Independent Film Alliance Chicago

Learn more about?"Guys Night"—a powerful new film written and produced by Niko Vitacco, this movie is inspired by his own childhood—watching his dad navigate life after divorce. It’s a?raw,?honest, and?heartfelt?story about resilience, fatherhood, and finding hope after heartbreak…all wrapped in totally radical 80s nostalgia—like a mixtape of emotions. "Guys Night" is an IFA Chicago Fiscal Sponsorship project, and you can hear more from Nico and the team when they sat down with?Men’s Divorce Recovery?to talk about the film, fatherhood, and the reality of divorce. ?You can listen to the podcast episode and more here: https://lnkd.in/gMKNCRrB

???Magic Hour tickets sales are extended through 12PM today??? Be sure to get your ticket before it's too late! Tickets will not be available at the door. https://lnkd.in/ghMHFxCh We will be hosting out annual?MAGIC HOUR?gala on?TONIGHT at CineCity Studios, and you're invited. Hosted by actor and comedian?Antoine Mckay?(Chicago Med, South Side, Empire, All Happy Families) this year’s event will recognize the 21-time Emmy award winning series?The Bear, with its?Creative Vision Award. Both on screen and behind the scenes, The Bear captures Chicago’s spirit of resilience, creativity, and grit. IFA will celebrate the invaluable talent of Chicago's local crew members, artisans, and professionals, who are vital to the show’s success and whose hard work has long defined our city’s film and television community. Accepting the award on behalf of the production are Emmy-winning Cinematographer Andrew Wehde and Emmy-nominated Production Designer Merje Veski. IFA will also present its?Breakthrough Voice Award?to Emmy, NAACP Image, WGA, and GLAAD Award-nominated writer, comedian, and actor?Dewayne Perkins. A Chicago native, Perkins has made waves as a groundbreaking voice in comedy, film, and television, celebrated for his distinct perspective and contributions to shows like The Amber Ruffin Show and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, as well as his recent starring role in the feature film The Blackening, which he also co-wrote. The Breakthrough Voice Award is given to an individual whose work demonstrates an exceptional level of creative quality and storytelling integrity that has broken-through onto the national film landscape. Perkins’ achievements reflect IFA’s mission to champion diverse and innovative voices that represent the city’s creative spirit. Why Attend??Join 300+ of Chicago’s top film professionals, creators, and leaders for a truly magical evening. You’ll experience an unforgettable night of dancing, unique entertainment, and networking with some of the most talented names in our industry. Your ticket supports IFA Chicago’s work in creating community, resources, and programs that allow filmmakers to build and sustain their careers right here in Chicago. The gala is our biggest fundraiser of the year, helping power essential programming and resources for independent filmmakers who make Chicago a uniquely creative hub. Secure your spot today?and enjoy an unforgettable celebration of Chicago’s vibrant, diverse film and TV community. Tickets and more information at:?ifachicago.org/MagicHour Magic Hour 2024 Thursday December 5th 6:00 - 10:00 PM CineCity Studios

Giving feels good -- but what if you could give and also get? Joining us for MAGIC HOUR on Thursday will directly support IFA Chicago delivering on its mission in 2025, and you'll also get an incredible experience with Chicago’s top film professionals, creators, and leaders for a truly magical evening. You’ll experience an unforgettable night of dancing, unique entertainment, and networking with some of the most talented names in our industry. Your ticket supports IFA Chicago’s work in creating community, resources, and programs that allow filmmakers to build and sustain their careers right here in Chicago. Magic Hour is our biggest fundraiser of the year, helping power essential programming and resources for independent filmmakers who make Chicago a uniquely creative hub. Tickets and Donations are available here: https://lnkd.in/ghMHFxCh Join us this #GivingTuesday and get while you give.

Grab your MAGIC HOUR tickets today and join Dewayne Perkins, our 2024 Breakthrough Voice Award winner, for an evening of celebration and community on Thursday, December 5th at CineCity Studios. Tickets and details here: https://lnkd.in/ghMHFxCh 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. For all of these reasons and so much more, IFA Chicago is proud to celebrate Dewayne Perkins with the 2024 Breakthrough Voice Award.

Read more about our Magic Hour 2024 honorees over at Screen Mag, and be sure to grab your tickets to join-in on the celebration. We'll be hosting MAGIC HOUR on Thursday, December 5th at CineCity Studios and hope to see you there. https://lnkd.in/g-w38uQy

Have you gotten your Magic Hour tickets yet? Hosted by actor and comedian Antoine McKay (Chicago Med, South Side, Empire, All Happy Families), the evening will welcome Chicago’s top film professionals, creators, and leaders for a truly magical evening. You’ll experience an unforgettable night of dancing, a unique silent auction, and networking with some of the most talented names in our industry. General Admission and VIP Access tickets are available here: https://lnkd.in/ghMHFxCh. And, active IFA Members can log into the member portal for a discounted ticket! Your ticket supports IFA Chicago’s work in creating community, resources, and programs that allow filmmakers to build and sustain their careers right here in Chicago. The gala is our biggest fundraiser of the year, helping power essential programming and resources for independent filmmakers who make Chicago a uniquely creative hub.

Join us tomorrow (11/12, 6PM) for our next Business of Film session. IFA Chicago and Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals (CAFF) are presenting "Find Your Fest" at FACETS. We’ll have a phenomenal panel of film festival experts, ready to share their valuable skills and insights when it comes to entering films into fests! The event is FREE for IFA Members and CAAF Members, and open to the public. Tickets and more info here: https://lnkd.in/gwbd6-Vy In this new and unique Business of Film session, we will explore how to properly navigate the film festival application process, and the extensive journey in finding which film festivals are right for you. The panelists include Raul Benitez, Missy Hernandez, John Otterbacher, and Rujanee M., and the moderator will be Deidre Searcy. There will also be film festival reps in-person to chat with after the panel discussion.

"Our tenth edition of Film 50 takes a long look at the art and industry in the city, and it’s a portrait of a rich, increasingly diverse, fresh-faced ecosystem. What began as a biennial honor roll, divided between creative and managerial roles, amounted to a Film 100. We’ve combined those lists, and also have our pantheon of players who have been part of Film 50 many times, adding up to an additional seventy-seven still-active participants." - Ray Pride, Newcity Congratulations to our Executive Director Wesley J.; Board Member Keith Gee; Creative Cabinet Member Stephanie Jeter; and, active members Erica Duffy, Jason Matsumoto, Sarah Minnie, Minhal Baig, Jaye Callahan, Carrie Holt de Lama, Haroula Rose, and Brittani Ward for being featured as part of Newcity's 10th Edition of Film 50! These individuals and so many more are evidence of the incredible community of advocates, organizations, and leaders working to support our Chicago industry. https://lnkd.in/gvgTeHDm

Magic Hour tickets are HERE: https://lnkd.in/ghMHFxCh Get ready to experience an unforgettable night at Magic Hour 2024! Join us on Thursday, December 5th, at CineCity Studios for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and connection as we honor the creative excellence that fuels Chicago’s film and television community. Once again we're bringing together industry professionals, filmmakers, and leaders for an evening packed with entertainment, dancing, and unique silent auction items. Don’t miss the opportunity to meet the “who’s who” of Chicago’s vibrant industry, with special honorees and speakers to be announced soon. Early-bird pricing is now available—snag your ticket for just $115 through Friday, November 8th ($25 off regular price). General admission tickets will be $140, and VIP tickets are $200. Secure your spot today to support IFA Chicago’s mission and celebrate the people who make our industry extraordinary.

The 11th Annual Shortcut 100 Film Festival (Halloween Edition) is coming this Saturday (11/2) and will be held at FACETS. The Shortcut 100 International Film Festival is an annual showcase dedicated to promoting the best in independent short film from both established and emerging filmmakers. Based in Chicago and presented by Pixquid??, every year features an opening program online at?pixquid.com?and a red carpet closing night reception in-person, with awards chosen by both online and in-person audience and an after party with filmmakers in attendance. IFA Members can receive a 50% discount with code IFAXQUAD if they purchase by 10/31.?Secure your ticket for the Saturday (11/2) event today by heading here: https://lu.ma/pxdzonm2