Independent Film Initiative - Filmmaker in Residence 2017

The Independent Film Initiative (IFI) is a program of the Chicago Film Office – Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events designed to retain, promote and provide career enhancing opportunities for local film industry professionals, media makers and affiliated creatives. The IFI is an industry development initiative designed to advance the filmmaking community and grow the number of locally produced independent features, documentaries, short films, and web series.

The IFI Filmmaker-in-Residence program is a platform to formally support local, accomplished independent filmmakers with the aim of enhancing the viability of their careers and bringing more visibility and support to the independent filmmaking industry in Chicago. This year-long residency provides Chicago-based film and media makers with $10,000 in funding, meeting and convening space at the Chicago Cultural Center with access to multiple downtown amenities, an advisory board comprised of experts in the independent film and broadcast field, and additional promotion, resources, and mentorship. Residents will be connected to an expert community, new collaborators, rental equipment, and a wider network of funders and distributors. In exchange, IFI Residents are required to make a public presentation of their project at the completion of the residency and provide a final report and budget.

Eligibility: Applicants must be individuals who live and work in the city of Chicago and have played a principal role in a completed production (producer, writer, director, editor, etc.). Previous work samples are required and must demonstrate high technical and artistic ability. The majority of the production team must be Chicago-based. This residency is for individuals only and is not awarded to organizations, non-profits, community centers, universities, schools, or government agencies. Awardees must adhere to a contract with the City of Chicago, include required credit lines in all programs and printed materials, submit a final report including financials no later than 30 days after completion of the residency, and host a public screening of their finished film with DCASE at the completion of the residency.