Filmmaker Friday Expands with 2 February Events, Strengthening Chicago’s Film Community

This February, Filmmaker Friday continued to bring Chicago’s film industry together with two standout events, reinforcing its role as a crucial gathering for filmmakers, actors, and creatives. On February 7, Filmmaker Friday was hosted by CineCity for a compelling discussion titled “Conversations with On-Screen Talent”, featuring LaRoyce Hawkins, Jerod Haynes, and Mickey O’Sullivan. The three Chicago-based actors shared their personal journeys, challenges, and insights into the industry, giving attendees a rare behind-the-scenes look at the realities of working in film and television.

The panel resonated deeply with the audience, offering a mix of humor, hard-earned wisdom, and invaluable advice for both emerging and established creatives. Attendees not only gained industry knowledge but also had the opportunity to forge meaningful connections. Tumi Ademola described the event as a networking powerhouse, saying, “The filmmaker hangout was like network central. There were so many filmmakers, actors, and so many more people that I was able to talk to and meet that I’m now working with!” Similarly, Alyx Price reflected on the impact of the evening, sharing, “The recent Filmmaker Friday held at CineCity was an incredibly rewarding event to attend, from its informative and inspiring panel with LaRoyce Hawkins, Mickey O’Sullivan, and Jerod Haynes, to the camaraderie of the attendees, creating a space where creativity and connections could be cultivated.”

The February 7 event was supported by Topo Chico and Core SWX, adding to the atmosphere with raffle giveaways and industry-backed support. It was a night that blended education, inspiration, and connection, highlighting why Filmmaker Friday has quickly become an essential part of Chicago’s creative landscape.

Just two weeks later, on February 21, Filmmaker Friday shifted gears with a networking event at Public Works Gallery, hosted in partnership with SomeOddPilot. The evening was designed to allow industry professionals to engage in organic conversations, build relationships, and spark future collaborations in an inviting, art-filled space. The casual setting, complemented by drinks from Rmbr Kombucha, a Chicago-local brand, fostered an energy that made everyone—from first-time attendees to long-time supporters—feel like part of the creative community.

For many, these events have been career-changing. Alvaro Ajredini shared how Filmmaker Friday has directly impacted his journey, saying, “Filmmaker Friday has been a monthly highlight for me and has recently helped me land an acting role through its networking opportunities! These events always provide a unique space to learn and engage with fellow passionate creatives. It almost doesn’t even feel like a networking event but more of a party I get to go to with my friends every month. I have met so many wonderful people in this industry in the span of these past five months that would normally take years to develop close relationships with. So I’m super grateful for all the people who help with and set up these events—please keep it going!”

The welcoming and collaborative nature of the event was also felt by Seeta Mangroo, who noted, “I enjoyed the filmmaker networking event because it provided a great opportunity to connect with other industry professionals interested in collaboration and sharing insights about their work. The space cultivated a welcoming and creative atmosphere that encouraged meaningful conversations with newcomers and seasoned industry professionals alike.”

Reflecting on Filmmaker Friday’s continued success, founder Armin Korsos emphasized its growing importance, “These events are more important than ever in helping build and better connect the Chicago film community. Hosting panels on diverse topics, like hearing actors speak about their experiences, highlights just how interconnected film production is. We’re excited to continue building our partnerships and expanding these events as the year progresses.”

With each gathering, Filmmaker Friday continues to strengthen Chicago’s filmmaking network, providing opportunities that extend far beyond a single night. As demand grows, so does the vision—to make these events even bigger, more accessible, and more impactful for the city’s creative professionals.

The next two Filmmaker Friday events will take place on March 14 and April 11 at the Chicago Cultural Center, featuring more panel discussions with industry professionals.

For updates on future events, follow @filmmakerfridaychicago on Instagram.