Robert Townsend’s Pop-Up Film Festival
CALL TO ACTION-Greetings, Fellow Freedom Fighters!
In these times of uncertainty and change, your voice and presence matter more than ever. On behalf of the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP and The Answer, Inc. Autism Awareness & Support Agency, we’re calling on dedicated community members to stand with us and take action!
For generations, the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP has stood as a steadfast voice for justice, education, and opportunity-uplifting families, empowering youth, and protecting the promise of equity for all.
The Answer Inc. Autism Awareness & Support Agency is dedicated to providing support, resources, education, recreation, advocacy, social skills and workforce development for families living with Autism/Developmental & Intellectual disabilities in under-resourced communities. They have been a lifeline for countless families navigating the challenges of autism and developmental differences-offering compassion, advocacy, and hope.
Together, these two pillars of community service embody the very spirit of resilience and love that defines throughout the city of Chicago.
Director & Actor Robert Townsend is joining us for a powerful community film festival and fundraiser, and we need passionate participation to help make this event a success! This is for our community, it will be a celebration of unity, creativity, and empowerment.
The event will take place Saturday-Sunday, December 6th through 7th 2025, at the Chicago Cultural Center, Columbia College and The Comedy Bar. This exciting two-day experience will feature film screenings, celebrity Q&A sessions, live music, a Bid Whist Tournament, and a comedy showcase-all curated to honor the legacy and artistry of Robert Townsend while raising funds for The Answer, Inc. Autism Awareness and Support Agency and The Chicago Westside Branch NAACP.
In these challenging times, we must band together to fight for human rights. Please come out and support Chicago's legendary filmmaker Robert Townsend for a fun 2-day fundraiser benefitting the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP and The Answer Inc., Autism Awareness & Support Agency. All proceeds will go to them.
Festival Highlights Include:
Opening Day Red Carpet & VIP Reception (Saturday, Dec. 6th | 11AM)
2. Film/TV Screenings of The Spook Who Sat by the Door (Dec. 6th @11AM), The Five Heartbeats (Dec 6th @3PM), The Meteor Man (Dec 7th @11AM), and Power Book IV: FORCE, an episode directed by Robert Townsend (Dec 7th @2PM).
3. Celebrity Moderated Q&A Sessions featuring invited industry leaders and journalists such as Troy Pryor, Vee Harrison, Pemon Rami, Cynthia Kaye McWilliams & LaRoyce Hawkins
4. Bid Whist Tournament & Buffet Reception (Saturday, Dec. 6th | 6PM-10PM) @Columbia College Chicago, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL)
5. Comedy Showcase (Sunday, Dec. 7th | 7:30PM ) hosted by Lil Rel with performances by some of Chicago's top comedians. @ The Comedy Bar (162 E. Superior St. Chicago, IL 60611)
Parking:
Parking for the Chicago Cultural Center is available at several nearby garages, including Grant Park North, Grant Park South, and Millennium Park Garages. You can pay in person or pre-pay online for potential discounts at Millennium Garages.
Nearby parking garages
Grant Park North Garage: 25 N. Michigan Ave.
Grant Park South Garage: 325 S. Michigan Ave.
Millennium Park Garage: 6 S. Columbus Dr.
Millennium Lakeside Garage: 5 S. Columbus Dr.
(M) Palmer House: 17 E. Monroe St.
Millennium Park Plaza: 151 N Michigan Ave. (Lower Beaubien Ct.)
Wabash Randolph Garage: 20 E Randolph Street
Tips for parking:
Pre-pay online: Consider pre-paying for reduced rates, which are often available at the Millennium Garages.
Use a parking app: You can use apps like SpotHero or Parking.com to compare options and reserve a spot in advance.
