Celebrating the voices & vision of Midwest Filmmakers.

Championing the filmmakers and stories shaping Midwest cinema.

Where Midwestern filmmakers take center stage, the Midwest Film Festival exists to celebrate, connect, and amplify the stories shaping our region.

As the nation's only year-round film festival dedicated exclusively to Midwestern filmmakers, we champion the artists, perspectives, and creative voices that define the cultural future of Midwest cinema. Through screenings, educational programs, industry initiatives, and community experiences, we create opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to come together around a shared passion for storytelling.

Our commitment extends beyond exhibition. We work to foster meaningful connections, expand access to creative resources, build diverse audiences, and strengthen the ecosystem supporting independent film throughout the Midwest.

The Midwest Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is partially supported by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, and additional support from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Midwest Film Festival Board of Directors, Staff & Partners

NK Gutiérrez, Executive Director

Claudia de la Rosa, Director of Festival Operations (staff)

Katelyn Henslin, Festival Production & Creative Manager (staff)

Photo Credit: Kelly Allison Studio

A Letter from Our Leadership Team

For more than two decades, the Midwest Film Festival has been guided by a simple belief: some of the most compelling stories in cinema are being created right here in the Midwest.

Across our cities, towns, and communities, filmmakers are telling stories that are deeply personal, profoundly human, and uniquely reflective of the places we call home. They are creating work that challenges convention, sparks conversation, celebrates culture, and expands our understanding of one another. These stories deserve to be seen, championed, and celebrated.

That belief remains at the heart of everything we do.

  • The Midwest Film Festival exists to elevate the filmmakers, artists, and creative voices shaping the future of Midwest cinema. Through screenings, educational programs, industry initiatives, and community experiences, we strive to create opportunities for artists to connect with audiences, build meaningful relationships, and grow within a thriving creative ecosystem.

    Today, we find ourselves at an exciting moment. As we enter a new chapter through Midwest Royale and an expanded festival experience, our commitment remains unchanged: to provide a platform where Midwestern filmmakers can take center stage and where audiences can discover the incredible depth of storytelling emerging from our region.

    We believe the Midwest is not simply a place where great films are made—it is a place where creative communities are built, where artistic careers take shape, and where stories with the power to move culture continue to emerge.

    To the filmmakers who trust us with their work, the artists who inspire us, the audiences who show up year after year, and the partners, volunteers, donors, and supporters who make this community possible: thank you.

    Together, we are helping build a future where Midwest stories are not only recognized, but celebrated on their own terms.

    We are honored to be part of that journey and look forward to welcoming you to the next chapter of Midwest cinema.

    With gratitude,

    The Midwest Film Festival Leadership Team

Tyler Nevius, Founder, Ramova Theater (festival location partner)

Natasha Phicil, Head of Strategic Partnership & Media/Board Member

Andrew Moore, Board Secretary

NK Gutiérrez, Executive Director

Zach Moore, Board President

Katelyn Henslin, Festival Production & Creative Manager (staff)

Justin Jackson, Co-Founder, Media Bolt Productions (media partner)

Eric Dider, Co-Founder, Media Bolt Productions (media partner)

Immanuel Baldwin, Board Member

Claudia de la Rosa, Director of Festival Operations (staff)

Emily Nevius, Founder, Ramova Theater (festival location partner)

Not Pictured:
Raul Benitez, Senior Programmer (staff)
Faith Hart, Assistant to the Executive Director (staff) 

Photo Credit: Kelly Allison Studio

Screeners

  • Theophilus Jamal

  • Lisa Swanson

  • Alessandra Pinkston

  • Snore Doumbia

  • Stephanie Santos

  • Derek Dow

  • Estefania Mena

  • Dana Anderson

  • Te Mitchiner

  • Katelyn Henslin

  • Danielle A. Scruggs

    Danielle A. Scruggs

  • Lauren Kelly

  • Salvador Salazar

  • Tasnim Hindeyeh

  • Cortlyn Kelly

  • Nakia White

  • Mary Filice

TICKETS

July 22, 2026 — Opening Night: Midwest Royale at Rivers Casino The Festival opens with a red carpet premiere event featuring curated screenings, filmmaker appearances and a celebratory kickoff reception.

TICKETS