AMC AND XL FEST PARTNER FOR SECOND YEAR, EXPANDING DISTRIBUTION PIPELINE WITH FIVE NEW FILM RELEASES
Five Films Selected Through XL Fest to Stream Across Multiple AMC Platforms, Further Establishing XL as a Creator Marketplace Model
CHICAGO, IL — AMC and XL Fest are continuing their growing relationship for a second year, announcing the release of five new films selected through XL Fest that will stream across multiple AMC platforms, further strengthening a model designed to create long-term pathways for independent creators.
The latest slate underscores the evolution of XL Fest from a traditional showcase into a rapidly expanding marketplace designed to bridge the gap between discovery and distribution. Since its launch, XL has differentiated itself from many festival models by intentionally integrating exhibition with opportunities for ongoing industry access and content distribution.
The five selected projects include:
Captain Zero — by Z Cher-Aime 3x Telly Award Winner + NAACP Image award nominee
A Mind of Its Own — by Courtney Randell Telly Award Winner
Daughters — by Shayron Anita Telly Award Winner
All In — by Dusan Brown a filmmaker recently recognized by NAACP
Mama's Boy - by Jerod Haynes acclaimed actor recently in Scarpetta
“I wanted to eliminate the ‘what now?’ moment,” said Troy Pryor, Founder of XL Fest and Creative Cypher. “As a producer and actor, I understood how easy it can be for filmmakers to feel lost after the festival circuit—even after earning awards or recognition. We applied the same vertical integration philosophy from Creative Cypher into XL Fest, creating a system where creators can move from development, to showcase, to real opportunity.”
That philosophy has become central to XL Fest’s identity. Originating from Creative Cypher’s XL Lab, which supports emerging creators throughout the filmmaking process while aligning workforce development programs that help build Chicago’s next generation of film crews, the ecosystem was designed to support creators beyond a single event.
Creative Cypher’s structure intentionally creates continuity across the creative pipeline: the Lab develops projects and talent, XL Fest showcases completed work, and the growing distribution ecosystem opens additional opportunities for exposure and growth.
Founded in 2023 by former SAG-AFTRA Chicago Vice President Troy Pryor, XL Fest quickly established a strong presence in Chicago before expanding its national ambitions. Following early momentum, acclaimed actors and producers Larenz Tate, Lahmard Tate, and Larron Tate, through TateMen Entertainment, joined forces with Pryor to help scale the platform.
With decades of experience navigating the entertainment industry, the Tate brothers bring strategic insight and mentorship to creators entering the marketplace.
“Having spent decades in this business, we've seen firsthand how talented creators can struggle finding pathways beyond exposure,” said the Tate brothers. “The opportunity isn't simply discovering talent—it's helping them understand how to navigate what comes next.”
Another key contributor to the festival's growth has been lead programmer NK Gutierrez, whose curatorial approach has helped establish a standard of quality across festival programming and project selection.
The continued collaboration also reflects Chicago’s increasing role as a destination for creator-driven storytelling and cultural experiences.
“Chicago has always produced extraordinary talent,” said Pryor. “While festivals have existed in the city for years, Chicago hasn't seen something built quite like XL.”
Today, XL Fest has grown into one of Chicago’s emerging signature cultural festivals with national reach—supporting tourism, workforce development, and the city’s broader creative economy while positioning Chicago as a hub for storytelling, innovation, and creator collaboration.
What began as a platform to showcase filmmakers has evolved into a growing cultural ecosystem designed to create sustained opportunity for the next generation of creators.
Check out these quotes from some of the filmmakers below:
"We’re incredibly excited for Daughters to reach wider audiences through AMC+,” said the filmmakers behind Daughters. “As independent filmmakers, having the opportunity to share this story on such a respected platform is deeply meaningful, and we're grateful for everyone who has supported the film’s journey from festival screenings to streaming release.” - Sharyon Anita
“A Mind of Its Own has been in theaters and corporate offices across the country, and bringing it to AMC+ feels like the right place to play it for everyone at home. I made this for everyone who has ever been told their hair was the problem. I hope it finds them.” — C.C. Randle
Writer, Director, Producer
“We’re honored that Mama’s Boy was discovered through XL Fest, a Chicago festival dedicated to giving filmmakers a platform to be seen and celebrated. Partnering with In Association with Creative Cypher & TateMen Entertainment for this AMC+ showcase is incredibly meaningful for us. Written by Ashley Smith and directed by myself, Mama’s Boy is an intimate story about love, tension, and emotional orbit, and it’s exciting to see audiences continue connecting with it beyond the festival circuit.”
— Jerod Haynes, Director of Mama’s Boy