November 13-14, 2026
The Chicago International REEL Shorts Film Festival is here again!!
Reel Shorts includes 48 of the best short films from around the world, shown in 5 different programs (Friday at 7 & 9pm and Saturday at 4, 6, & 8pm). Tickets are available for $16 per show at the link below. This fest has something for everyone, so make to catch them all!
Chicago Filmmakers hosts a variety of screenings and community events at our historic Firehouse Cinema in Edgewater, in addition to our two annual festivals: Onion City Experimental Film Festival and Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival. We work with filmmakers and programmers to create a compelling schedule of screenings and events consistent with our mission.
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
Cinematography is known as the art of motion-picture photography. Cinematographers use controllable elements such as movement, visual composition and the nature of lighting to create the visual tone of a scene. This course will give students an introduction into lighting for film and television. They will first learn standard three point setups and then, using Blackmagic Pocket Cinema cameras, explore more creative lighting and framing based on story motivation. Students will also spend time in the classroom analyzing and discussing various examples of proficient cinematography from history while learning how to plan for their own lighting schemes.
Technical Requirements: Students are welcome to bring their own cameras and equipment but are not required to do so.
Course Length: 8 weeks
Times: Tuesdays, November 3 - December 22; 6:30pm-9:30pm
Location: In-person; Chicago Filmmakers
Instructor: Jonathan Moeller
Become a Chicago Filmmakers Member and receive $15 off all classes as well as other benefits!
Review our Registration & Refund Policies before purchasing.
The Art of Producing is an 8-session course that breaks down the producer’s role from development through distribution. Designed for emerging filmmakers and producers, it focuses on the real-world skills needed to take a project from idea to finished film.
Students will learn how to evaluate material, collaborate with writers, understand core financing models, run an effective set, and successfully navigate post-production, sales, and distribution.
Course Length: 8 Weeks
Times: Mondays, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Location: Online
Instructor: Doug Shaffer
Become a Chicago Filmmakers Member and receive $15 off all classes as well as other benefits!
Review our Registration & Refund Policies before purchasing.
This course teaches students how to create the first draft of a TV pilot--from outlining to writing script pages, it will give you the groundwork needed to write your 30-minute comedy or 60-minute drama. You will learn how television scripts work, from character-building to story breaking--you will be able to identify the core elements central to writing character and story. You will also focus on your own script, from brainstorming an idea to outlining the story. Students will learn about the business of television and learn how to pitch scripts, creating a workable outline from which to not only write it, but get it out into the world for consideration. Instruction will cover business aspects of the current TV landscape, how freelance writers get staffed, and how writers collaborate "in the room."
Course Length: 6 Weeks
Times: Tuesdays, January 12-February 16; 6:30pm-9:30pm
Location: Online
Instructor: Paul Peditto
Become a Chicago Filmmakers Member and receive $15 off all classes as well as other benefits!
Review our Registration & Refund Policies before purchasing.
All great films start with a blank page. Through screenings, readings, discussion, and critiques you will learn the principles of formatting, character development, dialogue, structure, narrative progression, and even what to do with your finished screenplay!
Course Length: 8 weeks
Times: Wednesdays, January 13 - March 3; 6:30 - 9:30 PM Central.
Location: Online
Instructor: Paul Peditto
Become a Chicago Filmmakers Member and receive $15 off all classes as well as other benefits!
Review our Registration & Refund Policies before purchasing.
Our basic production course is designed to cover key concepts and practices for making a digital film project. Topics include a thorough introduction to the professional DV camera, important aspects of lighting, sound, shot composition, camera movement, visual storytelling devices, working as a filmmaking crew, and editing. In-class demonstrations and exercises will allow students to work collaboratively on group projects as a digital cinema team.
Course Length: 10 weeks
Times: Thursdays,January 14 - March 18 6:30 - 9:30PM.
Location: In-person; Chicago Filmmakers
Instructor: Will Schneider
Become a Chicago Filmmakers Member and receive $15 off all classes as well as other benefits!
Review our Registration & Refund Policies before purchasing.
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 by Sunday, November 15 at 11:59 PM CT
Credit: Jaleel A. Muhammad
SEPTEMBER 17-27, 2026
Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival is the second longest-running film festival of its kind, and prides itself on showcasing the best LGBTQ+ films and videos each year. From award-winning international feature films to social documentaries to experimental shorts, Reeling has always presented a range of genres that demonstrate the rich diversity of work being produced.
Thank you for attending Reeling44!
APRIL 8-11, 2027
Onion City is a four-day festival presented by Chicago Filmmakers that celebrates the best in contemporary experimental film.
Submit your experimental film today via FilmFreeway to be considered for the 37th edition of the festival!
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.
YOUTH SESSION A:
Course Length: Monday, June 14 - Friday June 25* | WHEN SOLD OUT, JOIN THE WAITLIST
Times: 9:00AM - 3:30PM CST
*No class on Friday, June 18, 2027, in honor & recognition of Juneteenth*
YOUTH SESSION B:
Course Length: Monday, July 12 - Friday, July 23 | WHEN SOLD OUT, JOIN THE WAITLIST
Times: 9:00AM - 3:00PM CST
Location: Chicago Filmmakers (map), 1326 W Hollywood Avenue, Chicago, IL
Become a Member to receive $15 off camps, plus other benefits! Review our Registration & Refund Policies before purchasing.
TEEN SESSION A* (LIMITED AVAILABILITY):
Course Length: Monday, June 28 - Friday, July 9 | WHEN SOLD OUT, JOIN THE WAITLIST
Times: 9:00AM - 3:00PM
TEEN SESSION B (LIMITED AVAILABILITY):
Course Length: Monday, July 26 -Friday, August 6 | WHEN SOLD OUT, JOIN THE WAITLIST
Times: 9:00AM - 3:00PM
Location: Chicago Filmmakers (map), 1326 W Hollywood Avenue, Chicago, IL
Become a Member to receive $15 off camps, plus other benefits! Review our Registration & Refund Policies before purchasing.
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!
Saturday, December 5, 7:00 PM
Chicago Filmmakers (1326 W. Hollywood Ave)
Jon Silver | 2026 | 45 min | Digital Projection
Writer/Director Jon Silver and Director of Photography Michael Fernandez in Person!
Weird World is an ever-changing collection of silly sketches, short films, vintage archival commercials and other pieces of media art from creators all around Chicago.