AUGUST  20-23

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

Schedule

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6:30 PM Sinners
Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events l Chicago Film Office
Millennium Park Summer Film Series
Presented by Wells Fargo
Public event. Early arrival is suggested.
6:00 PM | Cinecity
Dynasty Podcast @ Camera Ambassador
*Followed by Special premiere event.
10AM Southside Tours from South Shore Cultural Center (2 hours)
3PM XL Lab: Stage Reading “Marathon”
6PM BarberShop Reception
7PM BarberShop Tribute Screening + “Famous Enough” by Tosin Morohunfola
11:00AM - Zen Rest by Zen Soul Apothecary
Location: Silver Room

12PM - XL Marketplace hosted by Lorenzo’s Frozen Pudding
Location: Harper Court
12PM - Podcast Stage presented by Shure
Location: Silver Room
12PM - Acting Workshop by Crew Call Collective
Location: University of Chicago
All Film Block curated by NK Gutiérrez Presented by Kickstarter x Filmmaker Friday

11:00 AM – For the Joy: Presented by Filmmaker Friday (FILM BLOCK 1)
Location: Harper Theater
1:00 PM – For the Love: Presented by Filmmaker Friday (FILM BLOCK 2)
Location: Harper Theater
2PM- 4PM Dilla’s Chicago Bus Tour Powered by Hennessy Pick-Up Location
Location: Sophy Hotel
3:00 PM – For the Future: Presented by Filmmaker Friday (FILM BLOCK 3)
Location: Harper Theater
4:00 PM – Happy Hour Presented by Hennessy
Location: Sophy Hotel (NETWORKING & COMMUNITY)
4:30 PM – XL Labs Showcase
Featuring: The Village, Ricardo, Keep it a Buck, Sincerely, Brad
Location: Harper Theater
5:00 PM – Feature Film: Meta Take One by Presented by Filmmaker Friday
Location: Harper Theater

SPECIAL EVENTS
5:30 PM -Black Spades Tournament
Click here to RSVP
Location: Harper Court

6:30 PM – Struggle Beard Kickback
Location: Harper Court
7:00 PM – The Bridge by The Scene Chicago
Location: Hyde Park Bank
Join The Scene and XL Film Festival for an evening of connection and celebration in Chicago’s creative community — featuring networking, food & drinks, and a special Community Impact Award presentation honoring Heavy Crownz.
FESTIVAL EXPERIENCES | STARTING A
10:00 AM - Saturday Morning Cartoons w/ Karyn Parsons

COMMUNITY & CULTURAL PROGRAMMING
12:00 PM – “Saving O Block” Screening + Panel by Obama Foundation / My Brother’s Keeper Moderated by: Vondale Singleton | Featuring Pastor Corey Brooks
12:00 PM – “Aux Network 1 Year Celebration” Live Podcast Taping and Screenings
Hosted by: Auxiliary Network
1:30 PM – South Side Tour (2 Hours)
Location: South Shore Cultural Center
2:00 PM – Layers- Behind the Industry through the Woman's Eye Featuring: Hannaha Hall, Sylvia Jones, & Dee Dee Davis
2:00 PM – Scholastic Presents Children’s Authors Round Table Talk
Moderated by: Michael Haggen | Featuring: Karyn Parsons, Trey Baker
3:00 PM – Kickstarter Presents Create, Don’t Wait. Indie Filmmaker Dialogue
Featuring: Z Cher-Aimé, Roberto Jay, Bo Deal, Kelleye Howard, Calvin Coleman
4:00 PM – Legacy & Financial Wellness Panel by Chase
4:00 PM – 93' Til Premiere w/ Talk back
5:00 PM - Take Control of Your Content: Influencer Edition
6:00 PM – AMC Networks / ALLBLK Present Distribution & Streaming Dialogue (Streaming Award + DCASE)

7:30 PM – The Maverick Panel by TateMen Ent. featuring Anthony Anderson
9:00 PM – Cigar Lounge by TateMen Ent.
LOCATION
Obama Presidential Center
Chicago, Illinois

EXPERIENCE INCLUDES: Conversations & Creative Dialogue, Red Carpet Reception, & Museum Experience

12 PM Community: A Boy Named Bobby screening w/ panel
2:30 PM‍ ‍Future of Storytelling Roundtable w/ Jackie Taylor, Cindy Beasly, Terry Jervis and moderator Brandon Pope
3 PM - NAACP Short film selection Moderated by Verona Jones
3:30 PM Legacy Conversation with Dr. Christine Houston
4 PM FADE screening w/ Emory Jones & Dave Jeff
5 PM XL Reception & Obama Museum Tour

Speakers

Alterik Miller
Anthony Anderson
Andrea Polk
Bo Deal
Brandon Pope
Calvin Coleman
Cindy Beasley
Dave Jeff
Deondray Gossfield and Quincy LeNear Gossfield
Emory Jones
Eric Williams
Isaac Yowman
JACKIE TAYLOR
Karyn Parsons
LahMArd Tate
Larenz Tate
LaRoyce Hawkins
Kellye Howard
Marcus Davis
Michael Haggen
Pastor Corey Brooks
Pemon Rami
Resa Luster
Sherman Dilla Thomas
Simeon Henderson
Terry Jervis
Trey Baker
Val Warner
Verona Jones
Will Gates
Z Cher-Amie

XL FEST 26

Founded by Troy Pryor in 2023 as an extension of Creative Cypher’s XL Content Lab, XL Fest was created to transform how emerging filmmakers and content creators build sustainable careers beyond the traditional film festival model. Designed as a year-round creative ecosystem, the festival connects talent with development opportunities, industry leaders, distribution partners, investors, and cultural institutions. Now entering its biggest year yet, XL Fest 2026 expands its footprint with programming at the Obama Presidential Center, underscoring its growing influence as one of Chicago's premier cultural events.

Taking place August 20–23, XL Fest 2026 will convene filmmakers, brands, investors, and creative entrepreneurs for four days of networking, education, and deal-making. Through its strategic partnership with TateMen Entertainment, the festival has evolved into a dynamic content marketplace where creators can access meaningful business opportunities and industry connections. Building on a legacy of hosting influential voices including Robert Townsend, Louis Carr, and the Tate brothers, XL Fest continues to elevate Chicago as a national hub for storytelling, innovation, and creative collaboration. More than a festival, XL Fest is a launchpad for emerging talent and a driving force shaping the future of content creation.

KEY MOMENTS

HYDE PARK

Harper Court is a mixed-use commercial development in the Hyde Park community on the South Side of Chicago, with restaurants, event space, and Hotels.

MILLENNIUM PARK

OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER

The Barack Obama Presidential Center is a museum, library, and education project in Chicago to commemorate the presidency of Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States.

Jay Pritzker Pavilion, also known as Pritzker Pavilion or Pritzker Music Pavilion, is a bandshell in Millennium Park in the Loop community area of Chicago in Cook County, Illinois, United States.