August 29 - 31 • PEACE ON EARTH FILM FESTIVAL (POEFF) is the first annual festival dedicated to peace and non-violence. At Victory Gardens Biograph Theatre, 2433 N. Lincoln. Phone 773/276-0232; see www.peaceonearthfilimfestival.org.

September 1 • DEADLINE FOR IFP PRODUCTION FUND GRANT providing $100,000 worth of in-kind goods and services to members for completing their films. Now is also a good time to join. See chi.ifp.org.

September 2 • "THE PROMOTION" DVD RELEASE PARTY hosted by the Midwest Independent Film Festival. At Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema, 2828 North Clark; $10; 6 p.m. cocktail reception, screening at 7:30. See www.midwestfilm.com.

September 4 • BLACK WORLD CINEMA continues with “Chameleon Street” and director Wendell Harris appearing live at the screening. At ICE Theatres, 210 87th St. See www.blackworldcinema.net.

September 6 • MINORITY PRODUCTION ASSISTANT TRAINING for students interested in entry-level positions on film and commercial projects. At Essanay Studio & Lighting, 1346 N. North Branch; 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Continental breakfast and box lunch provided. RSVP to Joyce Kilburg, 312/814-3600 or joyce.kilburg@illinois.gov.

September 6 • MINORITY PRODUCTION ASSISTANT TRAINING, sponsored by the IFO and the AICP. At Essanay Studio & Lighting, 1346 N. North Branch; 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Continental breakfast and box lunch provided. To RSVP call the IFO’s Joyce Kilburg, 312/814-3600.

September 7 • SCREENWRITERS NETWORK features lacerating Hollywood screenwriting critic and author, Linda Segar. At the Lincoln Restaurant, 4006 N. Lincoln, 6-8 p.m., $3 cover and $6.50 at the restaurant.

September 9 • 2008 EMMY NOMINATIONS PARTY at the Trump International Hotel and Tower, 401 N. Wabash, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

September 9 • MIDWEST INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL special DVD release screening of “The Promotion.” At the Landmark Century Center Cinema, 2828 N. Broadway; doors open 6 p.m., screening, 7:30; $9.

September 15 - 16 • CHICAGO NEW MEDIA SUMMIT At The Museum of Contemporary Art Lobby & Theater; $425 ticket includes cocktails, SummitTalks DVD, gift bags and networking events throughout the year. At The Museum of Contemporary Art Lobby & Theater; $425 ticket includes cocktails, SummitTalks DVD, gift bags and networking events throughout the year. Register at chicagonewmediasummit.com.

September 19 - 20 • ACT ONE SCREENWRITING SEMINAR is for professional Christian writers, with speakers Dr. Thom Parham and Dean Batali. At Heritage Church, 4801 44th St., Rock Island, Ill. Fee, $195; $175 students. Email jessica@actoneprogram.com.

October 17 - 19 • AROUND THE COYOTE FALL ARTS FESTIVAL in a new West Loop venue featuring 150 visual arts booths, film screenings, music and theatre performances and literary readings. At Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington. Weekend Pass, $15. See www.aroundthecoyote.org/festivals/2008_fall/.