At the Independent Film Alliance Chicago, our mission is to provide the community, resources, and programs needed to build a diverse and sustainable industry of independent content creators & filmmakers. We support creatives and entrepreneurs in the film industry and are conveniently located at the bustling Cinespace Studios, where shows like Chicago PD, Chicago Med and Chicago Fire etc are filmed!

Our annual fundraiser gala, entitled MAGIC HOUR, will help us continue our mission and also celebrate the recent growth of the film industry in Chicago. It's a night to remember – bringing together Chicago’s creative and civic leaders to support Chicago's independent filmmakers and storytellers. This event is titled creatively after the filmmaking term magic hour - the time of day just after sunset and just before sunrise, when the warmest colors are produced!

Join us at one of Chicago’s newest film and TV studio spaces CineCity Studios for an evening of dancing and celebration. With food and drink from Beyond Catering, event design from Fierce Productions, and dancing to the hottest DJ beats - it's an evening you don't want to miss.

This year, our popular Silent Auction returns and will only be available at the event itself. Individuals must be present to bid and win.

**Tickets are not available at the door. Ticket sales end on Wednesday, December 4 at 11:59 p.m. Must have a ticket to enter.**

IFA Members can reserve their ticket in our IFA Member Portal.

THE VIP EXPERIENCE!
Limited number of VIP tickets available

Purchase a VIP ticket, where you will:

- Be entered into a drawing for a TOUR for you +3 guests of Cinespace Film Studios!
- Access the VIP Lounge throughout the event
- Attend a special VIP-only happy hour at the start of the event
- Receive a SPECIAL GIFT BAG
- Engage with local industry leaders, filmmakers, and sponsors

GENERAL ADMISSION
Early Bird Pricing available through October 31st

Purchase a General Admission ticket and join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating our Independent Film Community. In addition to the program, food, drink, and entertainment are included along with access to a curated silent auction.

**All tickets and donations directly support IFA Chicago on delivering its mission to provide the community, resources, and programs needed to build a diverse and sustainable industry of independent content creators.**

PROGRAM

The evening will feature a cocktail reception and networking, followed by the presentation and awards program featuring the Magic Hour Honoree, the IFA Breakthrough Voice Award Winner, and additional guests and presenters. Stay tuned for more details as we announce them.

6:00 PM - Event Begins

6:30 PM - Cocktail Hour and Entertainment

7:30 PM - Presentation and Awards

8:15 PM - Buffet catered by Beyond Catering

9:00 PM - Live DJ & Dancing

11:00 PM - End of Night

IFA Creative Vision Award | The Bear and Chicago's Local Crew

Both on screen and behind the scenes, The Bear beautifully captures the spirit of resilience, creativity, and grit. Chicago's local crew members, artisans, and professionals' dedication and craftsmanship have contributed to the show’s success and IFA Chicago is celebrating their hard work that has long defined our city’s film and television community. Emmy Award winning Director of Photography Andrew Wehde and Emmy Nominated Production Designer Merje Veski will accept the award on behalf of the crew. Previous winners include Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Film Office, and Alexander Pissios.

IFA Breakthrough Voice Award | Dewayne Perkins

Dewayne Perkins is a queer Chicago born and raised writer/comedian. He was recently named one of Deadline’s Favorite Movie Performances of 2023 for his role in The Blackening. He is an EMMY, NAACP IMAGE, WGA, and GLAAD Award-nominated writer, producer, actor, and comedian who has steadily built his comedic portfolio over the years. A true multi-hyphenate, Perkins has emerged as one of the most-watched Black queer creatives in film and television. Dewayne’s work demonstrates an exceptional level of creative quality and storytelling integrity that is competitive within the national film landscape. Previous winners include Minhal Baig and McKenzie Chinn.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

CineCity Studios

Credits and Incentives Corp

DePaul University

IATSE 476

Illinois Production Alliance (IPA)

Jason Stephens & Ken O'Keefe

SAG-AFTRA Chicago

SCREEN Magazine

Spiteful Brewing

Teamsters Local 727

Totem Lumber Supply

Wintrust Financial Corporation

Interested in sponsoring? Reach out to us at info@ifachicago.org!

Magic Hour 2024

An evening of celebration and support of Chicago's independent filmmakers.