Film Exhibition & Audience Engagement

• Successfully showcased 46 films from Midwest filmmakers, reaching over 1,600 film enthusiasts through monthly events.

• Enhanced audience experience through engaging Q&A sessions with filmmakers, fostering meaningful dialogue between creators and viewers.

• Our monthly screenings have become a cornerstone of Chicago's independent film community.

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Educational Initiatives

• Conducted three specialized industry workshops focusing on Production 101, Film Scoring, and Cinematography, benefiting 80 aspiring filmmakers.

• Launched an internship program with Free Spirit Media, providing three interns with hands-on experience in festival operations, event management, and content creation. Our commitment to education extends beyond workshops to creating real-world opportunities for emerging talent.

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Community Outreach & Partnerships

• Established partnerships with 11 community organizations including Creative Cypher| XL, Chicago White Sox, NBC Sports Chicago, Redwood Cove Media, PYNC Studios, Cinema Femme, The Call Sheet Magazine, Laikeshore Performing Arts Camp, and Oriental Theatre. Hosted 7 community spotlight segments featuring local film industry change makers including ILA Creative Studio, Mezcla Media Collective, The Simple Good, Milwaukee Film, The Film Event Accessibility Working (FEAW) Group, The Legacy Project, and Cinema Luz.

• Extended our reach by launching the first 'Roadshow' event in Milwaukee, creating inter-city connections.

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Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives

• Hosted Global Kaleidoscope Night celebrating diverse cultural perspectives.

• Championed LGBTQ+ representation during Pride Month through Sundance Institute x Chicago partnership.

• Implemented comprehensive accessibility measures including open captions and ASL interpreters.

• Diversified screening committee with 33 new members from various backgrounds and experiences.

• Partnered with Mezcla Media Collective to provide 100 backpacks of supplies to women-led single income households.

• Implemented the Film Event Accessibility Scorecard across all events.​

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Organizational Growth & Recognition

• Secured crucial grants from Arts Work Fund, Illinois Arts Council, and DCASE.

• Enhanced governance through board expansion and diversification.

• Developed a dedicated membership base of 50 individuals.

• Represented the Midwest film community at SXSW as a Midwest House Guest and participated in the IND/EX Annual Conference, sharing expertise on community building and membership strategies.

• Hosted our Annual Planning Symposium to guide future initiatives and enhance community impact.