Meet our Summit Speakers!

The Film Ex Summit will explore themes of sustainability, radical re-imagination, and evolving leadership and their impact on the future of the independent film exhibition sector. The programming will feature engaging workshops, thoughtful breakouts, hands-on activities, and inspired speakers over three days, all aimed at questioning where we’ve come from and how we can build a more equitable, inclusive eco-system moving forward.

You can check out our list of summit speakers (so far!) here, and get familiar with the agenda and curriculum ahead of your visit to Chicago.

The Summit would not be possible without the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, the Chicago Film Office and Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Eventive, Music Box Films, and Elevent; as well as the generous venue support from our programming partners Facets, Gene Siskel Film Center, and Music Box Theatre.

Review the full agenda here >>

Meet our 2023 Speakers >>

The FilmEx Summit Goes to Milwaukee!

After the Closing Brunch on Saturday, June 24th, Milwaukee Film and FFA invite Summit attendees to trek up to Milwaukee for the day. Cara Ogburn, Artistic Director and FFA Board Member (President Emeritus), will lead the group on a tour of the historic Oriental Theatre and host an intimate conversation with the leadership of Milwaukee Film, expanding on their Sound Bite conversation around business line expansion and growing into a year-round organization. This day-trip is great for organizations and folks interested in learning more behind-the-scenes of a year-round Art House and Film Festival, as well as the evolution from a once-a-year festival to a year-round organization with multiple programs.

The trip takes approximately 1h30m and the group will depart from the Music Box Theatre immediately following the Closing Brunch, via Amtrak. Transportation costs must be covered by the participant. If interested, please email Gray Rodriguez, gray@filmfestivalalliance.org.

Shoutout to these organizations who have already registered to join us in Chicago at the FilmEx Summit, including: