Raul Benitez: The programmer who rewrites a city’s film culture

Ilse sits down with film programmer and Chicago Screen Gem Raul Benitez, a man who’s been shaping the city’s film culture for over a decade without ever setting foot in film school. From curating cult Czech fantasy films at midnight to launching a Chicago–Mexico City filmmaker exchange, Raul has proven that programming is equal parts taste, hustle, and knowing which audience actually wants the weird stuff.

They talk about the realities of landing a programmer gig, why gatekeeping is still rampant in festival culture, and the one email strategy that might actually get your movie seen.

Raul also shares his take on why theaters aren’t going anywhere (sorry, Variety execs), why Chicago excels at shorts and docs, and how networking is less about schmoozing and more about not being a weirdo.

Plus: seances gone wrong, Daddy’s Head, and the city’s best screening parties.

Follow Raul on IG @raulito_b or catch him at a midnight screening near you.

Hosted by Ilse Zacharias Rivera. Say hi / follow along here: @ilsezacharias

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Thank you to our sponsor, Joel Maisonet Photography: maisonetphotography.com