Midwest Film Festival presents The Best of The Midwest Awards

Midwest Awards
Still from the 2017 Best of The Midwest Awards, courtesy of The Midwest Film Festival

Midwest Film Festival presents their annual awards gala – Best of the Midwest Awards (BMAs) on Tuesday, February 1st at CineCity Chicago.

Starting at 7:00pm, guests are invited to enjoy networking, an open bar, groovy DJ tunes, and lite bites.  8:00pm begins the exciting awards ceremony that includes clips from each nominated film, special guests from the community revealing the winners, and filmmakers’ acceptance speeches. It will be a special night to reconnect with old friends and colleagues while also meeting new collaborators.

It will be an evening “to recognize and thank the filmmakers and our community that participates in MFF events, whether it’s in-person, online, or remotely,” said Executive Director Erica Duffy. “I am delighted with the films we programmed in 2021, the audience response, and, of course, the sponsorship that supports our efforts throughout the year. We all know 2021 was difficult, yet the Midwest Film Fest has become stronger and we have big plans for the year ahead.”

Grab your best cocktail attire, dancing shoes, and business cards as you won’t want to miss the hottest party of the year! 

Still from the 2017 Best of The Midwest Awards, courtesy of The Midwest Film Festival

Categories for awards include: Grand Prize, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Score, and an Empowerment Award. 

The Best of the Midwest Award Sponsors: Banner Media, CineCity Studio Chicago, Chicago Media Angels, Dictionary Films, Noise Floor, O’Connor Casting, Optimus, and Quicksilver Color.

“This year we are thrilled to present to you the Best of The Midwest Awards Sponsors,” said social media manager Toni Nordone. “They represent a wide array of quality film production services available in the Midwest and beyond. We hope you take a moment to check out each one and consider working with them on your next project.” 

Still from the 2017 Best of The Midwest Awards, courtesy of The Midwest Film Festival

All activities will convene at CineCity Studios Chicago, 2429 W 14th St, Chicago, Illinois.

Pre-reception, 7:00pm: 

The evening will consist of a pre-reception starting at 7:00pm, where attendees are invited to step onto the red carpet for photo opportunities and exclusive interviews discussing the year’s most beloved films and artists. Next, join fellow filmmakers and peers for networking and reconnecting over amuse-bouche while sipping complimentary drinks generously sponsored by CineCity Studios Chicago. DJ SAGA will be spinning tunes and amplifying the celebration. 

Awards Ceremony, 8:00pm:

At 8:00pm we’ll ask attendees to find their seat, or VIP Table, for the most anticipated awards ceremony in the Midwest. Your host, Michael Isaac, will invite film icons including names such as Jennifer Reeder and Kwame Amoaku to the stage to present each award. Edited by Periscope Post, with voice-over by Jonathan Desir, you’ll be wowed with clips from each nominated film, and finally the winner of each category will be revealed. Filmmakers from each winning film will be in attendance to accept their award and deliver an acceptance speech.

After-party, 9:30pm-11:00pm:

Good vibes and conversations will continue at a celebratory after-party from 9:30pm to 11:00pm, where ticket holders can continue to mingle and network with new friends and colleagues. The drinks and tunes will continue to flow, and a few attendees have even promised to make their way out to the dance floor to show off their best moves. 

Tickets are $40 for individual admission or $600 for a VIP table that includes admission for 8 people and 2 valet parking comps.

Tickets are available at www.midwestfilm.com/get-tickets

Valet parking is available for $20, or get lucky and find a street spot available for free on 14th Street or Western Avenue.

“We’re looking forward to bringing the film community back together and once again celebrating the art and craft of independent film.” said MFF Board President Will Meyers.


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