XL Fest’s Year 3 Exceeds Expectations with nearly 4000 attendees
Chicago, IL – In its third and most powerful year yet, XL Fest, led by visionary producer and cultural architect Troy Pryor, once again proved why it’s one of the nation’s most dynamic and essential creative festivals. With a lineup rivaling Hollywood’s biggest red carpets and a mission deeply rooted in empowering local voices, XL Fest continues to shift the paradigm—not just for Black creatives in Chicago, but for the global entertainment industry.
“Troy has mastered the art of connecting creatives with industry titans, following in the footsteps of legends like Quincy Jones and Clarence Avant. He doesn’t just host events — he builds bridges where none exist and architects legacy. With XL FEST expanding into the UK, it’s fast becoming a transatlantic hub for global collaboration,” says former British Broadcast Corporation (BBC), producer Terry Jervis.
This year’s all-star lineup featured cinematic legend George Tillman Jr., who headlined a signature brunch experience presented by the Tate Brothers—Chicago’s own Larenz, Lahmard, and Larron Tate, now official partners in XL Fest’s growing ecosystem. Their involvement brought elevated energy, amplified star power, and a commitment to sustaining the cultural legacy of their hometown.
Speakers and featured talent included:
Vivica A. Fox, Michael Beach, Malinda Williams, Vanessa Estelle Williams, Malcolm D. Lee, Woody McClain, KevOnStage, & George Daniels.
These artists and thought leaders brought deep insights and authentic conversations to the fest’s packed panels, screenings, and networking mixers.
More Than a Festival – A Movement
A standout element this year was XL’s new collaboration with Kickstarter, designed to empower future filmmakers with direct funding, visibility, and tools to build sustainable careers. Major brands such as AMC, Starz, JP Morgan Chase, University of Chicago, and the Obama Foundation lent their support—underscoring XL’s rising influence across media, finance, education, and civic engagement.
Every main event sold out, with almost four thousands of attendees engaging across 10 days and multiple venues. This is tremendous growth from last year's 350 attendees. XL Fest not only drew tourists and industry figures to Chicago—it centered the city as a hub for innovation, creativity, and cultural commerce.
From licensing content with AMC directly through the XL marketplace to launching new funding opportunities for rising creators, Pryor has woven together a business model that uplifts art, fuels economic growth, and closes long-standing cultural gaps.
Long-Term Vision. Real-Time Impact.
Pryor’s long-term plan for XL Fest includes expanding its reach while keeping its mission grounded in local community impact. By creating space for untapped talent, building economic pipelines, and fostering partnerships that last, XL Fest is positioned for generational success.
Whether through powerful film premieres, strategic partnerships, or soul-stirring conversations, XL Fest has become a cultural cornerstone.
