Search Results for: Midwest Film Festival

When Chicago Community Cinema re-launches May 3 as the Midwest Independent Film Festival at Landmark’s Century Centre, it will be one of the first fests between the coasts to offer true HD projection.

New sponsor Resolution Digital Studios?The Show Department’s HD facility which officially opens its doors this April?is supplying Digital Light Processing (DLP) HD projection equipment.

Longtime CCC sponsor Fletcher Chicago is providing a DVC-Pro HD playback deck.

Michael Matzdorff’s Door County comedy “Feed the Fish” leads the 47 contenders for the Midwest Independent Film Festival’s annual Best of the Midwest Awards, running for its third year on Dec. 7 at Rockit Bar & Grill.

“Feed the Fish” is nominated in six categories: for best feature, director, screenplay, cinematography, editing, and Green Bay native Tony Shalhoub for best actor.

The BMAs honor the films that screened at MIFF’s monthly first Tuesday events throughout the year.

WHAT ARE THE ODDS of filmmakers actually seeing their short film premiere at two international film festivals, being held the same weeks this month, at two widely separated locations?

Short film producers Kathryn Henderson and Marie Ullrich fly to London Tuesday to see their short, “Faster!” showcase at the ultra prestigious 54th British Film Institute London Film Festival.

At the same time, “Faster!” also screens as one of the 11 choice selections in the Illinois(e)Makers program at the 46th Chicago International Film Festival.

Presenters Jon McNaughton and Steve Conrad and nominee Lori Petty are just a few of the high-powered guests expected at the Midwest Independent Film Festival’s annual Best of the Midwest Awards (BMA) Dec. 1 at Rockit Bar & Grill.

“Last year’s BMAs were sold-out and filled to the brim with the top film industry folks in town and we were absolutely elated with the turnout,” says festival director and co-founder Mike McNamara.

“For this year’s festivities, we’ll have more great guests and award presenters that we’ll be announcing as we get closer to the first.”

“All truth passes through three stages,” Ky Dickens, a producer for commercial MK Films, says in her documentary “Fish Out of Water.” “First it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. And third, it is accepted as being self-evident.”

“Fish Out of Water” screened Sunday as the documentary centerpiece of the 29th Reeling: Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival.

Dickens interviewed religious figures, scholars and everyday Americans in more than 20 states about shifting religious, social and political views on homosexuality.

Actor/director Jeff Daniels’ latest feature will have its Midwest premiere at the 11th Annual Waterfront Film Festival June 11-14 in Saugatuck, Mich., where 70-plus films in five venues will screen.

Daniels’ “The Answer Man” is a comedy about the reclusive and misanthropic author of a landmark book that redefined spirituality for a generation, in which he claims to have spoken directly to God.

Twenty-two of the best Midwestern films from a year’s worth of the Midwest Independent Film Festival will be honored Dec. 2 at a gala awards ceremony ? not at its usual Century Cinema venue – but at the more festive Rockit Bar & Grill.

The 22 films, which played at MWFF throughout 2008, have been nominated in nine categories.

Three films scored the most nominations. Five nominations for director Steve Conrad’s feature, “The Promotion,” with John C.

ACTOR DAVID PASQUESI’S TV SERIES, “Factory,” will bow June 29 on Spike TV, but Pasquesi may not see the premiere episode in Rome, where he’s garnering a nifty credit in the super big-budget “Angels and Demons” from Imagine Entertainment.

It’s based on the Dan Brown novel, actually the prequel to “The DaVinci Code,” and Tom Hanks again portrays symbologist Robert Langdon.

The largely improvised “Factory” is about four guys ?

The Independent Feature Project/Midwest has made no little plans. Foremost among them is the possible acquisition of the 15-year old eclectic Chicago Underground Film Festival, plus expanding the number of screenings, workshops and networking events.

To help achieve these goals, IFP’s board added five new members to increase the board size to 25 members.

“We have branched out and brought in ideas from experts beyond the film world,” says IFP executive director Elizabeth Donius, noting the new members’ expertise includes public relations, development and arts management.

THE TAX EXTENSION IS ON ITS WAY! The Illinois House voted 107-7 to extend Illinois’ generous 20% tax credits. The bill was introduced to the House by speaker Michael Madigan .

From there, the bill goes to the Senate and wends its way through committes and ultimately to the Senate floor for a vote ? assuming all goes according to plan. It’s difficult to say when to pop corks — everyone’s hoping before the end of the month — so stay tuned.

BRIAN JUN’S dramatic feature “Steel City” was named Best of the Midwest at the Midwest Independent Film Festival last week at Century Centre Cinema before an SRO house.

BRIAN JUN’S dramatic feature “Steel City” was named Best of the Midwest at the Midwest Independent Film Festival last week at Century Centre Cinema before an SRO house.

Fast on the heels of its smashingly successful fund-raising gala comes IFP/Chicago’s 16th annual Midwest Filmmakers Summit the weekend of Oct. 19.

“We’re just recovering from the gala,” good-naturedly moaned IFP executive director Elizabeth Donius who, with development director Colleen O’Neill and staff put on one kick-ass event.

A full house of 300 guests jammed Salvage One Friday, Sept. 28 to party, meet other indie filmmakers, bid on a slew of neat auction items, and leave IFP approximately $20,000 richer to use for programs throughout the year.

With the advent of Labor Day, when white shoes are tucked in the back of the closet, and sunlight vanishes all-too-early, a pent-up avalanche of non-theatrical films descends upon Chicago.

There’s something for everyone, as hundreds and hundreds of indie films will screen in more than 75 movie events to date at familiar and new venues, now through December.

Pete Schwaba joins the growing ranks of independent filmmakers choosing self-release over unsatisfactory distribution offers, when he opens his debut feature “The Godfather of Green Bay” in theaters March 24.

Schwaba and his producers Brian and Josh Etting are playing “Godfather” on 14 screens across Wisconsin.

“Just seeing it play in festivals for over a year, we saw how audiences responded,” Schwaba said.

“We saw offers for straight-to-video or a week in New York. We didn’t know if our investors would see a dime.

Nineteen-year-old actor and filmmaker Aaron Himelstein led the winners at the Midwest Independent Film Festival’s inaugural Best of the Midwest Awards.

Best of the Midwest bestowed Shelle Awards in 12 categories for films made in the Midwest or by Midwest filmmakers, which had screened at the MWFF’s monthly event at Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema.

A Buffalo Grove native who played young Austin Powers in “Goldmember,” Himelstein’s drama “Sugar Mountain” took the Best Picture and Best Drama awards.

A heavy dose of hard-hitting politics joins the staples of transgressive and experimental cinema at the 12th Annual Chicago Underground Film Festival, which runs Aug. 18-25 in its new home at the Music Box Theatre.

CUFF 12 includes 13 narrative features, nine documentary features, 18 narrative shorts, 29 documentary shorts, 89 experimental shorts, and six animations.

LAUREN FISCHER is hitting her stride as a recognized screenwriter. On Aug. 31 her “Wish I Might”?winner of the 2005 IFP/Chicago-Chicago Scriptworks contest?will have a staged reading by Chicago Scriptworks at the Cultural Center.

“Wish I Might” is the story of two teenaged stepsisters and the one wish that will either bring them together or tear their family apart. It’s also a semi-finalist in the 2005 PAGE International Screenwriting Awards.

Filmmaker donnie l. betts first met Oscar Brown, Jr. at a workshop in Denver when betts was a young actor there.

“He inspired me to be the kind of artist I wanted to be, “an artist who has a social responsibility and a social awareness to do more than entertain but educate as well, and hopefully elevate,” said betts, now a theatre director, screen actor and documentarian.

25 years later, betts has completed the first full-length documentary ever made about the Chicago cultural icon who died May 29.

A dozen Latino filmmakers have set out to make Chicago a better place for their fellow Latinos to make movies.

Juan J. Lopez and his colleagues have launched the Chicago chapter of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP).

Founded in 1999 and boasting chapters in 11 cities, NALIP is dedicated to supporting Latinos working throughout the film industry.

Aspiring filmmaker Adriana Rivera has some basic questions that the Reel is happy to answer, and hopes it also helps you.

Rivera : I’d love to know what’s filming in Chicago.

INDIEFEST CHICAGO has extended the submission deadline to May 10 for the Third Annual Indiefest Film Festival & Market, the only film market in Midwest, which runs July 29-Aug. 7. See www.indiefest.org.

“Juvies” National guests draw big crowds at IFP/Chicago Filmmakers Conference Donius presided over her first IFP Filmmakers Conference Oct. 21-24, featuring an expanded four-day schedule, a higher-profile roster of national figures and attendees from across the Midwest. The Conference springboarded off the Chicago International Film Festival, which closed the night the Conference opened, drawing filmmakers who were in town for the fest: Alexander Payne, whose “Sideways” advance screening presaged the Conference, and director Dylan Kidd and star Laura Linney, whose “P.S.” headlined Friday night. Record number of locally-made films screening at Chicago Film Festival One of the films was made in India and one of the directors lives in L.A., but with 12 films ? four features and eight shorts ‐ either made in Chicago, by a local director, or both, there’s more “Chicago” in the 40th Annual Chicago International Film Festival than there has been in recent memory. Here’s a quick guide to all the Chicago films at this year’s CIFF, which runs through Oct. 21. Venue locations are listed at the end. “THE JOURNEY,” World Premiere Local attorney Ligy J. Chicago International Film Fest pulls out all the stops for 40th anniversary celebration The glitz and glamour of the Chicago International Film Festival (Oct. 7-21) ratchets up to ultra high as it celebrates its 40th anniversary, founded by artistic director Micahel Kutza, marked with more premieres, more star presentations, more special presenations and more parties than ever before. Out of the 1,500 submissions received, 111 features and 54 shorts from 44 countries will screen. Of these two are world premieres, 13 North American premieres and 22 U.S. premieres. Opening night (Oct. Zack Parker plans filming $2 million gothic thriller in Indiana in September Director Zack Parker will take his mostly Chicago crew to his native Richmond, Indiana this September for five weeks to shoot his second feature, the projected $2 million “Quench.” Parker shot his debut feature, the horror pic “Inexchange” on the campus of his alma mater Ball State University in summer 2001. Looking for a movie tonight? Catch one of these non-traditional film series Chicago boasts one of the biggest and most vibrant independent film scenes in America, in terms of both production and outlets. To prove the point, Chicago is experiencing a boom in non-traditional screening series. In addition to a growing roster of annual film festivals, established and fledgling organizations host screenings scattered around the city at theatres, nightclubs and other venues. Famous local animators to topline April Midwest Animators Conference Famous regional stars of regional animated films and commercials will highlight the 2004 Midwest Animators Conference April 23-24 at the Double Trees Guest Suites in Downers Grove. Don’t let the ambiguous topic titles turn you off. Speakers on those subjects are some of the most authoritative and productive visual artists in the business. Indiefest Chicago launches Aug. 1, featuring Midwest’s first film market The Midwest’s first film market is gearing up for its launch Aug. 8-10, the last three days of Indiefest Chicago, a festival that begins Aug. 1. “We’re out to promote the ‘Vision Without Compromise’ spirit of the independent filmmaker, and to bring a film festival and market to Chicago that is truly for the independent filmmaker,” said Indiefest organizer Lee Alan. First Milwaukee International Film Festival bows Nov. 6-16 Milwaukee has joined the ranks of hundreds of cities with its first International Film Festival, Nov. 6-16 that will strongly emphasize Midwestern-made independent films. “Lizzie” director launches Indiefest film market “Lizzie” director Lee Alan is launching Indiefest, the Midwest’s first film market. Lee Alan is out to help what he believes is an underserved constituency: independent filmmakers. Camera Ambassador announces Community Builders Grant 2022 winner Following another competitive season, the Community Builders Grant, in association with Camera Ambassador, has announced its annual film winner naming Video Funeral as its 2022 award recipient. This year the annual short-form film fund and production resources grant organization’s endowment was sponsored by Camera Ambassador. The equipment rental house is one of only three nationwide … Continue reading “Camera Ambassador announces Community Builders Grant 2022 winner” Live Screening for Big Teeth Small Shorts and a Reel Chicago discount The Big Teeth Small Shorts Film Festival is back and hosting an in-person, live screening at Burning Bush Brewery the evening of Thursday, June 9th – with special discount for Reel Chicago readers! The short form film festival features truly independent filmmakers from across the globe – as well as some local Chicagoans – and gives … Continue reading “Live Screening for Big Teeth Small Shorts and a Reel Chicago discount” Camera Ambassador presents 2022 Community Builders Grant Calling all Midwest filmmakers! Apply by March 31st at 11:59 pm for the 2022 Community Builders Grant. The Community Builders Grant is the annual short-form film fund and production resources grant sponsored by Camera Ambassador. The mission is to help build bridges between Midwest filmmakers and the community while elevating their production by arming them … Continue reading “Camera Ambassador presents 2022 Community Builders Grant” Reel Women: Erica Duffy sole owner of Camera Ambassador Editor’s Note: They are leaders. They are inspirational. They are mentors. They are visionaries. They are, quite frankly, badasses. They are our 2022 REEL WOMEN. During Women’s History Month, you will be able to meet these incredible personalities in Advertising, Entertainment, Media and Production. Women like Erica Duffy are making “Herstory.” Erica Duffy is the sole owner of Camera Ambassador, the … Continue reading “Reel Women: Erica Duffy sole owner of Camera Ambassador” Interview: Director Kamelya Alexan winner of the MFF Empowerment Award Director and self-proclaimed wearer of many hats, Kamelya Alexan won the Empowerment Award at the 2022 Midwest Film Festival’s Best of the Midwest Awards, for her short, Changing The Disciple. It is the story of Shango Johnson, a former gang leader born on the south side of Chicago, who wanted something more out of life … Continue reading “Interview: Director Kamelya Alexan winner of the MFF Empowerment Award” Camera Ambassador announces Builders Grant winner After months of careful consideration & hundreds of community votes, Camera Ambassador introduces this year’s 2021 Community Builders Grant winner Link Wolfe.  His team’s project Zero Mile Mark is a horror short film about a troubled teen who is forcibly sent to a wilderness retreat program in the woods for “rehabilitation.” We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity … Continue reading “Camera Ambassador announces Builders Grant winner” MFF celebrates Homecoming Night virtual showcase Join the Midwest Film Festival for a special evening celebrating Homecoming Night, a virtual gathering of homegrown Midwestern talent and stories. The evening begins Thursday, May 27, 2021, at 6:00 PM with a pre-screening panel, then a showcase of the works of eight filmmakers, finishing the evening with a filmmakers Q&A. The Midwest Film Festival is the … Continue reading “MFF celebrates Homecoming Night virtual showcase” Applications now open for the Community Builders Grant The Community Builders Grant is a short-form film fund and production resources grant sponsored by Camera Ambassador. Their mission is to help build bridges between filmmakers and the community while elevating their production by arming them with the necessary tools to create. This grant supports artists with varying levels of experience, both to recognize accomplished individuals, … Continue reading “Applications now open for the Community Builders Grant” MFF Union & Indie Passion Projects exciting lineup Join Midwest Film Festival and The Gene Siskel Film Center on Tuesday, September 29th at 6:00pm at the CHI-Town Movies Drive-In with a brand new themed night to celebrate the passion projects created by Union & Indie Filmmakers.  This night is all about celebrating the short films created not only by indie filmmakers, but also members of … Continue reading “MFF Union & Indie Passion Projects exciting lineup” Manuela Hung’s ‘Handpan Journey’ premieres at MFF Reel Chicago goes Behind the Scenes with Manuela Hung on the making of her fascinating documentary, Handpan Journey premiering at Midwest Film Festival’s Female Filmmaker Night. If there was a Chicago award for lifetime achievement, dedication and love for film, Manuela Hung would be a top contender.  She has been an active part of Chicago’s … Continue reading “Manuela Hung’s ‘Handpan Journey’ premieres at MFF” MFF offers free online Comedy Shorts Program Just when we needed it the most, the Midwest Film Festival (MFF) is participating in #GivingTuesday by giving viewers access to their Comedy Shorts Program online, free of charge. Originally presented in February as the 2020 season opener program, there are 10 films available to view that touch on a wide variety of topics, all with one goal … Continue reading “MFF offers free online Comedy Shorts Program” MFF launches 2020 season under new director Duffy Erica Duffy, a transplant from San Francisco, has been part of the Chicago film community for 6 years and counting. No stranger to film production, she’s the proud owner of Camera Ambassador, a local rental house in Chicago. Camera Ambassador provides resources and services to filmmakers such as workshops and screenings.  The space also hosts … Continue reading “MFF launches 2020 season under new director Duffy” Behind the scenes with the Chicago IFA’s Angie Gaffney Angie Gaffney chaperones a lot of dreams in the Windy City. As Executive Director of the Chicago Independent Film Alliance — an organization recently formed by combining the Independent Filmmaker Project with Stage 18 — she helps people achieve their goals, and their goals are to make movies. Or short films. Or pilots. Or web … Continue reading “Behind the scenes with the Chicago IFA’s Angie Gaffney” Cannes Lions: Burnett wins Commerce Grand Prix for Thighstop Congrats to our friends over at Leo Burnett. Their creative rebranding of Wingstop into Thighstop earned the agency The Grand Prix in Creative Commerce Lions on Wednesday at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity for 2022. With a national supply chain shortage of wings, Burnett launched a fun, engaging and effective rebrand of Wingstop. … Continue reading “Cannes Lions: Burnett wins Commerce Grand Prix for Thighstop” CFA Media Mixer pairs visual and sound artists in three new pieces Chicago Film Archives (CFA) celebrates the 10th anniversary of their annual Media Mixer event with the premiere of three new pieces. The Media Mixer project started in 2012 as a way to open up CFA’s vault of archival footage to artists working in media, and to support the creation of a new video work by … Continue reading “CFA Media Mixer pairs visual and sound artists in three new pieces” ‘The Alpinist’ producer Mike Negri joins 11 Dollar Bill Mike Negri, producer of the Emmy Award-winning documentary The Alpinist and the SXSW Audience Award-winning documentary The Dawn Wall, has joined 11 Dollar Bill as Senior Producer. Negri, who brings extensive experience in film, television, advertising and branded content, will be based out of the company’s facility in Boulder and support projects originating there and at its Chicago and Raleigh … Continue reading “‘The Alpinist’ producer Mike Negri joins 11 Dollar Bill” Katharin Mraz preps her next feature and launches Ladie K, LLC Katharin Mraz, a Chicago-based film director, commercial producer, actress and model, has announced the launch of a new venture: Ladie K, LLC.  The new entertainment company intends to create diversity-focused, women-empowered feature films and episodic content for festival release and streaming platforms.  Mraz who wrapped her first feature You’re OUT! last summer has teamed up … Continue reading “Katharin Mraz preps her next feature and launches Ladie K, LLC” Strange Loop Studios signs East Coast representation Live-action, Chicago based production company, Strange Loop Studios announces signing East Coast representation with Brandon Pico and Amanda Lemiuex of Hapa. With numerous years of successful matchmaking experience, the Hapa team brings innovative energy and loyal partnerships together. “Collaboration and efficient execution with fun along the way, are essential pillars to our process at Strange … Continue reading “Strange Loop Studios signs East Coast representation” INTERVIEW: Chicago’s own Jane Lynch at home in the directors chair Jane Lynch accepted a new challenge by jumping into the directors chair and joining a growing list of talented actresses who appear in front of, and behind the camera. What better place to hone her skills than her hometown Chicago where she not only directed the spots for the new Illinois Tourism campaign for STORY … Continue reading “INTERVIEW: Chicago’s own Jane Lynch at home in the directors chair” Asian Pop-Up Cinema announces full line up for season 14 Asian Pop-Up Cinema: Season 14 will present 28 films in downtown Chicago and the north suburbs, with select films available for online streaming. The joint virtual and in-person festival opens March 13 and runs through April 10. The diverse lineup celebrates the best of Asian cinema from South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and … Continue reading “Asian Pop-Up Cinema announces full line up for season 14” Cutters promotes Magdalena Hernández to editor Cutters, the high-end editorial boutique, promotes Magdalena Hernández to editor in an announcement made by Cutters Chicago Executive Producer Heather Richardson. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, and fluent in both Spanish and English, Hernández earned her BA in Filmmaking from Universidad Nacional de Colombia in 2015, then completed her MS in Cinema Post-Production at DePaul University … Continue reading “Cutters promotes Magdalena Hernández to editor” Randolph Street Market returns with Mag Mile Pop-Up Randolph Street Market lights up the Magnificent Mile with three Holiday Market weekends.  After a 2 year break, Randolph Street Market comes back to Chicago and will be decking the halls this holiday season for three weekends December 4 & 5, 11 & 12, and 18 & 19 at 830 N. Michigan Avenue, formerly the … Continue reading “Randolph Street Market returns with Mag Mile Pop-Up” Vance Malone and John Marx launch Blue Label Productions Longtime Director/Producer team Vance Malone and John Marx have made it official, partnering to launch their own boutique production company, Blue Label Productions. Malone, an award-winning director of commercials, content and short films, is renowned for a body of work with evocative performances and stylish visuals, while Marx enjoys a reputation as one of the industry’s … Continue reading “Vance Malone and John Marx launch Blue Label Productions” Tom Pastorelle joins Sarofsky as Senior Editor One-stop cross-media production company Sarofsky is adding Tom Pastorelle to its full-time staff as Senior Editor. The news was announced by company Principal and Executive Creative Director Erin Sarofsky, and Executive Producer Steven Anderson. “We are so thrilled to be adding Tom to our team,” Erin began. “He has edited a lot of amazing projects over the … Continue reading “Tom Pastorelle joins Sarofsky as Senior Editor” Chicago-based Sheridan Road Productions premieres ‘The Road Dance’ The Road Dance, a WWI drama/love story, based on actual events, was developed and produced by Sheridan Road Productions, a Chicago-based development and production company. Attending the world premiere screening of The Road Dance on August 24 at the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) are its lead female star Hermione Corfield of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Mission Impossible: Rogue … Continue reading “Chicago-based Sheridan Road Productions premieres ‘The Road Dance’” CIFF launches Chicago Industry Exchange and CIX:Lab The Chicago International Film Festival, presented by Cinema/Chicago, announced the formation of the organization’s Chicago Industry Exchange (CIX), the new name for its year-round industry programming, along with the launch of CIX:Lab The CIX:Lab is a year-long creative development lab focusing on 4-5 feature film projects made by diverse voices and underrepresented filmmakers in the region. CIX will build on … Continue reading “CIFF launches Chicago Industry Exchange and CIX:Lab” Chicago creatives bring home 15 Lions for their city Chicago creatives are the recipients of 15 Cannes Lions International Festival Awards, including the Titanium Lion – the top creative award in the world for the “Boards of Change” work. In addition to the awarded Cannes Lions, the City of Chicago was recognized at The One Show 2021, receiving one Grand Prix, four gold, four … Continue reading “Chicago creatives bring home 15 Lions for their city” One at Optimus signs Director George Zwierzynski Jr. One at Optimus, the production arm of leading production and post house Optimus, today announced George Zwierzynski Jr. has signed on as director. The award-winning director’s work ranges from comedic short films to commercial campaigns for brands including Ace Hardware, Avocados From Mexico, Boost Mobile, Dunkin’, Dyson, Intel, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, Stella Artois, Totino’s, Truth and … Continue reading “One at Optimus signs Director George Zwierzynski Jr.” 2020 in Review: Reel Chicago’s Biggest Stories What a year, huh? 2020, which felt like a decade, will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the worst years ever. And who will argue? Certainly not the staff at Reel Chicago. This year, COVID forced productions to shut down. Then start back up. Then shut back down. Then start back up. It … Continue reading “2020 in Review: Reel Chicago’s Biggest Stories” Zoë Iltsopoulos Borys named VP/GM Panavision Chicago Panavision has named Zoë Iltsopoulos Borys to lead the company’s Chicago office as Vice President and General Manager. Borys will ensure Panavision’s customers continue to receive the highest level of service and support throughout the commercial, television, and feature sectors, and will be supported by Chicago Operations Manager Stan Glapa. Sharon Walker Retires Borys’ appointment … Continue reading “Zoë Iltsopoulos Borys named VP/GM Panavision Chicago” ‘Doll Eyes’ come to life for Chicago director Piñeiro Felix Piñeiro has signed on to direct ​Doll Eyes​ written by award-winning screenwriter Amir Mohabbat. The horror film follows a developmentally disabled man who protects his sister from an abuser with “unique, desired eyes.” Piñeiro is a two-time DCASE Grant recipient and Finalist for the 2018 Chicago Filmmaker in Residence Award. His latest project is … Continue reading “‘Doll Eyes’ come to life for Chicago director Piñeiro” ‘City So Real’ Chicago’s problems are America’s problems Molly Given, of the Philly Metro interviews Chicago filmmaker Steve James about his latest film, ‘City so Real‘ Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Steve James’ (Hoop Dreams, America to Me) fascinating and complex portrait of contemporary Chicago delivers a deep, multifaceted look into the soul of a quintessentially American city, set against the backdrop of its history-making … Continue reading “‘City So Real’ Chicago’s problems are America’s problems” Camera Ambassador Grant winner Raju faces challenges This past summer, director and writer Sean Sankalp Raju won the Camera Ambassador Community Builders Grant for his project A Nickname. The autobiographical short film tells the story of how the filmmaker received the moniker, Sean, as an Indian American child. In an economy where funding an independent film is especially difficult, Raju was ecstatic … Continue reading “Camera Ambassador Grant winner Raju faces challenges” Interview: CIFF Senior Programmer Anthony Kaufman Today is the beginning of the 56th Chicago International Film Festival. Unlike other years, the prestigious festival is a bit different than the ones we have experienced in the past. With an ongoing pandemic and COVID on the rise in Illinois, the fest is combining streaming on-demand and appointment screenings and an in-person drive-in theatre … Continue reading “Interview: CIFF Senior Programmer Anthony Kaufman” Athletes For Care announces golf tournament Athletes For Care has announced their inaugural charity golf tournament in support of Lost Boyz, Inc., a Chicago-based community youth sports organization.  A charity event has been organized that provides immediate support to the Lost Boyz winter sports program. A4C’s first-ever Golf Tournament will be held on September 22nd at the Bolingbrook Golf Club in … Continue reading “Athletes For Care announces golf tournament” City of Chicago awards $2m in CityArts Program grants Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) announced the recipients of the 2020 CityArts Program grants. This year, the CityArts Program is awarding general operating grants between $2,000 to $30,000 – and special project grants ranging from $2,500 to $56,200 – to 191 nonprofit organizations for a total … Continue reading “City of Chicago awards $2m in CityArts Program grants” National Geographic acquires Kartemquinn’s City so Real National Geographic announced the acquisition of CITY SO REAL, an official Indie Episodic selection at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival, set to premiere on the network this fall. From twice Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Steve James (America to Me, Hoop Dreams) and his longtime producing partner Zak Piper (Life Itself, The Interrupters) the fascinating and complex … Continue reading “National Geographic acquires Kartemquinn’s City so Real” Q & A with SAG-AFTRA Chicago’s Kathy Byrne Kathy Byrne provides a wealth of information for Chicago productions.  Currently the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local Director of TV/Theatrical, she was a Project Coordinator for the Mayor’s Office of Special Events in the Film Office.   Byrne has been the Director of TV/Theatrical for SAG-AFTRA Chicago since May, 2010.  In addition to running the TV/Theatrical Department, … Continue reading “Q & A with SAG-AFTRA Chicago’s Kathy Byrne” Zoom Interview: with David and Joan of O’Connor Casting There are two sides to every camera story: those behind it creating movie magic, and the talented performers in front.  What many may not consider are the people who bridge the gap between the two worlds; one of these departments being Casting.  One company that’s been adjusting during these turbulent times is O’Connor Casting, run … Continue reading “Zoom Interview: with David and Joan of O’Connor Casting” REEL WOMEN: Colette Gabriel, GM of Keslow Camera Editor’s Note: They are leaders. They are inspirational. They are mentors. They are visionaries. They are, quite frankly, badasses. They are our 2020 Reel Women During Women’s History Month, you will be able to meet these incredible personalities in Advertising, Entertainment, Media and Production. Get ready. Colette Gabriel is the General Manager of Keslow Camera … Continue reading “REEL WOMEN: Colette Gabriel, GM of Keslow Camera” At Cinespace and beyond. Who’s working today. Over the past week it’s safe to say that the Illinois film community is doing their best to ensure that their employees are safe during this unfortunate time. In light of worldwide health concerns about the impact from the COVID-19 virus, many have postponed production until further notice. Starting Monday, Cinespace will close the secondary … Continue reading “At Cinespace and beyond. Who’s working today.” ‘Breaking Bad’ producer Stewart Lyons at DePaul Breaking Bad producer Stewart Lyons will be among the TV and film creators appearing at DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts Visiting Artists Series this winter. The award-winning guest, who also produces Better Call Saul, will take part in the VAS’ series of feature screenings and onstage discussions with leading talent in the entertainment industry … Continue reading “‘Breaking Bad’ producer Stewart Lyons at DePaul” ‘The Dawn’ sends shivers from Minnesota to California Executive Producers Chris Charles and John W. Bosher have expanded their Midwestern canon with the award-winning paranormal psycho-thriller The Dawn, which was released in select theaters, digital, and on-demand throughout North America on January 10, 2020. Filmed in Minnesota and California, The Dawn follows a young woman in post-World War I America who is sent … Continue reading “‘The Dawn’ sends shivers from Minnesota to California” Erica Duffy is MIFF’s new executive director The Midwest Independent Film Festival, which has been in somewhat of an identity makeover since Mike McNamara stepped down from the role of executive director in 2017, is placing its bets on Camera Ambassador’s managing partner Erica Duffy to right the ship. The nonprofit organization has been a staple of Chicago’s independent film community since … Continue reading “Erica Duffy is MIFF’s new executive director” Kwielford, Guth step down from MIFF leadership Midwest Independent Film Festival’s President and Executive Director announce their resignations on Saturday-morning Facebook posts Midwest Independent Film Festival President Mike Kwielford and Executive Director Amy Guth have stepped down from their leadership roles with the organization. They announced their departures in separate Facebook posts on Saturday morning. Finding time to focus on other film- … Continue reading “Kwielford, Guth step down from MIFF leadership” Advertising Community Shorts night lineup Midwest Independent Film Festival’s popular annual industry tradition tomorrow night at Landmark Century The advertising and independent filmmaking communities converge for an inspiring night of short films as First Tuesdays with The Midwest Independent Film Festival hosts its tenth annual Advertising Community Shorts Night on Tuesday, November 5th. The evening will open at 6 p.m. … Continue reading “Advertising Community Shorts night lineup” Black Harvest Feast coming to South Shore Sisters in Cinema presents free screening and talk-back with Chicago filmmakers, South Shore Cultural Center, October 17 Sisters in Cinema will host The Black Harvest Feast, a film screening in collaboration with the Gene Siskel Film Center and the Chicago Park District’s Re:Center Program at the South Shore Cultural Center on October 17, 2019 at … Continue reading “Black Harvest Feast coming to South Shore” Nanfu Wang named keynote for DVID graduation Award-winning filmmaker will help celebrate grads of the doc program organized by Kartemquin and the Community Film Workshop Kartemquin Films and the Community Film Workshop of Chicago are thrilled to announce award-winning filmmaker Nanfu Wang (One Child Nation, Hooligan Sparrow) will provide the keynote speech at the 2019 Diverse Voices in Docs (DVID) graduation on … Continue reading “Nanfu Wang named keynote for DVID graduation” IFP throws first annual fundraiser at Lagunitas Event auction prizes include lunch with IFO Director Peter Hawley, CFO Director Kwame Amoaku, and Cinespace Chicago President Alex Pissios IFP Chicago’s new associate board is proud to announce that their first annual fundraiser will be hosted by Lagunitas at the Lagunitas brewery facility near Cinespace Studios at 2607 W 17th St. on September 30, … Continue reading “IFP throws first annual fundraiser at Lagunitas” MIFF presents ‘All Creatures Here Below’ A young couple’s impulsive crime sets off a series of events leading to dire consequences from LA to Kansas City The Midwest Independent Film Festival is proud to present thriller All Creatures Here Below, directed by Collin Schiffli, for September’s #FirstTuesdays screening event. The film is the story of Gensan (David Dastmalchian) and Ruby (Karen … Continue reading “MIFF presents ‘All Creatures Here Below’” Stop Us Before We Disrupt Again Chicago Film Society unveils lineup for Season 24, “dedicated to exhibiting neglected works of cinema in their original medium” The streets of Chicago are clogged with scooters in a cutthroat competition for marketshare, behemoth commercial landlord The We Company (nee WeWork) has positioned itself as a tech company in anticipation of its IPO, and Disney … Continue reading “Stop Us Before We Disrupt Again” ‘R.A.W. TUBA’ wins Best Short at Black Harvest Documentary about Richard Antoine White’s inspiring life earns the Richard and Ellen Sandor Family Black Harvest Film Festival Prize R.A.W. TUBA was awarded Best Short film at the 25th Annual Black Harvest Film Festival on Saturday afternoon. Directed by David Larson and Darren Durlach, the inspiring documentary tells the story of Richard Antoine White, aka … Continue reading “‘R.A.W. TUBA’ wins Best Short at Black Harvest” Chicago Asian Pop-Up Cinema announces season 9 This year’s lineup of musicals, thrillers, dramas, comedies, and awards dazzle the Windy City September 10 through October 10, 2019 Non-profit pan-Asian film organization Sophia’s Choice today announces Asian Pop-Up Cinema – Season Nine, is the film series that cultivates American interest and understanding of Asian culture through movie storytelling while making Chicago a destination … Continue reading “Chicago Asian Pop-Up Cinema announces season 9” Late summer media wrap