Industry Days Kickoff
Thursday, October 15, 2026 at 5:15 PM until 9:00 PM
CineCity Studios Chicago, 2429 W 14th St, Chicago, IL 60608
festival
Join us for the opening night of Industry Days 2026 as we kick off the program with From Premiere to Purpose: Leveraging Resources for Impact & Distribution. Following the panel, join us for a mixer to keep the conversation going and connect with fellow filmmakers, panelists, and Industry Days attendees.
PANEL DETAILS:
In today’s release landscape, an independent film needs more than a premiere - or even a distribution deal - to find its audience. This panel explores how filmmakers can use festival momentum, strategic partnerships, community building, and grassroots outreach to create a sustainable, purpose-driven path for their work.
Moderated by Aymar Jean Escoffery
Panelists: Brittany Alsot (Finding Your Laughter), Elijah Davis (Three Colors: Pan-African), and Neto Villalobos (Love Is the Monster)