Join us for a day of engaging 45 minute panels and fun community-oriented events! At 6:30pm day's activities will culminate in a 20th Anniversary Toast and our first shorts program screening of the season, Invisible Ties: Celebrating the Profound Bonds That Shape Us.

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The Film Fair is FREE, but spots are limited. To reserve your seat at panels and screenings please click and register for each event you plan to attend.

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11AM - yoga for creatives 

​Start the day off right with a grounding yoga session specifically tailored for creatives. Give that creative soul the rest it deserves!

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12PM - Industry Panel - The Algorithm & The Auteur: Where AI Meets Human Imagination. Presented by Floyd and Company

What happens when machine logic meets creative instinct? This bold conversation dives into the electrifying intersection of artificial intelligence and the filmmaker’s vision. From generative storyboarding to AI-assisted editing, we’ll explore how technology is transforming—not replacing—the role of the human auteur. Join visionary artists, technologists, and boundary-pushers as they unpack the promises, perils, and poetry of co-creating with code. The future is already here… are you in the room?

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1PM - Industry Panel - Indie & Unapologetic: Presented by Cinema Femme

From micro-budgets to festival wins, this conversation unpacks the radical act of self-starting. Join a candid discussion with women filmmakers who’ve forged their own lanes outside the traditional studio system—sharing real talk on financing, mentorship, and the power of making your first film your way.​

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2PM - Industry Panel - Self-Tape to Set: Presented by Actor Empowerment Summit

​No matter how talented you are as an actor, you are now expected to master the self-taped audition. Nearly every job you audition for—TV, film, Theatre, Musical Theatre—yes even Broadway—will require you to be an expert in self-taping just to be considered. Learn to empower yourself and find joy & creativity in the process. 

3PM - Industry Panel - Demystifying Distribution: Presented by Filmmaker Friday Chicago

​What happens after the "Martini'? From film festivals to streaming platforms, this panel breaks down the evolving world of distribution. Whether you're navigating your first release or looking to level up your strategy, get real-world insights from industry pros on how to get your work seen and paid for. Learn what buyers look for, how to pitch your project, and the dos and don’ts of going indie vs. traditional. This conversation pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood parts of the process—and puts the power back in the filmmaker’s hands.

4-6PM - Movie Bingo!

Relax and mingle with other creatives over games and snacks. This is your opportunity to mingle with talent, network with industry professionals, all while we get ready to enjoy an unforgettable line-up of films.

 

6PM - Invisible Ties Screening and Birthday Party Networking

Join us at 6:00 PM for a special pre-screening Birthday Celebration before the Season 20 premiere! Mingle with Chicago’s film community and then raise a glass at the 20th Anniversary Toast—complete with free cupcakes—to celebrate two decades of unforgettable cinema. At 7:00 PM, the festivities transition into our first screening of the season, Invisible Ties: Celebrating the Profound Bonds That Shape Us.