Chicago Film Office

08/19/2026

Join the Chicago Film Office on Wednesday, September 16, for a special screening of "DuSable to Obama: Chicago’s Black Metropolis", which traces the rich history and cultural legacy of Chicago’s Black community, followed by a conversation with Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Barbara E. Allen.

Allen’s acclaimed films have screened at Cannes, the Chicago International Film Festival, FESPACO, and numerous festivals worldwide. Her work has earned more than a dozen Emmy Awards, including a 2025 Emmy for "House Music: A Cultural Revolution".

This event will delve into Allen’s career, her documentary filmmaking approach, and her dedication to capturing the stories that have shaped Chicago.

RSVP here: https://luma.com/jzc57vb4 ⭐

Join the Chicago Film Office for a special screening of DuSable to Obama: Chicago’s Black Metropolis, followed by a conversation with Emmy Award-winning…

07/23/2026

Join us Monday, July 27, for the latest in our On Set: Conversations | Directing the Craft series of film industry discussions, dedicated to lifting the veil on how directors collaborate with their crews to give life to their greatest ideas.

In this installment, we welcome celebrated Chicago-based genre filmmaker Jennifer Reeder, along with two of her frequent collaborators: cinematographer Christopher Rejano and production designer Adri Siriwatt.

They’ll discuss their roles and working relationship on features such as "Knives and Skin" and "Night’s End," where evocative and often surreal lighting and design create delightfully uncanny and creepy worlds.

For more event information and to RSVP for the free event, visit https://luma.com/5pn4s076.

Join us for the latest in our DIRECTING THE CRAFT series of film industry discussions, dedicated to lifting the veil on how directors collaborate with their…

07/17/2026

To kick of Chicago Climate Week, Aspen Ideas Festival will host a free screening of the new documentary “The [Conserv]atives” Monday, July 20, at 11:30 a.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center.

From the grassroots to the pulpit to the statehouse to the farm, four Republicans risk scrutiny from their own communities to prove that saving the planet is a conservative ideal.

The screening is followed by a talkback with:
🎬 Nadia Gill, Oscar-shortlisted co-director of the film
🌎 Benji Backer, founder of Nature is Nonpartisan

Moderated by Matthew Roling, Executive Director of the Abrams Climate Academy at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management

Free to attend but RSVP required!
bit.ly/conservchicago.

The 200-seat multi-purpose theater has been transformed with all new theater seats and major technology upgrades, including a state-of-the-art movie projector, screen, and speaker system.

07/09/2026

Join the Chicago Film Office and the Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals on Friday, July 17, for an evening dedicated to Chicago's filmmaking community. 📽️

Meet fellow filmmakers, writers, producers, and creatives during the Chicago Filmmaker Hangout, then hear from industry professionals during "The Smart Festival Strategy: From Submission to Showing Up." The panel will explore how to approach the festival circuit with purpose, strengthen professional connections, and make every festival opportunity count.

Whether you're just getting started or have films already on the festival circuit, everyone is welcome.

Friday, July 17
Networking: 6-9 p.m.
Panel: 7-8 p.m.
Chicago Cultural Center

To RSVP and for more event details, visit https://chi.gov/4vohnfD

06/25/2026

Two blockbusters hit the big screen next week with the kickoff of the Millennium Park Summer Film Series on Tuesday, June 30, followed by our Family Matinees at the Chicago Cultural Center on Thursday, July 2! 🍿

Independence Day 🇺🇸
Celebrate the start of America's 250th birthday festivities under the stars with a classic sci-fi adventure that helped define the summer movie season.

The Lego Movie (7/2) 🧱
The imaginative animated hit packed with laughs, action, and creativity for audiences of all ages takes over the Claudia Cassidy Theater as part of our weekly summer screenings on Thursdays at noon.

06/20/2026

💜 Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to celebrate Prince.

Join us Friday, June 26, at the Chicago Cultural Center for an afternoon and evening honoring one of music's most iconic artists. The celebration begins with a Prince tribute DJ set at 3 p.m., followed by a special screening of Purple Rain at 5:30 p.m.

Experience the music, style, energy and enduring legacy of The Purple One on the big screen, and connect with fellow fans as we celebrate an artist whose influence continues to shape music and culture around the world.

☔ Wear your favorite shade of purple, channel an iconic Prince-inspired look, or simply bring your love of the music.

06/03/2026

Summer kicks off at the Chicago Cultural Center in partnership with Cinema/Chicago for our weekly Summer Screening Series that casts a spotlight on international cinema each Wednesday.

Join us on TONIGHT, June 3, at 6:30 p.m. for our first screening in the series, "Small Body", from Italian director Laura Samani. For more information, check out our calendar at ChicagoFilmOffice.us.

05/28/2026

Last chance to reserve your seat for the Chicago Film Office On Set: Conversations Series! ⏰

This Friday, May 29, at 6:30 p.m., the Chicago Film Office will kick off its recurring On Set: Conversations series, beginning with an industry panel discussion with director/producer Sam Bailey and writer/producer Chinaka Hodge from Marvel's Ironheart. 🎬

Register for the free event by visiting the Claudia Cassidy Theater page at ChicagoCulturalCenter.org.

The 200-seat multi-purpose theater has been transformed with all new theater seats and major technology upgrades, including a state-of-the-art movie projector, screen, and speaker system.

05/26/2026

Join Chicago Film Office for two upcoming industry partner events!📽️

Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27, Mezcla Media Collective showcases Shades of Chicago, a short film program, blending narrative and documentary shorts that demonstrate the beauty and breadth of life across the city, followed by a wide-ranging discussion with the filmmakers.

And, on Sunday, May 31, The Midwest Film Festival will present its all-day Midwest Film Fair, featuring an interactive production resource expo, a post-production workshop, and a screening of 2025's Best of the Midwest award-winning films.

Learn more about upcoming Chicago Film Office events by checking out the event calendar at

The Chicago Film Office, a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, leads the city’s effort to attract and make possible the production of movies, television series, commercials and all forms of visual media.

05/18/2026

The film industry is always evolving, but Chicago is on the rise. As a new era of filming begins, Chicago Film Office Deputy Commissioner Natasha Olguin spoke with Variety about the unique offerings of productions of all scales in Chicago and how we're shaping the story. 🎬

Read more at the link below!

Chicago Sees Production Boom on Wave of Illinois Incentives