July 5 • CHICAGO SCREENWRITERS NETWORK guests are the comedy writing team of Lance Allen an Jason Ritchey. At the Lincoln Restaurant, 4008 N. Lincoln, 5:30 p.m.

July 7 • MIDWEST INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL features the doc, "We Believe: Chicago and its Cubs." At Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N. Clark. Pre-show cocktail reception, 6 p.m., film program 7:30 p.m.; tickets$10-15.

July 18 • AN EVENING OF SHORT FILMS representing Chicago's best, followed by a cocktail reception. At At Alliance Francaise, 54 W. Chicago, 7 p.m.; $25 at the door includes an open bar all evening.

July 18 • AN EVENING OF CHICAGO SHORT FILMS is presented by filmmakers headed by Boris Wexler to help fund their feature, "Roundabout America." At At Alliance Francaise, 54 W. Chicago, 7 p.m.; $25 includes an open bar and reception. RSVP b.wexler@usa.net b.wexler@usa.net .

July 21 • CHICAGO FILM PRODUCERS ALLIANCE hears Local 600's Justin Conway and filmmakers George Patay and Sue Lawson. At 676 Media Center, 676 N. LaSalle, 8-9 p.m.

July 23 • THE 3rd CHICAGO COMEDY TV PILOT COMPETITION presents six pilots by Chicago writers and features Chicago actors and improvisors. At the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington, $10. See www.witsendshorts.com. .

July 24 • 11th CHICAGO SHORT COMEDY VIDEO & FILM FESTIVAL screens 39 shorts at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington; $10. See www.witsendshorts.com.

September 25 • IFP’S INDEPENDENT FILM GALA at new theWit Hotel, host and premiere sponsor of the third annual fund-raising event at 201 N. State