Credit: Riesling Dong with stills from Outer Space (1999) by Peter Tscherkassky
APRIL 9-12, 2026
Onion City is a four-day festival presented by Chicago Filmmakers that celebrates the best in contemporary experimental film. Onion City opens on Thursday, April 9 and continues through Sunday, April 12, with eight competition screenings and five special event programs.
Hands-on and collaborative, this all-encompassing camp gives budding filmmakers a crash-course in filmmaking that teaches a wide range of skills including creating shot-lists, scouting locations, setting up camera angles, using green screen, post-production editing, and sound design.
A few spots are open in our youth camp. Sign up now!
Year-Round Classes in Digital Filmmaking, Cinematography, Documentary, Screenwriting, and more! Taught by professional filmmakers and university professors, our classes help students develop fundamental skills in filmmaking through in-depth discussions, hands-on demonstrations, and creative collaboration.
ADULT CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
Save the Date for Reeling: The 44th Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, September 17-27, 2026.
Submit your work on FilmFreeway today!
Regular Deadline: April 23, 2026
Late Deadline: May 28, 2026
Chicago Filmmakers’ trained and certified Production Assistants are ready to work on your production! For resumes and recommendations, email education@chicagofilmmakers.org
Breaking into the film industry can be challenging and expensive. Through our tuition-free, two-month PA Assistant Training Program, we aim to build a more inclusive film workforce. The program is designed to give trainees the practical skills and connections needed to work on set through classes, exercises, field trips, mentorship, and local networking opportunities.
Apply Now! We Accept submissions on a rolling basis.
CHICAGO SEEN is a free opportunity for Chicago-based films and filmmakers (past and present) to screen at our Firehouse Cinema, Chicago’s Film Community Headquarters at 1326 W. Hollywood Avenue. Celebrating local cinema!
THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY
We are a hub for Film Lovers and Filmmakers throughout Chicagoland and the world; connecting the global movie scene at our Edgewater home base. Our doors are open to you; building Chicago’s most inclusive film community, where thousands of artists have launched their careers and found their first great ideas. Come visit our Firehouse Cinema, participate in our screenings, classes, and workshops, get assistance with your important socially-relevant projects, and share your visionary work. Help support our vital mission by sharing, participating, giving, volunteering, and partnering with us as we celebrate 50 years!
