Storytelling Takes Center Stage FOR SOHO SCENE at Soho House Chicago
BY: Rylee McClain
On Wednesday evening, creatives, filmmakers, and film enthusiasts gathered at Soho House Chicago for an unforgettable night of storytelling hosted by Creative Cypher and XL Film Fest.
What began as a film screening quickly became something more, a shared experience that brought together a packed room of people eager to connect through stories that felt honest, relatable, and deeply human. The turnout exceeded expectations, with every seat filled and attendees standing along the walls to take part in the evening. Several actors from the featured films were in attendance, watching their work come to life alongside the audience and sharing in the energy of the evening.
The event featured screenings of three films from emerging filmmakers who each brought a unique perspective to the screen: Behind His Eyes by Jadyn Wilson, Keep It A Buck by Andre Rodriguez, and Ricardo by Roberto Jay.
Simbo Henderson, Jadyn Wilson, Roberto Jay, Andre Rodriguez (left to right)
While each film told a different story, they shared a common thread: authenticity.
From personal struggles and self-discovery to relationships, identity, and life's everyday challenges, the films explored experiences that resonated with audiences in meaningful ways. Throughout the evening, viewers laughed, reflected, and engaged with stories that felt familiar, reminding everyone in the room of the power of film to create connection.
One of the most impactful aspects of the event was the audience's response. Whether through conversations after the screenings or reactions during the films themselves, it was clear that people saw pieces of their own lives reflected on screen. Throughout the evening, the room collectively laughed during humorous moments, gasped during suspenseful scenes, and sat in thoughtful silence as powerful stories unfolded.
The night concluded with an intimate panel discussion featuring the filmmakers, who reflected on the inspiration behind their projects, the deeper meanings embedded in their stories, and what audiences can expect from them next. The conversation offered a candid look into the creative process and allowed attendees to engage with the storytellers beyond the screen, making the evening feel even more personal and impactful.
Events like this serve as a reminder that independent film is more than entertainment, it's a platform for dialogue, understanding, and community. By creating space for emerging voices and meaningful storytelling, Creative Cypher and XL Film Fest continue to demonstrate the importance of investing in creators and the stories they have to tell.
If the energy inside Soho House was any indication, audiences are hungry for authentic stories and the conversations they inspire. Wednesday night's screening delivered exactly that.
