The Midwest Film Festival extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended our recent Best of the Midwest Awards show! It was an unforgettable evening celebrating the exceptional talent and achievements of Midwest filmmakers. We're thrilled to share that with your generous support, we raised $14,545 towards our $20,000 goal for our upcoming 20th season in 2025!

As we reflect on this successful event, we'd like to highlight some of our key accomplishments from the past year:

Showcased 46 exceptional films from Midwest filmmakers, bringing diverse regional stories to the spotlight
United 1,600 film enthusiasts at monthly events, fostering a thriving Midwest film community
Hosted 7 community spotlight segments, amplifying the voices of local film industry changemakers
Empowered 80 aspiring filmmakers through 3 hands-on industry workshops
Launched our first 'Roadshow' event in Milwaukee, fostering inter-city collaboration
Ensured accessibility with open captions and ASL Interpreters at numerous screening events
Forged partnerships with 11 community organizations, reinforcing our Midwest film network
Cultivated a dedicated membership base of 50 individuals, nurturing a close-knit film community
Expanded and diversified our board of directors, enhancing our governance and contributions
Hosted an internship program with Free Spirit Media, providing hands-on experience to three interns

We're incredibly proud of these achievements and the impact we've made in nurturing Midwest film talent and enriching Chicago's cultural landscape. None of this would have been possible without your continued support and enthusiasm for our mission.

As we approach our milestone 20th season, we invite you to help us reach our fundraising goal. Your contributions will directly support our mission and enable us to continue providing valuable programming, fostering new talent, and celebrating the diverse voices of Midwest cinema.

Our fundraiser remains open through Giving Tuesday. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference in our ability to serve and grow our vibrant film community.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, we're shaping the future of Midwest cinema!

Shaping Midwest Cinema: 20th Season Fundraiser

Fundraising Goal: $20,000 for our 20th Season!