Your Future Best Starts NOW!
Presented at the Wilmette Theatre
Our Partners
About the Illinois Film Festival
Our Mission
Why
Why
We champion the next generation of filmmakers by providing young directors, writers, actors, and visual artists with a professional platform to showcase their exceptional talent and work. We break down barriers, we offer space for emerging talent to compete and grow, and we are focused on building a creative hub on Chicago’s North Shore for artists 25 and under.
Why
Why
Why
Founded in 2025 to bring film into the Northshore’s historically theatre-focused arts community and honor the Wilmette Theatre’s legacy as a cultural cornerstone. With few opportunities for young filmmakers, we created a professional space where emerging directors, writers, actors, and artists 25 and under can be seen, supported, and celebrated as they shape the next chapter of storytelling.
Venue
Why
Venue
Hosted at the iconic Wilmette Theatre, one of the oldest continuously operating movie houses in the country. Located in Wilmette’s Historic Landmark downtown, it provides the perfect backdrop for a first-of-its-kind festival for filmmakers 25 and under—showcasing new work, expanding access to opportunity, and bringing emerging voices to a stage that has supported storytelling for over a century.
Empower
Your Tax-Deductible Donation
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission.
Hello
The Founder of the Illinois Film Festival
Charles has a long history of community volunteer work including holding the Chair of the local Historic Preservation Commission and being the President of the local Chamber of Commerce. He works with college students throughout Illinois in his position as a District Chief of his Fraternity and helping them navigate young adulthood with guiding principles, integrity, and responsible growth. He also has been on the fields coaching youth soccer, softball, and baseball.
