Chicago Film Office

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

05/08/2026

Spend May with the Chicago Film Office 🎞️ A full month of screenings, workshops, and events at the Chicago Cultural Center in partnership with organizations across Chicago’s film community.

• May 9 — Eiko Otake: "50 Years of Being a Foreigner" Special Screening and Activation (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.)
• May 10 — The 29th Annual Asian American Showcase Filmmakers Workshop: Screenwriting (12:30-2 p.m.)
• May 27 — Mezcla Media: Shades of Chicago Shorts Program (6-9 p.m.)
• May 29 — CFO Presents On Set: Conversations - Directing the Craft with Sam Bailey (EP/Director) and Chinaka Hodge (Writer/Producer) of Marvel’s "Ironheart" (6:30-8 p.m.)
• May 31 — Midwest Film Festival: Film Fair & Best of the Midwest Winners Showcase (9 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Join us and our partners throughout the month. Learn more by visiting the Chicago Film Office event calendar! https://chi.gov/4dA2ksz

Chicago is the proud home of over 40 independent film festivals providing distinctive programming throughout the year.

05/07/2026

The Chicago Film Office is proud to partner with the 29th Annual Asian American Showcase to present a screenwriting workshop at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Join a diverse lineup of panelists on Sunday, May 10, at 12:30 p.m. in the Millennium Park Room as they discuss writing monologues, sharpening dialogue, and creating work in times of uncertainty.

RSVP for the free event at www.faaim.org/2026-screenwriting. 🎬

A community event of The 29th Annual Asian American Showcase, this screenwriting workshop for filmmakers offers participants direct exposure to working screenwriters and an industry-based educator, creating a practical and inspiring space to develop their craft.

04/30/2026

The Chicago Film Office is happy to partner with Destiny Outreach for the 2nd Annual Day of Destiny Entertainment Summit, a premier, one-day industry experience bringing together leading voices from film. 🌟

The summit will feature celebrities, veteran entertainment professionals from major networks like NBC, Peacock TV, The CW, Paramount, ABC, as well as film industry companies. To close the festivities, Chicago’s own Harry Lennix will join Destiny Outreach! founder Danita Patterson at the Chicago Cultural Center for an evening fireside chat.

To step behind the scenes of the film and television industry, check out the full event schedule and register now: https://chi.gov/3OIrCMB. 🎞️

Destiny Outreach's Day of Destiny Entertainment Summit is a premier, one-day industry experience bringing together leading voices from film

04/17/2026

🎬 See the next generation of filmmakers

The Chicago Film Office is proud to partner with Cinema/Chicago for the 2026 CineYouth Festival, celebrating bold new voices from filmmakers 22 years old and younger around the world. From Chicago-made films and late-night thrills to laugh-out-loud comedies and unforgettable documentaries, there’s a story waiting to move you.

📍 April 24–26 at FACETS (1517 W. Fullerton Ave)
💻 Virtual screenings April 27–May 3
🎟️ Get free tickets:

Held annually in Chicago, CineYouth is a three-day festival celebrating and fostering the creativity of filmmakers 22 years old and younger by screening officially selected work and encouraging their creative endeavors by presenting a filmmaking workshop, discussions and panels.

04/06/2026

Chicago boasts many iconic filming locations. But, according to The Hollywood Reporter, there's one in particular that draws the crowds and tells the Chicago story: Mr. Beef on Orleans St.

What other Chicago locales would you consider famous from TV and film? 🤔 Chime in below!

Location, location, location: If the destinations featured on big and small screens are any indication, these are the ultimate trips to put on your bucket list.

03/24/2026

This week, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Chicago Film Office (CFO) is in Los Angeles for the Association of Film Commissioners International | AFCI Studio Summit, alongside partners from across Chicago’s film and creative ecosystem.

Acting DCASE Commissioner Kenya Merritt and CFO Deputy Commissioner Natasha Olguin are representing for Chicago and how our city continues to stand out as a premier destination for film and television production. Here we bring together top talent, infrastructure, and a cinematic landscape unlike anywhere else.

We’re proud to help shape the future of the industry and to keep telling Chicago’s story on a global stage. Learn more at chicagofilmoffice.us.

03/16/2026

Congratulations to all the Oscar winners and participants, especially the sons and daughters of Chicago!!! 🤩

⭐️ Best Supporting Actress went to Chicago native Amy Madigan for her unnerving character portrayal and stellar performance in “Weapons.” Forty years since her last nomination, her grit and tenacity, in true Chicago fashion, was well rewarded.

🎸 Blues legend Buddy Guy played the big stage on Oscar night, alongside the “Sinners” cast, reenacting the film’s unforgettable juke joint scene. A display of intersecting generations and cultures, the powerful performance blended musical genres, dance and storytelling with the thrill of our Chicago Blues legend.

🎼 Michael Bearden, longtime veteran maestro, returned to as the Academy Awards music director, a culmination of his long career rooted in the city’s musical heritage. His role in the ceremony stands as a reminder of how deeply Chicago’s musical heritage continues to shape stages beyond the city.