Beyond the Festival: The Story Behind XL Fest
By: Rylee McClain
Film festivals have long been a launching pad for some of the world's most celebrated filmmakers. Long before directors found themselves accepting Academy Awards or signing major studio deals, many first introduced their work to audiences through the film festival circuit. Festivals create opportunities for filmmakers to screen their work, receive feedback, connect with industry professionals, and, in many cases, secure distribution.
Photo Credit: ALAMY
But today's film festivals are evolving.
For many creators, they're no longer just about watching films. They're about building relationships, discovering opportunities, learning from industry leaders, and finding a community that understands the creative journey.
That's exactly where XL Fest fits into the conversation.
The Creative Pulse
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As XL Fest prepares for its biggest year yet, the festival continues to expand both its footprint and its mission. This year's festival spans multiple iconic Chicago locations, including Harper Court, the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and, for the first time, the Obama Presidential Center. But what many attendees may not realize is that XL Fest didn't begin as a film festival at all.
Before there was XL Fest, there was the Chicago Film XLerator Program. Created by Troy Pryor, the initiative was designed to break down barriers for creators of color by connecting them with the resources, relationships, and opportunities needed to succeed. As filmmakers found success, including securing 14 streaming deals, the vision expanded beyond an accelerator and evolved into what is now known as XL Fest.
Founded in 2023 as an extension of Creative Cypher's work supporting filmmakers year-round, XL Fest was created to solve a problem many emerging creators face: what happens after the film is finished? Rather than focusing solely on screenings, the festival was built as an ecosystem that connects filmmakers with industry executives, distributors, investors, collaborators, and opportunities that can help move their careers forward.
Beyond The Screen
Looking beyond the headlines to understand why this story matters.
One of the biggest misconceptions about XL Fest is that it's simply another stop on the festival circuit.
In reality, the festival is built around the idea that careers aren't created by one screening. They're built through relationships.
That's why attendees will find far more than film blocks on the schedule.
This year's programming includes filmmaker labs, acting workshops, networking experiences, live podcast tapings, panel discussions, cultural tours, marketplace activations, and conversations with leaders from across film, television, journalism, business, and media. The goal isn't simply to showcase finished work. It's to help creatives understand what comes next after the credits roll.
Photo credit: FilmFreeway
Another detail many people may not know is that XL Fest grew from something much larger than a weekend event.
Creative Cypher's XL Content Lab operates year-round, providing filmmakers with mentorship, resources, and opportunities to develop projects before they ever reach an audience. The festival serves as a showcase for that broader mission, giving creators a place to present their work while continuing to build meaningful industry relationships.
The festival also continues expanding opportunities beyond the theater. Through partnerships with organizations such as AMC Global Media and other distribution partners, select projects have the opportunity to move beyond the festival circuit and reach wider audiences, reinforcing XL Fest's commitment to creating lasting pathways for independent filmmakers.
The Rylee Report
My perspective on why this story matters to creatives and the future of storytelling.
One thing became clear while covering the film industry this summer: people aren't just looking for movies anymore. They're looking for experiences.
That's what makes XL Fest stand out.
Yes, you'll watch films. But you'll also meet the people behind them. You'll hear how projects came together, ask questions, make connections, and see firsthand how careers are built through collaboration rather than competition.
Photo Credit: David Diorf
Perhaps that's why Creative Cypher's mission, "Eliminate the need for permission," feels so fitting. It's a reminder that success in this industry isn't only about waiting for an opportunity. Sometimes it's about creating the environment where opportunities naturally happen.
As Chicago continues growing as a destination for film and television production, festivals like XL Fest are helping shape what that future looks like. They're not just celebrating completed films. They're investing in the people who will create the next generation of them.
Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a seasoned creative, or someone who simply loves great stories, XL Fest offers something that's becoming increasingly valuable in today's entertainment landscape: access.
And sometimes, access is where every great story begins.
