The Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival (BWiFF) will host “A Toast to 2023,” a fundraiser for their 2023 season on Friday, November 11 at Emmett’s Brewing Company, 110 N. Brockway Street in Palatine. Guests are invited to enjoy appetizers, a photo booth, cash bar, raffles, and a silent auction.
Silent auction and raffle items will include passes to Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament in Schaumburg, Star Cinema Grill in South Barrington, a private whiskey tour at Koval Distillery in Chicago, Green Bay Packers game at Lambeau Field, and several other prizes ranging in value from $100 to over $500.
“Our fall fundraiser is our largest public appeal for funding and is pivotal to the success of our annual festival each summer,” said Development Director Therese Mlynarczyk. “Funds raised will go toward cultivating an enhanced festival experience and expand upon our supplemental programming.”
In addition to the week-long independent film festival held each July, BWiFF presents an annual Cinema Centennial program that showcases a collection of films released 100 years ago. The 1922 silent film program was recently presented at Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Avenue in Chicago, with live music and sound effect accompaniment.
Through the festival’s Imbibe Cinema program, the organization also produces a bi-weekly podcast, web articles, and an all-new membership-based streaming subscription.
“Our organization’s roots are in Palatine,” said Executive Director Michael Noens. The festival started in 2010 at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center in Palatine before moving to Mount Prospect in 2016 and then Chicago in 2017. “We’re looking forward to sharing some exciting news about our new Imbibe Cinema membership program that will give residents and the surrounding community the opportunity to experience the festival once again here in Palatine.”
Tickets are available online for $25. Capacity is limited. Attire is dressy casual. All attendees will receive a 30-day Imbibe Cinema free trial membership and 20% off tickets to the 2023 Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival at Chicago Filmmakers, 1326 W. Hollywood Avenue, running from July 14-22 next summer in Chicago.
Mlynarczyk added, “What I enjoy most about this fundraiser is that it’s not just about raising funds for future years, it’s a celebration of what we’ve accomplished in past years and sharing that experience with our supporters.”
