IFA Chicago ‘Magic Hour’ Fundraiser Set for Dec 1; Alex Pissios to Receive Hometown Hero Award

Chicagoans, mark your calendars for December 1st. The Independent Film Alliance of Chicago (IFA), a nonprofit dedicated to providing the community and resources needed to build a diverse and sustainable industry of independent content creators, announces its inaugural fundraiser gala, entitled Magic Hour. The evening event will celebrate Chicago’s independent filmmakers and invigorate support for its rapidly growing community on Thursday, December 1st, at Wildman Boiler & Tank Co. More than 300 film professionals and industry enthusiasts are expected to attend the “who’s who” event in the Chicago film industry.

In addition to an impressive silent auction, beats by The DJ Firm, event design by Fierce Productions, and food by Cocina Fusion, IFA Chicago plans to bestow its first Visionary Leadership Award and Hometown Hero Award. The honors will go to former Cinespace Chicago Film Studios CEO Alex Pissios.

“As we contemplated who to honor at our inaugural gala, we all agreed that the choice was obvious to honor the man who has dedicated his career to supporting the Chicago film workforce,” said IFA Chicago Executive Director Angie Gaffney. “Alex Pissios has been instrumental in revitalizing the film scene in Chicago. He has invested in the talented creators living in Chicago by launching organizations like CineCares Foundation and the Independent Film Alliance. He is most deserving of this honor.”

Chicago native Alexander S. “Alex” Pissios is the visionary behind Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, the largest film and television production soundstage in North America. With his Uncle Nick Mirkopoulos as his mentor and inspiration, Alex’s steadfast leadership was a catalyst for an economic juggernaut that created more than 15,000 jobs and brought in billions of dollars of revenue for the city and state. The importance of giving back has always been at the forefront of Pissios’ work. To date, in addition to his philanthropic work with countless organizations serving Chicago’s west side, Pissios also created the CineCares Foundation with his brothers to honor the memory of their Uncle and co-founded the Independent Film Alliance Chicago.

Here is an entertaining and personal interview Alex had for SCREEN back in 2015, with the one and only Melissa Thornley, enjoy!

Magic Hour will be hosted at Wildman Boiler & Tank Co. at 3022 W Carroll Avenue in Chicago. Cocktails begin at 6 PM with VIP tickets available for $150 per person, general admission is $100, and early bird tickets are $85 through November 4th. All proceeds will support the mission of IFA Chicago.

For more information on sponsorships or tickets, visit IFAchicago.org/magic-hour.

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