Mofest: The Only Annual Film & Arts Fest that Supports Midwest Film Production

Mofest7 Kicks Off with WildSound Music Event and 48-Hour Film Challenge
The Only Annual Film and Arts Fest that Celebrates Chicago and Midwest Film Production

Mofest announces the launch of Mofest7 with events including WildSound, followed by the 48-Hour Film Challenge, leading up to the Seventh Annual grand full two-day film and arts festival April 21st – 22nd at the historical Portage Theater. Mofest is a non-profit that recognizes and supports Chicago and Midwest filmmakers, film production, crewmembers, emerging talent and creative media by hosting events in the city that support the film production industry and the community with an annual celebration produced by its board and volunteers through fundraising, sponsorship and events. Sponsors for this year’s event include the Midwest Chapter of AICP, post production facility Optimus, Essanay Studios and Lighting, Fletcher Camera and Lenses, A to B Rentals, film production company Story, creative production studio Vitamin, RSL vehicle rentals, Half Acre Brewery and Binny’s Beverage Depot.

Located at Chicago’s Cobra Lounge, WildSound2 launched the festival April 7th. The second annual show is the only Midwest musical event that brings together bands and musicians from the film production industry. Musical acts included DSOUL WILLIS (featuring herself) and special guest Max-a-Million, THE SPEEDS (featuring Mario Coletta and Mike Zeller), HEAVY BOMBERS (featuring Jeff Green), A MINUTE JACK FORUM (featuring David Leemkuil), and THE 476ERS (featuring IATSE Studio Mechanics Local 476 Mark Castelaz, Tim Armstrong, Alex Riordan and Mario Coletta). DSoul is a 2nd AD in commercials and music videos. Jeff Green works through Essanay Studios and Lighting. David Leemkuil is an Editor/Videographer. Mark Castelaz is a Gaffer on commercials and TV including the award-winning hit show BOSS. WildSound Director Tim Armstrong is the owner/proprietor of ReActure Films and a video playback pro. Alex Riordan is an established owner proprietor of Riordan Sound Services providing audio for commercials and film. Mario Coletta also provides audio services for commercials and film and owner and proprietor of Chicago Sound Services.

Mofest’s 48-Hour Film Challenge is the festival’s short film competition. Genre, lines of dialogue, and props will be announced 8 PM Friday, April 13th at The Bindery Art Studios and Warehouse at 2621 W. Grand Ave (south side of Grand behind gate). Teams will have until 8 PM Sunday, April 15th to complete the competition. Qualifying projects will be screened at the Seventh Annual Mofest on Saturday, April 21st.

Mofest7 will be held April 21st – 22nd at the historic Portage Theater located at 4050 N. Milwaukee in Chicago. Last year over 600 guests were in attendance at the event. The fest has grown to include two full nights of film, creative displays, art galleries and photo exhibits submitted by the Midwest production community and sponsored by local production supporters. Volunteers, sponsorship and donations help to fund and produce the event that showcases films, media and art created by production and crew members.

For more information about Mofest, sponsorship opportunities and upcoming events please visit the website: www.mofest.org [3]