The Chicago Advertising Federation (CAF) is sponsoring the Chicago premiere of the groundbreaking documusical Happy Songs About Unhappy Things, at the Davis Theatre on Thursday, May 22, followed by a Q&A.
Creator / Director, Nikki Lynette hopes to turn the traditional approach to mental health docs on its head, as she invites us into a musical playground that allows audiences to explore the deepest parts of themselves, while feeling empowered along the way. The 29-minute film blends documentary footage, statistics, digital art, and mental health expert testimonials with sensational theatrical performances.
The award-winning film aims to disrupt the harmful narratives around mental health. “Over the past year, 414,000 people in the Chicagoland area had a major depressive episode,” said Lynette. “And that’s just the ones that got reported. With so many programs losing funding, it’s extremely important that we are able to have open, honest conversations about mental health right now. I hope my film inspires people to have those conversations.”
Qadree Holmes, Founder / Executive Producer of Quriosity Productions, played a big role in the making of the film. “Our editor, Matt Tarr did the editorial on the project for Nikki. Immediately, when we met her, I’m like, ‘okay, I’m on board’, and it ended up turning out amazing.”
The project resonated with Holmes, who is a producer on the film, and a Board Director at CAF. “I think a lot of times the advertising field gets overlooked,” said Holmes. “Because of the creative nature of what has been put together, the film feels like the type of project that would really speak to the advertising industry as a whole.”
Desmon Walker, Co-Founder of Narratent Digital Marketing explained why he felt compelled to support the project. “It made perfect sense for us because that’s what we do as an agency. We tell worthwhile stories by way of marketing, but thought that this would be a unique opportunity to just support what I believe is a story that is worth telling.”
Thursday, May 22, 2025 6:00 – 8:00PM
Happy Songs About Unhappy Times
Davis Theater
4614 North Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IllinoisAgenda
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Film Screening7:15 PM – 8:00 PM
Panel DiscussionFor more information and tickets VISIT HERE
Speakers
Brannon Bowers, Producer
Dr. Schnaude Dorizan, Neuroscientist
Roger Ellis, Co-Director
Dr. Willie Mae Jackson, Psychiatrist
Alexa James, CEO of NAMI Chicago
Nikki Lynette, Film Creator/Co-Director
Danielle Vitogiannes, Executive Director of CAF shared her thoughts about the project, “It’s moments like these events that Q is bringing us all together to stop and reflect upon ourselves to say, am I doing too much? Do I need a moment? Do I need a therapist? Do I need a friend? Do I need to just go cry in my pillow for a good 20 minutes? And just reflect. That is what’s so special about the Chicago Ad Fed. It’s taking those moments to retrospect on who we are as human beings outside of being the VP, the president, the salesperson, and production manager.”
Vitogiannes continued, “We’re stopping to think outside of ourselves for a moment. And we’re fortunate to watch and observe Nikki’s experience through creative film and this outlet. Because what I see personally, with all the wonderful people with the Chicago Ad Fed—I’m seeing a lot of burnout. I keep hearing the, oh my God, my week’s been hell. Oh geez, another meeting. That takes a toll mentally”
Lewis Williams, Founder and CCO of Williams Creative Group added, “Sometimes when you think you’re strong, you don’t know where your own limit is. I’m a marathon runner, right? And sometimes you have to cut yourself off and say, am I feeling good? Am I feeling bad? And what point are you pushing yourself where you get ready to go off a cliff and begin to do damage?”
The screening of Happy Songs About Unhappy Things coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month and aims to foster open conversations about mental health through creative expression. The event is free to all CAF members, and their employees and it is open to the public as well.
“I am very grateful my life path crossed Qadree’s,” said Barbara Maldonado, Manager at Strategy at Caterpillar Inc. “Whether it is navigating the current climate or bringing forward important conversations about mental health, which are sometimes stigmatized, Q brings a quiet strength that reminds us we are not alone. I have no doubt the event on May 22 will create healing and inspirational moments the audience will carry with them for a long time.”
Sponsorship Opportunities
CAF offers sponsorship packages for this event, including Premier Partner and Supporting Partner levels, which provide benefits such as priority seating, logo placement in promotional materials, and recognition during the event.
For more information or to inquire about sponsorship, please contact the CAF office at info@chicagoadfed.org.
FILM CREDITS:
Created by
Nikki Lynette
Directed by
Nikki Lynette
Roger Ellis
Produced by
Jamie Foxx
Datari Turner
Qadree Holmes
Jeff Snyder
Executive Producers
Ted Reilly
Kelly Waller
Mark Glassgow
Ira Antelis
Daryl Jones
Roger Ellis
Matt Hennessy
Chris Karabas
Nikki Lynette
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