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CLASSES & TRAINING

 

Year-Round Classes in Digital Filmmaking, Directing, 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. Have an idea for a class you want to teach? We’re hiring instructors!

ADULT CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

VIEW ALL UPCOMING CLASSES
 
 

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAM

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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.

Submit your application by November 2nd to be considered for our fall cohort!

Apply for PA Training

SCREENINGS & EVENTS

Our 16mm series PICTURE RESTART returns November 15th with six noirish films on cities, shadows, and villainy, featuring two Chicago productions. Order your ticket to MEAN STREETS.

VIEW All EVENTS
 

FILM FESTIVALS

 

We are now accepting submissions for the 36th Onion City Experimental Film Festival — submit today!

Onion City Website
 
 
 

Thank you for attending Reeling 2025: The 43rd Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival! Visit the Reeling website below to find this year’s juried and audience award-winners.

Reeling Website
 
 
DONATE TO SUPPORT OUR HISTORIC FILM FESTIVALS

 

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!

 
SUBMIT YOUR WORK FOR FREE

[IN]SIGHT MAGAZINE by the Chicago Filmmakers Community

 

OUR COMMUNITY

 
 
 

 
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We Accept Donations to Chicago Filmmakers year-round | Support Independent Cinema!

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YOUR DONATION SUPPORTS THE CHICAGO COMMUNITY

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!