short Film Series on Wednesday, March 23rd from 7- 8:30pm via Zoom…

Read More

Chicago Author Carlo Treviso Celebrates His Sicilian Heritage With Debut Thriller Novel

Fact: On March 30, 1282, as the bells of Palermo, Sicily, tolled for Vespers, a Sicilian woman crying “Death to the Angevins!” led a people’s uprising against the French garrison…

Read More

WE tv Greenlight for ‘Kold X Windy’ Scripted Drama on Chicago’s South Side

The streets of Chicago’s South Side have a lot to say. WE tv today announced it has greenlit a new scripted drama series, Kold x Windy, from creators Kenny Young,…

Read More

Meet the Six New Diverse Voices in Docs Fellows at Kartemquin

Kartemquin Films and the Community Film Workshop of Chicago has announced the six new 2022 Diverse Voices in Docs (DVID) fellows.  Welcoming the 9th cohort, DVID is a professional mentorship…

Read More

Chicago Latino Film Festival Announces Opening Night and Centerpiece Screenings

The 38th Chicago Latino Film Festival announced today its selections for their Opening Night and Centerpiece screenings at ChiTown Movies Drive-In, 2343 S. Throop St.  The Festival opens Thursday, April…

Read More

Magdalena Hernandez Answers Five Questions with SCREEN

90 Day Fiance, Aquaman, and the National Museum of Chocolate! It’s all here as Cutters Studios Editor Magdalena Hernandez Answers Five Questions with SCREEN. Let’s get to it! SCREEN: Your…

Read More

New Podcast ‘Our Fighting Spirit’ Aims To Ease Ukraine Suffering

The new podcast Our Fighting Spirit launched a profound mission during its inaugural episode this week. Besides providing a first-hand account of the situation in Ukraine, the program is helping…

Read More

Chicago-Based KINGPIX Launching Streaming Platform This Month

The new KINGPIX Digital Streaming TV Network is set to launch, according to its founder, and the platform has signed a two-part docuseries from California-based B and B Productions. KINGPIX…

Read More

Chan C. Smith Answers Five Questions with SCREEN

What do Ava DuVernay, Married at First Sight, and an epic seafood boil have in common? They’re all right here today as director Chan C. Smith of the Tessa Films…

Read More

Super Bowl Hits and Misses from Keith Jamerson

In the advertising world, Super Bowl Sunday is about anything but football. It’s about the commercials! Keith Jamerson serves as U.S. Head of Production at Stink Studios. Keith spent the…

Read More

Edelman VP Dani Jackson-Smith Shares Her Super Bowl Favorites

In the advertising world, Super Bowl Sunday is about anything but football. It’s about the commercials! Dani Jackson is Edelman’s Vice President of Influencer and Multicultural Marketing. We were honored…

Read More

Cinematographer Chris Rejano Talks Super Bowl Picks and Pans

What were your favorite spots from the advertising extravaganza that is the Super Bowl? How about your least favorite? Let’s see how your answers line up with what acclaimed cinematographer…

Read More

Director Justin Casselle Shares His Super Bowl Faves

In the advertising world, Super Bowl Sunday is about anything but football. It’s about the commercials! Midwest native Justin Casselle’s career path has included stints with FCB and DDB Chicago…

Read More

Super Bowl Hits and Misses from Executive Producer Qadree Holmes

Which Super Bowl spots did you love? Which did you not love? Let’s hear what the pros had to say! We were thrilled to have Quriosity Productions Executive Producer and…

Read More

Optimus Executive Producer Jonathan Desir Answers Five Questions with SCREEN

Justin Bieber, Iron Man, Chance the Rapper, Shaq, Family Feud… and so much more! It’s all right here today as Optimus Executive Producer Jonathan Desir answers Five Questions with SCREEN….

Read More

Disney Channel Series ‘Saturdays’ Set to Film in Chicago This Spring

Disney Channel is bringing its latest family-friendly franchise to film in Chicago. The network recently granted a series order to Saturdays, a coming-of-age roller-skating comedy created by 17-year-old Black-ish star…

Read More

Pitch-A-Thon Initiative Unites IFA Chicago, SeriesFest and The Second City Film School

The Independent Film Alliance Chicago, SeriesFest and The Second City Film School are excited to present the SeriesFest Pitch-A-Thon Chicago 2022 on March 31, an event giving comedic independent creators…

Read More

Lena Waithe Series ‘The Chi’ Begins Filming Season 5 This Week in Chicago

Television production is picking back up in the Windy City. Critically acclaimed Showtime series The Chi will get to work on Season Five this week. Filming is set to begin…

Read More

Chicago-Powered Sci-Fi Pilot ‘Wizdom’ to Shoot in February; Pissios to Exec Produce

A thrilling new sci-fi pilot is arriving in Chicago in 2022. Thieves test their limits to survive each heist. Motorcycles race faster than the speed of light. Home cooked drugs…

Read More

Sundance Selects Chicago Short ‘Close Ties to Home Country’

Over 10,000 films submitted, only 59 are selected. Close Ties to Home Country, a short comedy produced and filmed in Chicago, is heading to the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. The…

Read More

Kanye West Documentary ‘Jeen-Yuhs’ Highlights Sundance 2022 Lineup

More than twenty years in the making, the highly anticipated Kanye West documentary jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy from Netflix leads the lineup of feature films set to premiere at the…

Read More

Vic Mensa, Filmmaker Panel Highlight Premiere Party for ‘Wake & Bake with Dom Brown’

A vibrant and electric crowd descended upon downtown Chicago to celebrate the premiere of new series Wake & Bake with Dom Brown. Nearly 200 people filled event space Loft on…

Read More

Elevated Films Chicago Expands Youth Filmmaking Program

It’s always encouraging if not inspiring to see today’s filmmakers making profound efforts to blaze a path for the filmmakers of tomorrow. Elevated Films Chicago is ramping up its mission…

Read More

Facebook’s Lizette Williams Answers Five Questions with SCREEN

Beyonce, Charles Barkley, and the best steak in town? It’s all here for you today as Facebook’s Head of Global Vertical Solutions Marketing Lizette Williams stopped by for a thoroughly…

Read More

Collaboraction Welcomes New Executive Director Saudia Davis

Chicago-based multimedia arts organization Collaboraction has a new captain at the helm of its critically acclaimed and socially conscious ship. Today Collaboraction announced its new Executive Director, Saudia Davis. Saudia…

Read More

Dave Wooley Explains How to Make a Dionne Warwick Film

Dave Wooley did not mind that Dionne Warwick hesitated to let him do a movie about her when he mentioned the idea five years ago.  “When Dionne says she’s really…

Read More

Zanah Thirus Strides Forward As Both Producer and Director

2021 has marked a pivotal year in Zanah Thirus’ career journey as a producer and director. She began her journey in advertising as an Associate Producer at FCB Chicago in…

Read More

Chicago Series ‘Wake and Bake with Dom Brown’ Headlines Launch of Free Streaming App Hipstr from Cow Lamp Films

Cow Lamp Films has announced their new streaming app and linear AVOD channel, Hipstr, will be available on smartphones and smart TV’s this November and coming soon to VIZIO SmartCast®…

Read More

Your First Look at Five New Chicago Features In Development for 2022

As we look ahead to 2022, there are five Illinois features in the works that deserve a spot on your radar. Let’s take a look… The 57th Chicago International Film…

Read More

Your First Look at the Latest from Oscar Nominees Quon and Quinn

Are you ready to be inspired? The next project from two Oscar-nominated cornerstones of the Chicago documentary is here. Diane Quon, producer of Best Documentary Nominee Minding the Gap, and…

Read More

Chicago Ad Vet Directs Milestone Spot for Pearl Milling Company, Its First Since Changing Name from Aunt Jemima

A veteran producer of the Chicago advertising community is now seated in the director’s chair for a milestone advertising campaign. Pearl Milling Company, the brand that was Aunt Jemima for…

Read More

8th Annual Black Alphabet Film Festival Returns to Chicago this November

“Together Again.” That’s the goal as many film festivals and small businesses reopen around the country and welcome people back through their doors. And it’s also the theme for one…

Read More

Chicagoland Shorts Vol. 7 World Premiere Run at Siskel Thru September 8th

It’s time to get out to the theater… the newly reopened theater at the Gene Siskel Film Center, that is. Full Spectrum Features (FSF) is pleased to announce the films…

Read More

Comedy Central Filming ‘Surina and Mel Light it Up’ in Chicago

Comedy Central has brought a new project – and potentially a new series – to Chicago. The project is entitled Surina and Mel Light it Up: A Diwali Story, and…

Read More

Chicago Made Showtime Series WORK IN PROGRESS Season Two Premiere This Sunday

Your plans for Sunday night are set. Created and filmed in its hometown of Chicago, WORK IN PROGRESS is back and Season Two is ready to roll on your small…

Read More

Full Spectrum Features Launches Inaugural Community Storytellers Grant

Full Spectrum Features (FSF) announces the call for applications for their inaugural Community Storytellers program. Designed to support Chicago-based storytellers of various art forms, Community Storytellers will equip artists with…

Read More

Eugene Sun Park Answers Five Questions with SCREEN

Guns N’ Roses, Angelina Jolie, and the best birthday gift ever? It’s all on the docket today as Full Spectrum Features Executive Director Eugene Sun Park stops by SCREEN for…

Read More

Acclaimed Documentary UNAPOLOGETIC Launches Theatrical Run Aug 20; Directorial Debut for O’Shay

Meet Janaé and Bella, two fierce abolitionists whose upbringing and experiences shape their activism and views on Black liberation. Through their lens, UNAPOLOGETIC provides an inside look into the ongoing movement…

Read More

Elliot Page to Be Honored at Outfest With Achievement Award

Outfest is thrilled to present Academy Award®-nominated actor, Elliot Page with the Oufest Achievement Award at the Outfest Los Angeles 2021 Closing Night Gala being held Sunday, August 22, 2021 at…

Read More

Director Coke Daniels Joins Bullitt For Branded Content Projects

Bullitt is proud to announce that filmmaker Coke Daniels has joined the collective. This is the inaugural representation for Daniels in the branded content and advertising arena. The noted director, whose upcoming…

Read More

AMC Series Full Speed Ahead Into Second Season in Chicago; Michael B. Jordan Exec Producing

The Summer of 2021 is shaping up to be one of the busiest for television production in Chicago history. One of the latest series to land in town is forging…

Read More

EVENTS