The 1st Independent Film Gala was emcee’d by Chicago native and indie-film pioneer Robert Townsend, was attended by more than 300 guests, featured live auction prizes including a walk-on role in the new Harold Ramis film, and raised $70,000. All photos by Ray Pride

The people from 24/7

Tim Kinsella (Orchard Vale)

IFP/Chicago’s Elizabeth Donius, Claire Connelley and Lynn Steadman

Malachi Leopold (Left Brain/Right Brian Productions)

Mark Buhmann (Dead In The Water)

IFP/Chicago Board Member Nicole Bernardi Reis and Manuela Hung, Filmworkers/Astrolab

IFP/Chicago Board Members Marci Freidman Roman and Sandy Gordon

Gala Crowd

IFP/Chicago Board Members Scott Smith and John Fromstein, Fulton Market Films

Leigh Jones, 5-25-77

IFP/Chicago Board Member and DT Amy Cargill Nice Bombs, Orchard Vale

IFP/Chicago’s Lynn Steadman

Gala crowd

Steve Conrad and Steve Jones, The Promotions ; IFP/Chicago’s Elizabeth Donius

Gala crowd

Justine Nagan, Karlemquin Films ; Scott Robbe, Film Wisconsin

Auction Winners Board

Marci Rolnick, Lawyers for the Creative Arts ; IFP/Chicago’s Lynn Steadman

Gala crowd

Gala crowd

Food

Robert Townsend and IFP/Chicago’s Colleen O’Neill

Gala crowd

John McNaughton, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer

Kris Williams, Kissing on the Mouth

Betsy Steinberg, Illinois Film Office ; Dustin Park, Crains Chicago

Rod Plummer and friends