Costello’s ‘Dreamwisher’ to make Chicago debut

Dreamwisher, an award-winning 8-minute film from writer/director Colin Costello, will have its Chicago premiere at the Windy City International Film Festival next month. The internationally-acclaimed short was produced by Eric Handler for his Positively Positive Productions and will screen at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater this July.

The film, which has screened at 22 film festivals worldwide, is a bit of a family affair as it stars Handler’s daughters Jolie Handler, who has been featured in advertising campaigns for Forever 21, Honda and Wells Fargo, and her sister, Jemma Handler. Eric’s wife, Julie, also a model/actress, is also featured.

Costello, who also wrote and directed the award-winning short film The After Party and is the writer of the 2013 family feature The Stream and the short film The Great Chicago Adventure, which plays daily at the Chicago History Museum, was delighted by the news. “I’ve had a challenging time getting a film to play in Chicago, which after 18 years I consider my hometown. I can’t tell you how many local festivals rejected The After Party, but I am thrilled to finally have a film I can take my daughters and friends to.”

Dreamwisher is a story about losing a loved one and dealing with the grief that comes after. Eight-year-old Bella (Jolie Handler) has not been able to come to terms with the death of her father. If she had her wish, she would have one last chance to say good-bye to him. Bella begins to believe that her dream may come true when she encounters two mysterious girls Ada and Krista (Jemma Handler and Antonia Cytrynowicz). Her hurdle – trying to convince a skeptical adult, played by Julie Handler, that her plan could work.

Dreamwisher Teaser from Handler on Vimeo.

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“We are extremely excited about Dreamwisher’s Chicago Premiere at the Windy City International Film Festival, which is a festival that focuses on indie filmmakers and provides a home and culture for them. We’re happy for Colin, who’s talked about screening in Chicago forever, and the cast and crew of the film,” said producer Handler.

The Dreamwisher team includes Cinematographers Gus Bendinelli and Kenzo K. Le who was also Production Designer, Editor George Artope; and Composer Asaf Sagiv.

The Windy City International Film Festival is a three-day festival now entering its third year. Founded by Mindy Fay Parks and Josh Hope, the inaugural festival kicked off in June 2017 and welcomed an audience of 500 during its 3-day event. Over 150 filmmakers and industry guests were in attendance.

With the help of sponsor, Sound, Production and Lighting Chicago (SPL), the fest will once again convert playhouse Victory Biograph Theater into a movie theater. This year the fest will take place from July 18 – 21.