Chicago Filmmakers

Chicago Filmmakers is a 50-year-old nonprofit film organization serving as Chicago’s film community headquarters, providing comprehensive filmmaking education, screening opportunities, and community support for filmmakers and film lovers. Located at the historic Firehouse Cinema in Edgewater, the organization offers year-round classes in digital filmmaking, cinematography, documentary production, screenwriting, and related disciplines taught by professional filmmakers and university professors.

Adult classes and workshops cover topics including producing, screenwriting (foundations through advanced), directing, editing, and specialized topics, with many courses available virtually. The tuition-free two-month Production Assistant Workforce Training Program provides practical skills and industry connections for breaking into the film industry, including classes, exercises, field trips, mentorship, and local networking opportunities designed to build a more inclusive film workforce.

Youth programs include classes and camps for students of varying ages and experience levels throughout the year. The organization hosts regular film screenings and events including the Onion City Experimental Film Festival (36th edition), Reeling – Chicago’s LGBTQ+ International Film Festival (43rd edition), Chicago Seen series for local filmmakers, Picture Restart programming, and Masterwork Industry Conversations. The venue provides free screening opportunities for Chicago-based filmmakers through various submission programs with no submission fees.

Chicago Filmmakers offers fiscal sponsorship and production funding for independent film projects, and publishes [IN]SIGHT Magazine featuring community content. The organization provides space rentals for private events and maintains accessibility features. Operating hours are Monday-Friday 10am-6pm. The organization promotes an inclusive film community where thousands of artists have launched careers and developed projects.