Hello!

My name is Mikaela McParlan-Sugrue

I’m a Chicago-based filmmaker, event organizer, and accessibility coordinator.

Originally from Duluth, Minnesota, I moved to Chicago in 2013 to study directing at Columbia College Chicago, where I graduated with a BA in Cinema Arts and Sciences. I have hundreds of hours of experience across set work and event operations, but I am always seeking opportunities to learn from experts and improve my craft. 

Chicago is a beacon for accessibility advocacy, and I’m dedicated to bringing that leadership into film and TV production. I want to work with productions of all sizes to break down barriers, empower disabled storytellers, and elevate accessibility behind the scenes.

Off-screen, I live in Lakeview with my husband and our dog. I’m an avid cyclist, food lover, traveler, and diver.

Selected Credits & Resume

Explore my event, festival, and film work below.

References available upon request.

Events

  • Film Festival Alliance, 2024-Ongoing

    • Accessibility Advisor

  • The Chicago International Film Festival, 2018-2025.

    • Theater Manager, Operations Coordinator, Operations Manager

  • Independent Film Exhibition Conference, 2024 & 2026

    • Volunteer, Sponsorship, and Accessibility Manager

  • SXSW, 2024, 2025, 2027 (anticipated)

    • Accessibility Assistant

  • Illinois Humanities One State Conference, 2025

    • Accessibility Coordination

  • Hoopla, 2025-ongoing

    • Event and Access Support (Les Turner Foundation Annual Fundraiser, Griffin Museum of Science and Industry Annual Fundraiser, Doc 10, etc)

  • Cultural Access Collaborative, 2026

    • Annual Fundraiser Event Planner

  • Mubi Fest, 2024

    • Chicago Operations Coordinator

Films

  • The Honking Tree Documentary, (Post Production)

    • Producer

  • Night 602 (Fina) Music Video, (Post Production)

    • Animator, Director, Producer

  • When The Sun Goes Down (Kid Copter), 2026

    • Director, Producer

  • Henri Short Film, 2026

    • Assistant Director

  • Blueberry Muffin Baby Feature Film, 2026 (Post Production)

    • Assistant Director

  • In Every Single Room Short Film, 2026

    • Assistant Director

  • Second City Sketch Show Pilot, 2025

    • Assistant Director

  • The Show (Kid Copter) Music Video, 2023

    • Producer

  • Prawn Star Short Film, 2023

    • Assistant Director

  • About Time Short Film, 2023

    • Assistant Director

Other Skills

Accessibility Coordination

Event Planning & Management

Movie Magic Scheduling

Dragonframe

Toon Boom/Harmony

Google & Microsoft Suite

Open Water Diving License