The Power of First-Voice Storytelling: Inside the Community Film Workshop

For over five decades, the Community Film Workshop of Chicago (CFWC) has been more than just a training ground for filmmakers—it has been a catalyst for change, a hub of cultural expression, and a force for media equity. 

At Bronzecomm, we have long admired and shared CFWC’s programs with our readers, but it’s time to go beyond event listings and take a deeper look at this organization as a whole. Community Film Workshop of Chicago is not just teaching filmmaking; it is shaping the way stories are told, who gets to tell them, and how those stories impact our communities. Their work deserves not only visibility but also our collective recognition and support.

A Legacy of Media Equity and Mentorship

Founded in 1971 by the late Jim Taylor with support from the American Film Institute and the Office of Economic Opportunity, CFWC was built on the belief that media should reflect the diversity and authenticity of the communities it serves. Its teaching philosophy is deeply rooted in the practice of artist mentorship—where instructors listen, question, mold, affirm, and challenge artists to reach their highest potential. 

When attending CFWC, media artists are encouraged to find their authentic voice because, as the organization understands, it is the perspective of the storyteller that shapes the narrative. The difference between films about people of color and those produced by people of color is in that first-voice perspective, and CFWC is committed to ensuring those voices are heard.

The Power of Leadership: Margaret Caples

Under the leadership of Executive Director Margaret Caples—a graduate of the workshop’s very first class—CFWC has become a vital force in diversifying the media industry. Ms. Caples is not just an advocate for media equity; she is a leader recognized nationally for her work. Her impact has been acknowledged through numerous awards, including:

• The Gene Siskel Film Center’s “Legacy Award”
• The Black Harvest International Festival of Film and Video’s Deloris Jordan Award for Excellence in Community Leadership
• The Dr. Margaret Burroughs Legacy Award from the DuSable Museum’s Women’s Board
• Chicago Cultural Treasures 2021 by IFF

She has also been featured in the documentary and book Women of Vision: Histories in Feminist Film and Video by Alexandra Juhasz, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in independent media.

Culture and Community 

CFWC operates within the community it serves, located at 6200 S. Drexel Ave. in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. Its programs are immersive and impactful, offering both intensive workshops and youth training initiatives. These programs have led to the development of numerous community-based projects and have launched the careers of emerging filmmakers. One notable alum, Jacqueline Stewart, made history as the first African American host of Turner Classic Movies' silent film programming, a testament to the workshop’s ability to cultivate talent that reaches far beyond Chicago.

CFWC’s commitment to fostering diverse voices is evident in initiatives like the Production Institute, a collaboration with the Logan Center for the Arts. This program makes high-quality digital production training accessible to emerging media makers from South Side communities, addressing the lack of affordable, intensive courses available to these filmmakers. Through hands-on film production courses taught by experienced instructors, participants have the opportunity to advance their digital production skills and build professional portfolios.

Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead

Like many nonprofit arts organizations, CFWC faces significant challenges. Funding and sustainability remain ongoing concerns, as the organization relies on grants and community contributions to continue its work. Additionally, keeping up with the rapid evolution of media technology requires constant adaptation—a challenge for any organization, but especially for one dedicated to ensuring access for underrepresented voices.

Despite these obstacles, CFWC continues to thrive through partnerships with institutions like the Logan Center for the Arts and through initiatives such as the documentary WHAT'S YOUR STORY: Community Film Workshop's 50-Year Journey, which chronicles the organization's lasting impact. Their commitment to training the next generation of media professionals is unwavering, and their work remains as essential today as it was at their founding.

Looking ahead, CFWC aims to expand its reach and continue adapting to the changing media landscape. By strengthening existing partnerships and forging new ones, they seek to provide even more resources and opportunities for aspiring filmmakers. Their focus remains on empowering individuals to tell their own stories, thereby enriching the broader media narrative with diverse perspectives.

Get Involved

If you are a storyteller, an aspiring filmmaker, or someone passionate about supporting media equity, CFWC is an organization worth connecting with. Whether you’re looking to develop your skills, collaborate, or support their mission, their work is a reminder that storytelling is a powerful tool for change. You don’t have to be a filmmaker to get a membership, all you need is a desire to see this work continue for 50 more years. 

Learn more about their programs and initiatives at cfwchicago.org.