Facets Cinematheque is a prominent year-round showcase of important independent and art films in Chicago that includes premieres, festivals and retrospectives. The Cinematheque has two theaters that show daily screenings of cutting-edge films.

Filmmakers, actors, critics and other guest speakers discuss their favorite films in Facets' Cinechat series, while Facets Night School presents midnight lectures and screenings on select Fridays and Saturdays. Facets Film School offers six-week class sessions on assorted film topics throughout the year.

Facets also hosts several film festivals each year, including the Chicago International Children's Film Festival, the African Diaspora Film Festival, and the Chicago Latino Film Festival.