AUGUST  20-23

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW

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.

XL FEST 26

Founded by Troy Pryor in 2023 as an extension of Creative Cypher and 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.

Speakers

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

Schedule

Buy tickets

6:30 PM Movies in the Park: Sinners
Pre-XL event In partnership with the City of Chicago and Chicago Film Office.
Outdoor screening in historic Millennium Park Pritzker Pavillon
Public event. Early arrival is suggested.
5:00 PM | Cinecity
Workshop: More Than What You Do with Najja Howard
6:00 PM | Cinecity
Camera Ambassador Live Podcast
*Pre-XL Events
10AM Southside Tours from South Shore Cultural Center (2 hours)
3PM XL Lab: Stage Reading “Marathon”
7PM BarberShop Special Screening + Reception powered by Lusters
FESTIVAL ACTIVATIONS, FILM SCREENINGS & PROGRAMMING| 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
Location: University of Chicago
All Film Block curated by NK Gutiérrez

11:00 AM – For the Joy: Presented by Filmmaker Friday (FILM BLOCK 1)
Location: Harper Theater
1:00 AM – 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)
5:00 PM – XL Labs Showcase
Featuring: Ricardo, Keep it a Buck, The Village
Location: Harper Theater
5:00 PM – Feature Film: Meta Take One by Presented by Filmmaker Friday
Location: Harper Theater

SPECIAL EVENT
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 AT 10:00 AM
Red Carpet Experience
Marketplace + Bookstores
Art Gallery
Workshop with Maxx Tim
Barbershop Networking Experience + Podcast Stage

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
1:30 PM – South Side Tour (2 Hours)
Location: South Shore Cultural Center
2:00 PM – Scholastic Presents Children’s Authors Round Table Talk
Moderated by: Michael Haggen | Featuring: Karyn Parsons, Trey Baker

INDUSTRY SUMMIT SESSIONS
4:00 PM – Summit Opening | Host: Melissa DuPrey
4:00 PM – Kickstarter Presents Create, Don’t Wait. Indie Filmmaker Dialogue
Featuring: Z Cher-Aimé, Roberto Jay, Bo Deal, Kelleye Howard, Calvin Coleman
4:30 PM – Development & Acquisitions Dialogue (New Voice Awards)
5:00 PM – AMC Networks / ALLBLK Present Distribution & Streaming Dialogue (Streaming Award + DCASE)

EVENING PROGRAMMING
7:00 PM – Family Business by TateMen Ent.
8:00 PM – Funny Business featuring Special Guests
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 PM FADE screening w/ panel
3 PM Future of Storytelling Roundtable
4 PM Special Guest Event
5 PM XL Reception & Obama Museum Tour