XLFest '26 Chicago: From Midwest to MidBEST in Film, Culture, and Creativity

“There’s a great energy that we bring into the world, and a lot begins here... and ripples out to the rest of the world.” Spoken this past Saturday at Chicago’s XL Film Festival, these words, from the Grammy award-winning poet and artist J. Ivy, perfectly encapsulate why the festival exists and why it deserves more eyes and ears.

Founded by, funded by, and made entirely for artists, XL Fest defines itself as the “Midwest premier celebration of film, culture, and creativity.” With that definition in mind, I had only a very general idea of what to expect when I attended the third day of the festival this past Saturday: well-established artists, perhaps a number of burgeoning influencers, various media outlets. However, I wasn’t expecting the number of young people who showed up, kids as young as 12 with their own stories to tell, or the number of entrepreneurs looking to support so much up-and-coming talent.

You see a lot of love for artists and their work all the time in LA or New York, but XL Fest serves as a reminder that so much talent and creativity is to be nurtured and celebrated right here in Chicago. The creative initiatives of black and brown artists that were showcased at this year’s 4th annual XL Fest is only a fraction of the art being made here, and, as Karyn Parson’s animated series about unsung black heroes reminded me, it’s often the talent and innovation you don’t see that end up shaping the world.

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BLACK ARTS & CULTURE ALLIANCE OF CHICAGO (BACA) ANNOUNCES DOC WHEELER AS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Chicago, IL — The Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago (BACA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Darion "Doc" Wheeler as Executive Director. Previously serving as BACA’s PR, Media, Marketing, and Design Director, Wheeler took the Executive Chair on February 2, 2026.

"Stepping into this role is about honoring a legacy while building what's next,” said Wheeler. “Chicago's Black arts community has always been a force—from storefronts to stages, from emerging voices to icons—but for too long, we've operated without a unified home base. BACA is that home. We're not just celebrating Black excellence; we're creating the infrastructure for it to grow, connect, and sustain itself.”

Wheeler continued, “This year, you'll see us deepening that work through our Town Halls,

Summer Cookouts, expanding the newly named Chicago Black Excellence Awards, and

strengthening our digital presence through automation and ancestral intelligence. We're making sure every arts organization—whether you've been in Chicago for 50 years or 5 months—has the visibility, resources, and community needed to thrive. My ultimate goal is to grow nationwide and establish chapters in major regions in the U.S. and abroad, with Chicago being the epicenter."

Wheeler succeeds Luther Goins, who will continue to support the organization as a

Management Consultant.

Goins states, “Doc is full of energy, creativity, determination, and focus. Aside from his design,

marketing, and PR experience, he spent many years in the corporate world, and he is quite

savvy when it comes to fundraising and creating fundraising strategies. His love for Chicago's

Black Arts Communities is unchallenged. I look forward to continuing the work of BACA as a

consultant to support the important work of the organization. We are lucky to have Doc as the

new Executive Director.”

Darion "Doc" Wheeler is the founder of Mediacovenant LLC, where they specialize in

graphic/web design and digital product strategy. His career spans roles from Art Director at a

leading advertising agency to UX designer in health and retail to product manager in fintech and agriculture, successfully leading off-shore and near-shore teams delivering enterprise-scale solutions. A Detroit native and alumnus of the Illinois Institute of Design, Doc has collaborated with Chicago's premier advertising agencies and designed for the city's most prestigious theaters. His work bridges traditional design craftsmanship with emerging technology to amplify creative voices without compromising their authenticity. 

At BACA, Doc leads efforts to centralize and strengthen Chicago's Black arts ecosystem

through strategic digital infrastructure, governance innovation, and community engagement.

Whether through product strategy, organizational leadership, or mentorship, he remains

committed to building platforms where Black art and culture can unapologetically flourish.

Black Artists and the Chicago Film Industry

Celebrating Black Artists in the Chicago Film Industry

Chicago, a city known for its vibrant culture and rich history, has also made significant contributions to the film industry, particularly through the lens of Black artists. From iconic films that have left an indelible mark on cinema to burgeoning television series, the Windy City is a hotbed of talent both on and off the screen. Let’s dive into some of the standout moments and figures that have shaped the Black film narrative in Chicago!

Iconic Black Films Set in Chicago

Modern Film Studio in Chicago

When you think of classic Black cinema, two films immediately spring to mind: *Cooley High* and *Love Jones*. These films not only depict the Black experience in Chicago but also showcase the incredible talent of the artists involved.

Cooley High

Released in 1975, *Cooley High* is a coming-of-age story that captures the essence of Black youth in the 1960s. Starring the talented Jackie Taylor, this film is a nostalgic trip through the lives of high school friends navigating love, friendship, and the challenges of their environment. Its portrayal of Chicago’s neighborhoods and the struggles of its characters resonates with many, making it a timeless classic.

Love Jones

Fast forward to 1997, and we find ourselves in the romantic world of *Love Jones*, featuring the charming Larenz Tate. This film not only gave us some of the most memorable poetry and romance scenes but also highlighted Chicago’s vibrant arts scene. The chemistry between the characters and the backdrop of the city’s nightlife made it an instant favorite, capturing the essence of love and creativity in the city.

Television and Film Studios in Chicago

Chicago is not just a backdrop for these iconic films; it’s also home to various television and film studios that contribute to the industry. The city has become a bustling hub for production, with studios like Cinespace Chicago Film Studios and Chicago Studios offering state-of-the-art facilities for filmmakers.

Chicago Fire

One of the most notable series filmed in Chicago is *Chicago Fire*. This hit show not only showcases the city's stunning architecture but also features a diverse cast that brings the stories of firefighters and paramedics to life. The series has paved the way for more productions in the area, proving that Chicago is a prime location for storytelling.

Upcoming Excitement: Ironheart

As we look to the future, the excitement continues with the upcoming Disney series *Ironheart*. This series will introduce Riri Williams, a brilliant young inventor who takes up the mantle of Iron Man. With Chicago as a backdrop, the series promises to bring a fresh perspective to the superhero genre. The involvement of Black artists both in front of and behind the camera ensures that this series will resonate with audiences and continue to highlight the talent emerging from the city.

Conclusion

From the nostalgic streets of *Cooley High* to the romantic vibes of *Love Jones*, and the thrilling action of *Chicago Fire*, Black artists in Chicago have made an undeniable impact on the film and television industry. With the exciting prospects of *Ironheart* on the horizon, it’s clear that the Windy City will continue to be a beacon of creativity and talent. So, grab your popcorn and get ready to celebrate the rich tapestry of Black artistry in Chicago’s film scene!