XL FEST

Our annual Film Festival and Summit brings together industry professionals, providing an immersive experience for audiences to dive into. From thought-provoking panels to film showcases we aim to celebrate the power of storytelling through the captivating art form of cinema.

XL Fest is quickly becoming the preeminent Black Storytelling festival in Chicago.

After launching with Robert Townsend & Louis Carr last summer, XL scales to take over 9 venues this summer. Current partners include BMO Bank, Hyatt, University of Chicago, Obama Foundation, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Sky, Uncle Nearest and a growing list.

THURSDAY, AUG 15 

12:00 PM
Directing Actors Workshop with Charles Andrew Gardner Presented by Crew Call Collective (RSVP Required)

Perfecting Your Pitch Workshop Presented by Seed & Spark  (RSVP Required)

4:00 PM
REEL Black Happy Hour @ Sophy Hotel - Presented by Uncle Nearest

1411 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

6:00 PM
Grown Folks Stories Hosted by Binkey @ The Promontory Presented by Uncle Nearest (Included in All Access Pass - DOES NOT APPLY FOR COMPED TICKETS)

5311 S Lake Park Ave W, Chicago, IL 60615

FRIDAY, AUG 16

9:00 AM 

Yoga & Meditation w/ Yoga 6 @Hyatt Place Hyde Park (RSVP Required)

11:00 AM- 5:00PM @ POLSKY EXCHANGE 

ALL PANELS at Polsky excahncge unless indicated

1452 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
- Game Room by IPG
- Podcast Studio by Shure featuring various shows 
- Banking Center by BMO
- Wellness Suites w/ Barber, Massage

11:00 - 3:00 PM
Film Screenings @ Harper Theater 

5238 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

All screenings are first come first serve. Early arrival suggested

POLSKY EXCHANGE EVENTS  

1452 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

12:00 PM
Film Pitch Competition w/ Celeb Judges Lamorne Morris, Diallo Riddle, and Brenda Gilbert. Moderated by Melissa DuPrey

1:00 PM
A. I. is here  -Featuring guest speakers Crystal Berger, William Smith, Joshua Johnson, and Nick Brown. Moderated by Dani Smith
  
2:00 PM
Standing on Business:  Featuring guest speakers Diallo Riddle, Brenda Gilber, and Candace Jones. Moderated by Lamorne Morris - Presented by BMO
 
3:00 PM
Black Arts Leaders: Featuring guest speakers Charles Andrew Gardner, NK Gutiérrez, Tyrone Phillips, and Lesle Honore. Moderated by TaRon Patton
 
4:00 PM
Queens in Media: Featuring guest speakers Lisa Beasly, Condra Magee, Grace Byers, and Kendra Chanae Chapman. Moderated by Tyra Martin

5:00 PM
Owning the Narrative: Featuring guest speakers Otis Moss, Pemon Rami, Regina Taylor, Trai Beyers, and Kelly Kali. Moderated by Jessica Gillespie

6:00 PM
Blurred Lines: Featuring guest speakers Vic Mensa, Mary Datcher, Alvin Jones, and Terry Jervis. Moderated by Eddy Lamarr - Presented by Rolling Out 
 
7:00 PM
Outdoor Triple Screening: Twenty Five x Fitted in Black x Lead Never Follow 

5238 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

Hosted by Dave Jeff Presented by Chicago White Sox 

Food provided by Virtue

SATURDAY, AUG 17

9:00 AM 

Yoga & Meditation w/ Yoga 6 @Hyatt Place Hyde Park (RSVP Required)

11:00 AM- 5:00PM  @ POLSKY EXCHANGE

1452 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
- Game Room by IPG
- Podcast Studio by Shure featuring various shows 
- Banking Center by BMO
- Wellness Suites w/ Barbers, Massage, Facial Wax

11:00 - 3:00 PM
Film Screenings @ Harper Theater 

5238 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615

All screenings are first come first serve. Early arrival suggested

POLSKY EXCHANGE EVENTS 

1452 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

12:00 PM
Dream Keepers & Dreamers: Featuring Black girls Film Camp, True Star Media, Obama Foundation, Common Ground Foundation, Social Works - Presented by Destiny Outreach. Moderated by Danita Patterson
 
2:00 PM
Blacks Voices in Gaming: Featuring Jewel Ifeguni, Kevin Carr, Soloman Smith, and Nik Stewart. Moderated by Young Wayne
 
3:00 PM
SPECIAL PRESENTATION 
 
4:00 PM
What's Funny @ XL

Featuring guests Knowlege Beckom, Mellisa DuPrey, Cristal Luster, and more.

Moderated by Leon Rogers
 
5:00 PM
The Chi  Featuring guests Jacob Latimore, Jason Weaver, Yolonda Ross, Rolando Boyce, and Birgundi Baker. Moderated by Val Warner

6:00 PM
The Family Biz: The Tate Brothers (Larenz Tate, Larron Tate, Lahmard Tate)

Moderated by Portia King
 
7:00 PM
Walk of Fame Mixer

SUNDAY, AUG 18 

1:00 PM
Art Gallery Opening @ Connect Gallery Hosted by ILA

 
9:00 PM

The Lisa Beasly Experience @ Laugh Factory (Included in All Access Pass) - DOES NOT APPLY FOR COMPED TICKETS