TrueStar Staff 
XL Fest has grown into a cherished tradition for many locals and visitors alike, drawing a diverse crowd of participants and spectators who share a passion for the arts in film and storytelling in general.
From August 14-23, the core mission of XL Fest is to create a space where Chicago’s vast community of creators, industry professionals, and arts enthusiasts can come together in a supportive and inspiring environment. It’s an event designed not only to entertain, but also to cultivate meaningful connections between people who are actively shaping the world of film and visual storytelling. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a producer, a screenwriter, an actor or simply someone who appreciates a good movie, XL Fest offers something for everyone.
The event acts as a platform for both emerging and established film creators to showcase their work to an engaged audience of peers, potential collaborators, and fans. From thought-provoking documentaries and innovative short films to indie dramas and experimental art pieces, the festival offers a wide-ranging selection of cinematic experiences. This variety allows attendees to witness the depth and breadth of storytelling that exists within Chicago’s creative scene and beyond.
One of the most valuable aspects of XL Fest is the opportunity it provides for networking and professional growth. This year True Star teamed up with Creative Cypher and XL Fest founder Troy Taylor to do a live podcast of the “From the ‘Go Show” at the hub venue, the Rubenstein Forum, with hosts Sillivan Grace Anderson, Gary Langfield Jr., and Kennedye Harris. “…We were outside at the XL Film Fest, man. It was definitely a change of scenery and a change of pace. I’m glad that we were able to do our thing, like, on the road actually in Chicago.” said Langfield Jr. “ I had so much fun. It was great to get out of the studio and go record somewhere else, especially in a place like XL Film Fest. It’s an amazing filmmaking hub, filmmaking community space, for all of us to just come together.”
During the podcast the hosts interviewed art curators Barette Keithley and Blake Lenoir of Paint the City. The two men supplied the beautiful art that was on display throughout Rubenstein.
By bringing together creators and industry professionals under one roof—or, more accurately, across multiple venues around the city—the event encourages collaboration and the exchange of ideas. Workshops, panel discussions, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and informal meet-and-greets are all part of the festival experience, making it an ideal space for building relationships that can lead to future projects or career development.
The city comes alive with excitement because of the presence of celebrities and creatives such as the Tate brothers – Lorenz, Laron, and Lahmard who were partners of this year’s XL event, Vivica A. Fox, Malcolm D. Lee, Michael Beach, George Tillman, Naturi Naughton, Robin Robinson, Tarhonda Jones, Kevonstage, Vanessa Estelle Williams and many more. This time around, there were screenings and events hosted at a variety of venues across the city, including theaters, galleries, community centers, and even outdoor spaces. Each location adds its own unique atmosphere to the festival, contributing to the overall experience.
Ultimately, XL Fest is more than just a film festival—it’s a cultural celebration that honors the talent, vision, and hard work of those who contribute to Chicago’s dynamic creative landscape. It continues to grow year after year, fostering a strong sense of community and providing a meaningful platform for creative voices to be heard, appreciated, and supported.
For more information about the fest and its remaining schedule visit the Creative Cypher website.
By Corey Outlaw, Freshman, University of Illinois Chicago
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