Beyond the Frame is a free community-building and panel experience for people working in and around Chicago’s film and creative industry.

Presented by A Film Called Black—Neak and Cam Be—in collaboration with XL Film Festival and The Silver Room, the event brings emerging filmmakers, working film professionals, and cross-industry creatives together for intentional connections and an honest conversation about building and sustaining a career in film.

The evening begins with helping attendees meet people across creative roles, experience levels, and film industry disciplines.

After networking, we will experience a moderated panel discussion with leaders working throughout Chicago’s film community: Chan C. Smith, Donnie Seals Jr., and Saudia Davis.

Rather than focusing only on polished success stories, the panel will explore how to make informed career and production decisions:

• Real production budgets and the choices they require
• Actual mistakes, lessons learned, and career-changing pivots
• Designing a sustainable career path in the film business
• Building your portfolio, relationship-building, and strategic collaborations
• New technology and its impact on filmmaking
• Navigating unplanned market shifts

Attendees will leave with greater production and budgeting knowledge, practical career insights, and new relationships within Chicago’s creative community.

Admission is free with RSVP. Registration is strongly encouraged. ‍

🎟️ RSVP Below: