The Midwest Film Festival Anniversary edition brings screenings, filmmaker conversations, Kartemquin retrospective and Best of the Midwest Awards to venues across Chicago.
For 21 years, the Midwest Film Festival has championed independent filmmakers from across the region. This week, the organization marks a new milestone with the launch of Midwest Royale, its first five day festival, expanding its annual celebration into a citywide event that reflects the continued growth of Midwestern filmmaking.
Running July 22 through July 26, Midwest Royale will bring screenings, filmmaker conversations, educational programming and networking events to venues across Chicago, culminating with the Best of the Midwest Awards at CineCity Studios.
Founded in 2005 by Chicago actor Mike McNamara and filmmaker Michael Kwielford, the Midwest Film Festival has grown from a monthly screening series into a nonprofit organization supporting filmmakers throughout the region with year round programming, education and industry connections. Under Executive Director N.K. Gutiérrez, the organization is introducing its most ambitious festival format to date while continuing its mission of elevating Midwestern storytellers.
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This year’s festival reflects the increasing national attention on Chicago and the Midwest as destinations for film production and independent storytelling. Programming includes a conversation with Joe Miñoso of Chicago Fire, a 60th anniversary retrospective celebrating Kartemquin Films, showcases highlighting emerging filmmakers, sessions focused on commercial filmmaking and advertising, and opportunities for filmmakers to connect with industry professionals.
A significant addition for 2026 is the festival’s partnership with the historic Ramova Theatre, where screenings and much of the programming will take place. Opening night festivities begin July 22 at Rivers Casino Des Plaines before moving to Ramova for three days of screenings, filmmaker Q&As and panel discussions. The festival concludes July 26 at CineCity Studios with the annual Best of the Midwest Awards, recognizing excellence in filmmaking across multiple categories while serving as the organization’s primary fundraising event.
Midwest Royale Schedule
Wednesday, July 22 – Opening Night
Rivers Casino Des Plaines, The Event Center
3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Badge pickup begins at 12:00 p.m. VIP doors open at 6:00 p.m., General Admission doors at 7:00 p.m., with the program beginning at 7:30 p.m. The evening features a red carpet premiere event, curated screenings, filmmaker appearances, a conversation with Chicago Fire star Joe Miñoso, and a kickoff reception. The event concludes at approximately 11:00 p.m. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend.
Thursday, July 23 – Saturday, July 25 – Festival Screenings
Ramova Theatre
3520 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60609
Daily programming begins at 11:00 a.m. with events continuing throughout the day and evening. Festival passes are required for events outside individual screenings.
Sunday, July 26 – Best of the Midwest Awards
CineCity Studios
2429 W. 14th St., Chicago, IL 60608
The festival concludes with the annual Best of the Midwest Awards, Program begins at 6 p.m., honoring excellence in filmmaking across multiple categories. The fundraising gala will celebrate the filmmakers, artists and creative voices shaping the future of Midwest cinema, followed by a VIP reception.
