Behind the Chair: A Cross-Industry Mixer
Kinowerks, Media Maven & Women in Film Chicago presents
a premiere + panel on resilience, leadership, innovation, and cultural preservation.
Behind the Chair: A Cross-Industry Mixer
Sept 27 | 5–10 PM | Kinowerks
Born from barbershop culture—where community, creativity, and conversation collide—this event is all about breaking barriers and building bridges.
Kinowerks, Media Maven, and Women in Film Chicago are bringing filmmakers, creatives, barbers & beauticians, service industry pros, business leaders, and ad agencies into the same room to spark connection, collaboration, and cultural preservation at the highest level.
Four incredible creatives to our Behind the Chair panel — each bringing decades of wisdom, artistry, and leadership:
Lewis Williams — Award-winning creative leader with 30+ years crafting iconic campaigns for brands like Toyota, McDonald’s, Google, and Coca-Cola.
Jonathan Desir — Executive Producer with 20+ years shaping bold brand stories, from Shaq and the Chicago Bulls to Chance the Rapper’s Magnificent Coloring World.
Eli Clarke — Emmy-nominated producer, director, and camera operator behind Netflix, Showtime, HBO specials, and six Dave Chappelle stand-ups.
Kala Bradford — Founder of Media Maven Studio, driving inclusive campaigns that amplify underrepresented voices and shape narratives for change. This evening isn’t just about the premiere of Kala’s documentary Chicago Lady Barber or food and drinks — it’s about learning from the collective efforts that shape culture, strategy, and storytelling on a global stage. Sign up through the link in our bio to join the conversation, experience the premiere, and connect with the community