Chicago Filmmakers

There's just ONE WEEK LEFT to submit your film for consideration for Reeling 2026! 🌈🎞️

Don't miss the chance to be featured in this year's festival, send us your work by our FINAL deadline next Thursday, May 28. Submit via FilmFreeway here: https://filmfreeway.com/ReelingFilmFestival

Help us run our Filmmaking Summer Camps and inspire the next generation of filmmakers! ☀️🎥⁠
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Summer Camp Teaching Assistant Interns will assist the camp's main instructors with the supervision of students throughout all youth and teen camp sessions. These camps run Monday-Friday from June 15th to August 7th. Please note that internships are unpaid at this time. ⁠
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Full role description: https://chicagofilmmakers.org/internships

To apply, email your cover letter and resume to [email protected].

Our popular Youth Filmmaking Summer Camp is back! ☀️🎥

This two-week crash-course will guide budding filmmakers in creating their own short films, with lessons in film producing, directing, editing, and more. All campers will leave with a finished short film and hands-on experience across all phases of the filmmaking process.

Registration is now open for filmmakers aged 9-12! Learn more and sign up here: https://chicagofilmmakers.org/youth-classes-and-camps/in-person-youth-filmmaking-camp

Calling all cinematographers! Our in-person Cinematography and Lighting course begins TOMORROW! Enroll today for a hands-on introduction into lighting for film and television: ⁠https://chicagofilmmakers.org/adult-filmmaking-classes/cinematography-and-lighting-9p9wh
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Upcoming courses also include The Art of Producing, Digital Filmmaking, and Writing TV Pilots 1. Learn more and register for courses at https://chicagofilmmakers.org/adult-filmmaking-classes

Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of filmmakers? So are we! Chicago Filmmakers is seeking teachers wanting to instruct youth and teenagers in all areas of film production. Instructors can propose classes and curriculums for throughout the year, including our two-week youth and teen summer camps.

If you are interested, please email [email protected] with a resume and portfolio of previous student work that you have taught and/or personal work.

People with previous experience instructing youth and teens are prioritized.

Looking for a way to break into the film and TV industry? Apply to join our tuition-free PA Training Program! We'll be accepting applications for our spring cohort through April 5th.

Applicants who identify as BIPOC, female, gender non-conforming, and/or LGBTQ+ are strongly encouraged to apply.

Learn more about eligibility requirements and apply at https://chicagofilmmakers.org/workforce-training-program

It may still be cold out there, but spring is just around the corner! 🌸 Registration is now open for these two classes starting in March!⁠
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💡 CINEMATOGRAPHY & LIGHTING⁠
🗓️ Wednesday nights, March 4 - April 22 | 👥 In-Person⁠
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🎬️ DIGITAL FILMMAKING⁠
🗓️ Thursday nights, March 26 - May 28 | 👥 In-Person⁠

To enroll, head to https://chicagofilmmakers.org/adult-filmmaking-classes

Am I proud to be an American today? Filmmaker Adam Marshall converses with folks he encounters along the path of the Mississippi River from Chicago to the Gulf of Mexico, creating a time capsule of what people are thinking during this pivotal moment in American history in AMERICAN DENDRITE, screening this Friday, February 6 at Chicago Filmmakers.
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Tickets are available at https://chicagofilmmakers.org/upcoming-screenings-and-events/doc-chicago-american-dendrite

We hope to see you there!

We're open for Reeling 2026 submissions! Send us your q***r shorts and features, your narrative and experimental. We.👏Need.👏Your.👏Work.👏⁠
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Early Bird Deadline: February 19⁠
Regular Deadline: April 23⁠
Late Deadline: May 28⁠
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Learn more about eligibility requirements and submit on FilmFreeway: filmfreeway.com/ReelingFilmFestival

"The type of education I wish I got out of film school.” - ⁠Daniel McAllister, trainee alum⁠
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Jumpstart a career in TV and film with our tuition-free PA Training Program! Applications for our winter cohort due January 18: https://chicagofilmmakers.org/workforce-training-program