A Little Hope for Chicago which is directed by Leon Lozano and co-written with Kevin Nichols has been selected by the 27th annual Dances with Films: LA festival to hold its world premiere at the famous TCL Chinese Theatre.
Part narrative performance film, part documentary, the 74-minute A Little Hope For Chicago is a walk through the life of a Chicago hustler, narrowly avoiding the devastating consequences of death and incarceration, as he reflects on the systemic root causes of the violence and trauma that consume youth in urban centers like Chicago.
Uniquely combining a one-man show performance with narrative reenactment scenes, visual projections, and VFX, the film tells the true-life story of Kevin Nichols, a young hustler from Chicago who must escape the streets to avoid an early death or a discriminatory criminal justice system that disproportionately incarcerates Black men. As Nichols reflects on his journey, he delves into the systemic racism and oppression that fuel cycles of violence in cities like Chicago.
The film arrives at a critical time when a racial awakening has spread beyond U.S. borders, impacting the global consciousness. A Little HOPE for Chicago is a direct commentary on and protest against the injustices occurring in American streets, exploring the historical links between systemic racism and urban violence. Watch the trailer below:
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Nichols’ story begins with a well-grounded childhood in inner-city Chicago. However, as he grows older, he becomes a street hustler, chasing fast money and learning the harsh realities of that life. The film follows his transformation into a reformed man, father, and college graduate, providing a powerful snapshot of inner-city Chicago and shedding light on the city’s persistent violence and the quest for hope among its youth.
Narrating his journey, Nichols fondly recalls his childhood, marked by a strong family bond, church visits, and lessons learned. He then describes the harsh realities of his neighborhood, including segregation, disinvestment, and poverty, which foster a survival mentality or “programmed aggression.” Abandoning the foundation his parents built, Nichols pursues a hustler’s life, and thus his Chicago tale unfolds.
The film uses narrative reenactments and VFX to immerse viewers in Nichols’ world. In these segments, Nichols plays past versions of himself and people who impacted his life. For instance, he reenacts the moment his friend Jay was shot and paralyzed, portraying the scene from Jay’s perspective. Through VFX, Nichols even plays multiple characters on screen simultaneously, interacting with each other.
As Nichols navigates young adulthood through hustling, he witnesses his inner circle succumb to early death and a discriminatory criminal justice system. This wake-up call motivates him to reform his life. After leaving the streets, Nichols becomes a family man, builds a career as a professional actor, and graduates from the University of Southern California.
However, tragedy strikes on August 31, 2015, when Nichols’ eldest son, Kevin Jr., falls victim to Chicago’s street violence. Like his father, Kevin Jr. was drawn to the streets, but his chance to mature and escape unharmed was tragically cut short. Kevin Jr., nicknamed “Little,” inspires this film. Nichols aims to share his story to offer a “Little Hope” to a generation needing to see a way out.
The film’s artistic approach includes a set with three large screens forming a projection box, transporting viewers to various locations through projected photographs and videos of Nichols’ life. At times, a music band shares the stage, creating the experience of a live score. The sound design is multilayered, immersing viewers in Nichols’ world.
Combined with costume changes, live set and prop changes, and dynamic lighting and cinematography, this approach pushes the boundaries of a typical one-man show, providing an immersive audience experience.
All screenings are set to take place at the TCL Chinese Theatre (6925 Hollywood Blvd).With a diverse array of films celebrating the creativity and innovation of independent filmmakers, the 27th Annual Dances With Films: LA promises an exciting and robust program. For more information and a complete list of screenings, visit the Dances With Films website.
