5:00 PM | Cinecity
More Than What You Do with Najja Howard

7:00 PM | Cinecity

Camera Ambassador Live Podcast

10AM Southside Tours from South Shore Cultural Center (2 hours)

3PM XL Lab: Stage Reading “Marathon”

7PM BarberShop Special Screening + Panel powered by Lusters

FESTIVAL ACTIVATIONS | STARTING AT 11:00 AM
XL Marketplace hosted by Binkey
Location: Harper Court

Art Gallery by Paint the City
Location: Connect Gallery

Zen Rest by Zen Soul Apothecary
Location: Silver Room

Podcast Stage presented by Shure (Barber Chairs Experience)
Location: Silver Room

Acting Workshop by Crew Call Collective x Meta
Location: University of Chicago

Dilla’s Chicago Bus Tour Powered by Hennesey Pick-Up Location
Location: Sophy Hotel

FILM SCREENINGS & PROGRAMMING
11:00 AM – For the Joy by Filmmaker Friday
Location: Harper Theater

1:00 AM – For the Love by Filmmaker Friday
Location: Harper Theater

3:00 AM – For the Future by Filmmaker Friday
Location: Harper Theater

5:00 PM – XL Labs Showcase
Featuring: Ricardo, Keep it a Buck, The Village, Barber
Location: Harper Theater

6:00 PM – Feature Film: Meta by Filmmaker Friday
Location: Harper Theater

NETWORKING & COMMUNITY
4:00 PM – Happy Hour presented by Hennessy
Location: Sophy Hotel

Connect with filmmakers, creators, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals during an evening networking experience designed to build meaningful relationships within the film and creative community.

SPECIAL EVENT
6:00 PM – Struggle Beard Kickback
Location: Harper Court

7:00 PM – The Bridge by The Scene Chicago
Location: Hyde Park Bank

FESTIVAL EXPERIENCES | STARTING AT 10:00 AM
Location: Rubenstein Forum

Red Carpet Experience
Location: Rubenstein Forum – 1st and 3rd Floors

Marketplace + Bookstores
Location: Rubenstein Forum – 1st and 2nd Floors

Art Gallery
Location: Rubenstein Forum – 1st and 2nd Floors

Workshop with Maxx Tim
Location: Rubenstein Forum – 5th Floor

Barbershop Networking Experience + Podcast Stage
Location: Rubenstein Forum – 2nd Floor

COMMUNITY & CULTURAL PROGRAMMING
12:00 PM – “Saving O Block” Screening + Panel by My Brother’s Keeper/ Obama Foundation
Location: Rubenstein Forum – 3rd and 4th Floors

1:30 PM – South Side Tour (2 Hours)
Location: South Shore Cultural Center

2:00 PM – Children’s Authors by Scholastic + Book Nook by Hulu
Location: Rubenstein Forum – 3rd and 4th Floors

INDUSTRY SUMMIT SESSIONS
4:00 PM – Summit Opening + Host: Melissa DuPrey
Location: Rubenstein Forum

4:00 PM – Create, Don’t Wait. Indie Filmmaker Panel by Kickstarter:
Location: Rubinstein Forum – 2nd Floor

4:30 PM – STARZ Presents Development & Acquisitions (New Voice Awards)
Location: Rubenstein Forum – 2nd Floor

5:00 PM – AMC Networks / ALLBLK: Presents Distribution & Streaming (Streaming Award)
Location: Rubenstein Forum – 2nd Floor

EVENING PROGRAMMING
7:00 PM – Funny Business
Location: Rubenstein Forum – 3rd and 4th Floors

8:00 PM – Family Business by TateMen Ent.
Location: Rubenstein Forum – 3rd and 4th Floors

9:00 PM – Cigar Lounge by TateMen Ent.
Location: Rubenstein Forum – Patio

LOCATION
Obama Presidential Center
Chicago, Illinois

EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
Curated Film Programming
A selection of films and special presentations highlighting standout voices and stories from the festival.

Conversations & Creative Dialogue
Intimate discussions with filmmakers, creatives and special guests focused on storytelling, culture and the future of film and media.

Presidential Reception
An exclusive networking reception bringing together select guests, talent and industry leaders in a refined celebratory environment.

Museum Experience
A guided tour of the museum spaces at the Obama Presidential Center, offering a cultural and historical experience aligned with themes of legacy, leadership and creativity.

12 PM Community: A Boy Named Bobby screening w/ panel

2 PM FADE screening w/ panel by

3 PM Future of Storytelling Roundtable

4 PM Special guest Event

5 PM XL Reception & Obama Museum Tour