Cottage Grove, a short film made entirely in Chicago by South Side native George Ellzey, Jr., is now a two-time winner at the 46th Annual Telly Awards.
The film, starring Patrick Agada and Sean Blake, is a gripping tale about forgiveness, healing, and the choices we make that impact family dynamics. It centers around a young man struggling to communicate with his stroke-afflicted father. Set in the summertime in Chicago, these men try to find common ground in a South Side grocery store parking lot. In stark contrast to the street lit setting and all its complexity is the simple beauty of a father-son reconciliation found unintentionally through halting words, meaningful looks, flights of fantasy, and ultimately love.
After screening at 30 festivals nationwide, receiving critical and audience praise, and being selected for XL Fest’s showcase on AMC+, Cottage Grove has been awarded the following:
- 2025 Inaugural Student Film Award (GOLD)
- 2025 People’s Telly Award – Film & Shorts (GOLD)
Upon hearing the news, writer-director George Ellzey, Jr. had this to say, “Winning two Telly Awards is a powerful reminder of what a community can do. I’m deeply grateful to our family, friends, collaborators, and really all of Chicago, which has rallied behind this simple story of a father and son from the South Side. We proudly share these awards with everyone, and we are thrilled to say, we are just getting started.”
Watch trailer here:
“Creative Cypher is very proud of George’s work, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to collaborate. We’re excited to see it continue rising,” said Troy Pryor, Founder, XL Fest
Ellzey’s next project, a featured film entitled Closed Mouths, is currently in pre-production.
Cottage Grove has reached an exclusive deal to stream on VTV Television Network. The film will premiere there on Juneteenth (June 19, 2025). Click on this link for more information: On Demand – VTV Television Network.
“Cottage Grove is an outstanding production – a realistic look at life’s challenges through a practical and raw lens,” said Jerry Adams, President, VTV Television Network
The Telly Awards annually showcase the best work created in television and video for all screens. With over 13,000 entries globally from 6 continents and all 50 states, Telly Award winners represent work from some of the most respected advertising agencies, television stations, production companies, and publishers worldwide.
CREDITS
Producer: Troy Pryor, Creative Cypher
Producer: Jordan Rivers, Cottage Grove Productions
Producer: TJ Harris, InstinctiVision Films
Producer: Keiph Oliver, Cottage Grove Productions
Producer: Cara Winter, Cottage Grove Productions
Producer: Kat Blade, Cottage Grove Productions
DP: Gary Truex Walker II
View More Chicago Telly Wins Here
