Chicago made doc Let the Little Light Shine opens at Gene Siskel Center

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center will present the exclusive U.S. Academy Award-qualifying run of Chicago filmmaker Kevin Shaw’s critically acclaimed documentary feature, LET THE LITTLE LIGHT SHINE, executive-produced by Oscar-nominated Chicago filmmaker Steve James.

Chicago 2017: After closing down dozens of public schools, Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration set out to shutter yet another, the top-ranked National Teachers Academy in the South Loop. But mother-professor-activist Elisabeth Greer and members of her community fought back. Filmmaker Kevin Shaw (a director on Steve James’ America to Me) was on the ground for the entire riveting David vs. Goliath saga. As the film tracks this passionate group of parents and students rising up for their beloved elementary school, it also reveals the bracing realities of systemic racism and gentrification. 

The Gene Siskel Film Center hosted the Chicago premiere screening of the film in May, as part of the Doc10 Film Festival and will now serve as the exclusive Chicago-area venue to screen the film for its Academy-qualifying run. Opening Friday, August 12, 2022, the film will play for one week. 

Though the film tells a Chicago story, director Kevin Shaw notes that the thorny issues it examines are universal: gentrification, education, and systemic racism. Shaw also sees the film as a grassroots tribute to social activism, providing a template of sorts for those who feel disempowered by exclusionary systems and governance.

For people–especially young people–asking, “How can I make my voice heard?” and “How can I fight for what I believe in…and win?,” Shaw believes the film provides inspiration and guidance. “It shows that youth can have a voice,” Shaw says.

LET THE LITTLE LIGHT SHINE follows everyday parents-turned-organizers alongside NTA students and staff as they advocate to keep their elementary school, which is a safe haven for children and a community bedrock in Chicago’s fastest growing neighborhood – The South Loop.

Under-resourced schools across the United States have been closed due to underperformance, but LET THE LITTLE LIGHT SHINE tells a unique story of a high-performing school with a 100% graduation rate potentially being shuttered for the benefit of a higher social strata. 

The film will also air on PBS’s award-winning documentary series, POV, in December.

WHEN: Begins Friday, August 12, 2022; will play for one week

WHERE: Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60601

For Gene Siskel Film Center showtimes, tickets, and Q&A details:
siskelfilmcenter.org/let-little-light-shine

CREDITS:

Director and producer: Kevin Shaw

Producer: Rachel Dickson

Executive Producers: Steve James, Sally Jo Fifer, Erika Dilday, Chris White, and Leslie Fields Cruz

Note COVID protocols: Masks and proof of full vaccination requirements remain in effect. 

On Saturday, August 13, acclaimed Chicago jazz composer and multi-instrumentalist Kahil El’Zabar, who composed the film’s score, will perform onstage with his quartet following the screening and also participate in a music-centered Q&A. A reception in the Film Center’s Gallery/Cafe will follow. 

Q&As: Director Kevin Shaw, producer Rachel Dickson, film participants, and crew will participate in Q&As following multiple screenings.

Confirmed special guests include: Chicago School Board member Elisabeth Todd Breland, Alderperson Jeanette Taylor, community activist Jitu Brown, youth activist Parrish Brown; film participants Elisabeth Greer, Isaac Castelaz, Audrey Johnson, Niketa Brar, Marieyea Crawford, and Massiah Armster; and discussion moderators Kartemquin Films founder Gordon Quinn and Dr. Eve L. Ewing.

Additional special guests will be added to the Film Center’s web page as confirmed. 


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