For a second summer in a row, Creative Cypher will host its XL Film Fest from August 15th through August 18th.
Due to an overflow of survey responses from last year’s film fest, attendees asked for additional days of programming and film screenings.
According to Creative Cypher’s CEO, Troy Pryor, last year’s XL Film Fest was “a success with Robert Townsend and the 2024 plan is stellar with a lineup of films, events, and special appearances.”
Here’s a 2023 recap of the XL Film Fest:
This year, longtime Chicago film casting director and producer Pemon Rami returns as an Honorary Chair, alongside actor Regina Taylor.
“I’m honored to return and lend my support to the up and coming film generation here in Chicago,” said Rami.
Rami is an International film producer and director, member of the Board of the Illinois Arts Council, former member of the Joseph Jefferson Theatre Awards committee, member of the Luminary Board of the Independent Film Alliance and former National Endowment for the Arts Program Evaluator. While in his teens Pemon was cast in a recurring role on the weekly TV series “Bird of the Iron Feather.” television’s first black soap opera. He also appeared in the acclaimed feature films “The Spook Who Sat by The Door” and Mahogany”. Taylor is an American actress and playwright. She has won several awards throughout her career, including a Golden Globe Award and NAACP Image Award. In July 2017, Taylor was announced as the new Denzel Washington Endowed Chair in Theater at Fordham University.
“Black storytellers wield memories that activate our present to shape our future”, said Taylor.
The full Line up of speakers and films will be announced in the coming weeks.
Film submissions are now open but due to the overwhelming response, will close June 1. For more info VISIT HERE.
XL Fest also celebrates many of the creators coming from their XL content Lab. The festival’s parent company Creative Cypher supports a groundswell of creators through its lab, which launched in 2019. So far the lab has helped over 7 films and plays a key role in the larger Creative Cypher ecosystem, which has supported over 50 productions, a steady flow of live events, and hundreds of creators since launching in 2014.
The next projects from the Cypher supported labs to premier in 2024 include: Rudy by LT, Speed Dial by Tai Payne, Lead Never Follow by Joshua Johnson, Captain Zero by Lammard Cher-Aimé, & Game Changers by Caris Pryor and Black Girls Film Camp.
“We’re excited to see the next cohort of projects and explore ways to help the creators advance even further with their work,” said Pryor.
Pryor has secured a number of partnerships to help power this year’s XL Film Fest, expanding the event from a film festival to a cultural festival. STAY TUNED FOR THE LINE UP
EARLY BIRD TICKETS GO ON SALE JUNE 1 @ EVENTNOIRE.COM.
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