- +1 (845) 433-7083
- info@cumff.org
- 332 S. Michigan Ave, Suite 121 #5110,Chicago IL 60604
Are you a director or producer looking for fresh talent? CUMFF is the place to find it.
Whether you’re looking to sponsor an event, collaborate with a specific artist, or simply support the festival’s mission, we have options that align with your goals.
The festival has been a springboard for numerous talents who have gone on to secure record deals, film contracts, and more.
The Chicago Urban Music Film Festival (CUMFF) celebrates the talents born and nurtured in our neighborhoods. From street performances to church choirs, from backyard stages to local theater, urban talents are making waves. Join us in celebrating these artists as they step into the spotlight and showcase their skills on a global stage.
CUMFF nurtures and promotes a wide range of performing arts and entertainment genres, from spoken word to street dance, to cutting-edge indie films.
We create a global platform for artists, ensuring their voices are heard far beyond their local communities.
By facilitating connections between emerging talent and industry professionals, CUMFF fosters new opportunities for artists to be discovered, signed, and supported by major music labels and film studios.
CUMFF was born from a desire to challenge the traditional path to fame. Hollywood is filled with stars whose journeys began not in elite studios but in neighborhood streets, backyards, and local venues. CUMFF was founded to honor these roots, providing a platform for undiscovered artists to showcase their work, connect with industry leaders, and inspire the next generation of urban talent.
At CUMFF, our mission is clear: to shine a spotlight on the talent that flourishes in our urban neighborhoods and to provide a platform where these voices can be heard and appreciated on a global scale. We believe that creativity knows no boundaries, and our festival is a testament to the extraordinary skills and stories that emerge from the grassroots.
We are a catalyst for change in the lives of countless artists,actors and filmmakers. From securing record deals to landing major film roles, our festival has opened doors for participants in ways they never imagined.
The Veterans Awards, a unique initiative of the Chicago Urban Music and Film Festival (CUMFF), represents a heartfelt vision brought to life by Cmdr. Philip Willis, president of CUMFF. This groundbreaking program was initially conceived by Cmdr. Willis during his tenure with the Orlando Urban Film Festival (OUFF), where he served as Executive Director. His deep-rooted commitment to veteran affairs and entrepreneurial support has laid the foundation for this prestigious award, which honors veterans who have excelled in the fields of music, film, and the arts.
Cmdr. Willis, a retired U.S. Army Commander with over 20 years of experience in business and entertainment, brings a wealth of leadership and creativity to this initiative. He launched the Veterans Awards as part of his broader mission to empower veterans and provide them with opportunities in creative industries. His extensive background includes the creation of the Vet Connect Radio & Outreach Show in Chicago, further exemplifying his dedication to veteran advocacy.
Through the Veterans Awards, CUMFF aims to showcase the talents of veterans who have transitioned into the entertainment world, while also providing a platform for them to network with industry leaders. As part of this initiative, the festival honors those who have not only served their country but have also made significant contributions to the arts, creating a lasting impact on both the veteran community and the entertainment industry.
This initiative is a testament to Cmdr. Willis’ vision, which he first realized at OUFF. Now, as CUMFF continues to grow, the Veterans Awards will play a central role in spotlighting the exceptional talents and achievements of veterans across the globe.
Janol Ture — filmmaker, cultural architect, and CEO of Supernatural INC — continues to redefine how the world experiences Black excellence in film, music, and storytelling. As a creative force who merges truth, history, and empowerment, Ture’s vision extends far beyond entertainment; it is a movement grounded in unity, education, and legacy.
Supernatural INC’s groundbreaking documentary “To My Rescue: It Was The S1Ws (A Public Enemy Story)” has already left an indelible mark on the global stage. The film, which chronicles the untold story of Public Enemy’s legendary security force, the S1Ws, was featured in Rolling Stone Magazine and honored as the Centerpiece Film at the 2025 Pan African Film Festival. It also received two prestigious awards at the Long Island Music Hall of Fame Film Festival — Best Music Documentary and Best Social Impact Film — cementing its legacy as a powerful cinematic tribute to hip-hop, activism, and resistance.
Building on this momentum, Supernatural INC is preparing for two major releases: the upcoming “To My Rescue: It Was The S1Ws (A Public Enemy Story)” in Spring 2026, and the Ghana-based epic “Enter The Akata,” a fusion of Afrofuturism and Pan-African identity that bridges continents through art, culture, and imagination.
Ture’s leadership extends beyond film. As part of the Leadership Collective of the United World Music and Film Festival (UWMFF) — a global initiative he co-founded — Ture is helping to build an international platform for cultural exchange, creative investment, and artistic collaboration. Scheduled in Accra, Ghana for December 2026 at the Accra International Conference Centre, UWMFF will unite artists, filmmakers, musicians, and visionaries from across the diaspora to celebrate Africa’s creative power and global influence.
Explore the vibrant world of urban music as we highlight the artists who make our city sing. From hip-hop to soul, from gospel to jazz, discover the sounds that are pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be a modern musician. Get to know the artists through their profiles and listen to their tracks here.
Witness the creativity of urban filmmakers whose stories reflect the reality of life in the city. From short films to full-length features, CUMFF provides a stage for directors whose unique perspectives bring fresh narratives to the screen. Watch exclusive trailers, learn about the directors, and see their full films.
The performing arts are at the heart of CUMFF. Whether it’s contemporary dance, spoken word poetry, or experimental theater, this section showcases performances that captivate and challenge the audience. Each performance is accompanied by a profile of the performer, giving you deeper insight into their craft.
Think you have what it takes to perform on the CUMFF stage? Submit your music, film, or performance for consideration. We’re always on the lookout for new talent that pushes boundaries and brings something fresh to the world of urban arts.
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