The program
will include
more than a dozen
locally-produced
films and
filmmakers
followed by a party
The Midwest Independent Film Festival presents the Spring edition of Midwest Shorts Night featuring short films by Midwestern filmmakers and films about Midwestern stories. The screening will take place on Tuesday, March 5.
“Screening short films is such a special event, with such a special feel to it.,” said Festival Executive Director Amy Guth. “Not only are the films themselves covering a range of topics through different genres and styles, but at the screenings, there so always so many different filmmakers in the room with a variety of unique life experiences, approaches, and philosophies, which leads to such wonderful organic collaborations and partnerships. It’s so meaningful to see the community coming together on these special nights of programming.”
Wham directed by Robert Bruce Carter, a physical comedy in which two people fall in love on a sidewalk and a ripple effect ensues.
I’m Not Happy But I’m Trying directed by Jonathan Janas, in which the most cheerful man in town fights his own personal demons and hardships with balloons.
June directed by Shelby Alayne Antel and Andy Hones, the story of a dispute that causes a woman to find an unlikely confidant in her next-door neighbor about her personal struggles.
Outside directed by Samantha Ellis, which takes a look at the life of an uncertain and fearful young woman who must choose between the stifling security of her room or the frightening world outside.
The Musician directed by Mark Schimmel, and featuring violinist Anne Harris, the film depicts the story of a famous violinist who spends her days dressing up as a street musician and her belief that sharing music can transform lives.
Small Change directed by Patrick Burke, a nod to film noir in which a man shares his thoughts on urban culture while people-watching in a city diner, while, perhaps his thinking is not quite in line with the zeitgeist.
#RESIST directed by Rocco Cataldo (written, performed and produced: MIFF Advisory Council President Mary Kay Cook; DP: MIFF Co-Founder and Board President Mike Kwielford) which takes a look at the life of a woman overwhelmed with political resistance fatigue.
Give It Up directed by Matt Knudsen, the story of a comedian facing the stark reality of his employment options when he considers retiring from show business.
The Orchestra directed by Curtis J. Matzke, the chilling story of a young woman haunted by an undead orchestra when she finds herself alone in an empty theatre.
Ladies First directed by Maggie Scrantom, a glimpse of the space between the lines, and what happens when we both hold on and fall at the same time.
Sole Survivor directed by Nicholas Moczalla, which depicts the epic journey to keep white sneakers clean and pristine.
The Wayward Wind directed by Steve Delahoyde and Monica Thomas, with music by Carl Sondrol, using movement and humor to turn the idea of the “rambling man” on its head.
Loose Lips a hip hop music video directed by Sean Kirkland, which tells the story of a warlock rapper and his siren girlfriend as they invade the mind of a young boy and force him to rap.
ALSO READ: “The Musician” harmonizes a touching Chicago tale
The evening will open at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception on the top floor of the Landmark Century Cinema space (2828 N. Clark St.), followed by MIFF’s signature Producers Panel at 6:30. A Q&A session with the filmmakers will immediately follow the 7:30 p.m. film screening, followed by an after party.
Please visit midwestfilm.com to reserve tickets.
About The Midwest Independent Film Festival
The Midwest Independent Film Festival is the nation’s only film festival solely dedicated to the Midwest filmmaker, presenting audiences with regionally produced independent cinema every first Tuesday of the month. This year-round film festival sits proudly at the center of the independent film scene in Chicago and the Midwest and is dedicated to celebrating and strengthening that community.
Send your festival updates to Reel Chicago Editor Dan Patton, dan@reelchicago.com.
