12:00 | Acting Workshop by Crew Call Collective

LOCATION: Obama Foundation - 5235 S Harper Ct Suite 1140, Chicago, IL 60615
Kick off XL FEST 25 with an immersive 3-hour workshop to discover practical and approachable strategies that will elevate your productions to the next level! You will learn how to foster a truly collaborative film set from educator, and SAG-AFTRA actor Charles Andrew Gardner (DePaul & Roosevelt Universities), director and educator Derek Dow (Chicago State University), and film producers Latoya Hunter and Rochelle Cowan (Crew Call Collective).

1:00 | Storytlelling Workshop by LaTonya Croff

LOCATION: Obama Foundation - 5235 S Harper Ct Suite 1140, Chicago, IL 60615
A mini workshop where you create your personal pitch and logline. In this session, you will learn how to craft your personal pitch, interactive logline game and work out live examples of personal pitches followed by a Q&A.

4:00 | Happy Hour Mixer by ProducHers

LOCATION: Sophy Hotel -1411 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
Join us for opening day happy hour as we celebrate with Uncle Nearest @ Sophy Hotel

7:00 | Opening Night Party by The Aux Network

LOCATION: Hyde Park Labs - 5207 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
Join us at Opening Night of XL Fest as we celebrate the launch of The Aux Network w/ special guest Twista.

LOCATION: All Events at David Rubenstein Forum | 1201 E 60th St, Chicago, IL 60637

11:00 | Film Blocks
Curated by NK Gutiérrez

Posting … 7/15/22

12:00 | Mental Health Chat: Happy Songs + Captain Zero
Let's take deep dive into a jouney in mental health taping in all of your senses.

1:00 | Divinely Guided Zen Session
This sacred experience blends sound healing, intuitive movement, chakra balancing, breathwork, and meditation curated to help you release blocks, reconnect with your inner muse, and return to center.
Led by Certified Reiki Master & Intuitive Healer, Andrea “Zen Goddess” Polk.

2:00 | Sweet Wellness Experience: A Lorenzo’s Frozen Pudding Exclusive

oin us at the Iconic 2025 XL Film Festival for an intimate gathering blending indulgence and inspiration. This exclusive event features a fireside chat with celebrity wellness entrepreneur Dreka Gates, a frozen pudding tasting lounge, wellness & networking mixer, and curated photo and media moments. Designed for cultural tastemakers and community leaders, the Sweet Wellness Experience offers a unique opportunity to connect, celebrate mindful living, and savor the nostalgic taste of Lorenzo’s Frozen Pudding — all in a sophisticated setting.

3:00 | Naturi N Film

Coming soon…

4:00 | The Ebony Canal Screening (Documentary)
Screening followed by Panel with Director & team.

5:00 | In the Mix - XL by CynCity Creative Sounds by Kosine
Happy Hour Lounge is perfect for networking and making genuine connections.

6:00 | Hip Hop & Mental Health Panel - Marquett 4 (Documentary)
Screening followed by Panel with Producer & team

8:00 | Premier (Documentary)
Screening followed by Panel with Producer & team

10:00 | House Party w/ DJ Set
Wrap up the night with our Penthouse party

LOCATION: All Events at David Rubenstein Forum | 1201 E 60th St, Chicago, IL 60637

10:00 | Soul Food Youth Saturday
Obama Foundation (Private Event)

11:00 | Film Blocks
Curated by NK Gutiérrez

Posting … 7/15/22

12:00 | Fatherless No More Screening
Screening followed by a Panel with the Producer & team

TBD | - K Lofton Film

2:00 | Kickstarter Pitch Comp. w/ Screening of "GO"
Learn how to self-fund your project with the new XL Kickstarter Film Lab!

3:00 | AMC Presents Distribution Panel
Learn how to secure a distribution project with AMC

3:00 | Starz Presents Development Panel
Learn how to develop your project networks

4:00 | The Best Man w/ Malcom D Lee
In Conversation with Director Malcolm D Lee. All attendees will receive a signed copy of his new book, The Best Man: Unfinished Business

5:00 | Soul Food (TV) - Doc Filming in place
Celebrate the iconic Showtime Series with the cast

6:00 | Soul Food (Film) - Doc Filming in place
Celebrate the iconic film with the cast

7:00 | Family Business - Doc Filming in place
We keep it in the family as we discuss marriage and business

9:00 | Cigar Lounge
Kick back and relax with chill lounge curated by TateMen Ent.

9:00 | What's the Word Afterparty
Get your cameras ready for the penthouse afterparty

LOCATION: All Events at David Rubenstein Forum | 1201 E 60th St, Chicago, IL 60637

12:00 | Faith & Film Presented by Actors Empowerment Summit
Conversation with creator and comedian KevOnStage & Mark JP Hood as they explore how their faith has empowered their careers.

1:00 | Soul Food Sunday Brunch Presented by TateMen Ent.
Join us, as we honor George Tillman and Bob Teitel during close out to opening weekend. This star packed event is curated by Larez Tate, TateMen Entertainment, and Creative Cypher. Food food, good vibes, and good energy! Hosted by Val Warner

LOCATION: Emily Hotel

311 N Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60607

12:00-6:00 | Rooftop Cinema + Encore shorts
Coming Soon…

7:00 | Gone in an Instant: Antone Walker Documentary Presented by Dark Berry Productions x What's The Word TV

4:00-8:00 | The "Reunion" @ Sisters In Cinema + Encore Screenings

LOCATION: Sisters in Cinema - 2310 E 75th St, Chicago, IL 60649

Coming soon…

8:00 PM | The BRoll Jam by ChiBrations & a film called black
LOCATION: Experimental Station – 6100 S Blackstone Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
Close out your evening with The BRoll Jam, an open jam session and film preview presented by ChiBrations and a film called black. 

The live band, led by award-winning musician Sam Thousand, will set the stage for other creatives to join the vibe (musicians, poets, dancers, etc...). The visual component of the night will be a brief film preview with an artist talk and featured performance by a film called black—an evolving retro-futuristic music & film project by Cam Be & Neak. This event will also include a community art wall activation, a food truck, refreshments, and interactive media and projections. Tap in to get a first-person glimpse into Chicago's underground scene and be a part of the vibe. Free & open to the public.

LOCATION: Lincoln Park Room - 2242 N. Lincoln Ave. E Chicago, IL

2:00 | Chicago Rising

4:00 | Da Book Joint + Pop Up Book Store

6:00 | Lab 88

7:00 | Laughter is Medicine Presented by This, That, & the Third
Sometimes you have to laugh it off! Discuss how comedy can heal the world.

LOCATION: Harper Theater - 5238 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

12:00-6:00 | Harper Theater Encore Screenings

Coming soon…

6:00 | DuSummer Music Series w/ Simone Green

LOCATION: DuSable Museum 740 E 56th Pl, Chicago, IL 60637

LOCATION: Harper Theater - 5238 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

12:00-6:00 | Harper Theater Encore Screenings

6:00 | NABJ 50th Anniversary Screening

7:00 | Special Guest

LOCATION: Sophy Hotel 1411 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

11:00 | Sophy Hotel DJ Brunch

LOCATION: 1411 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615