XL Filmfest 2024: Chicago’s Premier Showcase of Innovation, Storytelling, and Industry Expertise

By Marshelle R Sanders

XL Filmfest 2024, founded by Troy Pryor and presented by Creative Cypher, took place from August 15-18, offering an unparalleled platform to celebrate creativity, culture, and the dynamic intersections of film and media. The event featured over 50 esteemed speakers, thought-provoking film screenings, engaging panels, and live performances, all set against the backdrop of Chicago’s rich cultural landscape. Attendees were offered a diverse program that included workshops on pitching, discussions on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in creative industries, and a vibrant showcase of art and performance.

The festival’s events were hosted at several iconic venues across Chicago, including the Polsky Exchange, Harper Theater, and The Promontory, positioning the city as a focal point for innovative discussions and creative expression. The event not only celebrated artistic achievement but also fostered dialogue, collaboration, and networking across the industry.

Day 1: Thursday, August 15

The festival opened with a series of immersive workshops and interactive discussions. Highlights included a Directing Actors Workshop led by Charles Andrew Gardner, presented by Crew Call Collective, and a Pitch Workshop hosted by Seed & Spark. Attendees also enjoyed the REEL Black Happy Hour at the Sophy Hotel, sponsored by Uncle Nearest, followed by the storytelling event Grown Folks Stories hosted by Binkey at The Promontory.

Day 2: Friday, August 16

The second day continued with engaging panels and activities at Polsky Exchange, including yoga and meditation sessions hosted by Yoga 6 at Hyatt Place Hyde Park. The venue offered unique experiences such as a Game Room sponsored by IPG, a Podcast Studio by Shure Inc., and a Banking Center sponsored by BMO. Wellness services, including barbers and massage therapists, were also available in dedicated suites.

One of the key highlights of the day was the Film Pitch Competition, judged by industry figures such as Lamorne Morris, Diallo Riddle, and Brenda Gilbert, and moderated by Melissa DuPrey. Another significant session, “So What’s the Answer?”, examined the role of AI in creative industries, featuring Crystal Berger, William Smith, Joshua Johnson, and Nick Brown, and moderated by Dani Jackson-Smith.

Other enriching discussions included topics such as “Standing on Business: Indie vs. Studio,” “Black Arts Leaders,” “Queens in Media,” and “Blurred Lines.” The day concluded with an outdoor triple screening at the Harper Court Area, celebrating hip-hop, house music, and streetwear, hosted by Dave Jeff and presented by the Chicago White Sox, with food catered by Virtue.

Day 3: Saturday, August 17

Day 3 continued with similar offerings, including wellness sessions hosted by the Run from Prostate Cancer Foundation at the Polsky Exchange. Panels like “Dreamkeepers & Dreamers”, presented by Destiny Outreach, brought together organizations like Black Girls Film Camp, True Star Media, the Obama Foundation, and Common Ground Foundation. This panel was moderated by Danita Patterson.

The “Animation x Gaming” session, moderated by Sonya Jackson, delved into the world of storytelling within animation and gaming, featuring insights from Jewel Ifeguni, Kevin Fair, Jimmy Thomas, Camille Eden, and Nik Stewart. Another panel, “Directors x Writers Roundtable”, also moderated by Jackson, explored emerging trends in the comedy business with a notable group including Ytasha Womack, Kelley Kali, Rodney Clouden, Deondre Grossfield, and Quincey Grossfield.

Leon Rogers led the “What’s Funny @ XL” panel, featuring Korporate, Melissa DuPrey, and Christal Luster. Simultaneously, “A Conversation with ‘The Chi'” brought together cast members Jacob Latimore, Jason Weaver, Yolonda Ross, Rolando Boyce, Birgundi Baker, and Cortez Smith, moderated by Val Warner.

In addition, “The Family Biz” panel featured an in-depth conversation with Larenz Tate, Laron Tate, and Lahmard Tate, moderated by Portia King. The day concluded with the Walk of Fame Reception, where contributors to the XL Filmfest were honored for their impact and influence.

Day 4: Sunday, August 18

The final day of XL Filmfest 2024 was marked by an Art Gallery Opening at Connect Gallery, hosted by ILA. This was followed by a special invite-only event for XL Filmfest attendees hosted by Hulu at The Laugh Factory, bringing the festival to a close on a high note.

The organizers of XL Filmfest 2024 welcome feedback from participants and encourage sharing of personal highlights and experiences from the event. The next edition promises to be even more exciting and impactful.

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