Single Car Crashes, directed by Chicagoan Brittani Ward and inspired by true events, is set to make its Chicago premiere at The Gene Siskel Film Center from July 12-16.
The Midwestern, award-winning story centers around Sean (played by Trevor Morgan), a once-promising baseball recruit haunted by survivor’s guilt after a tragic car accident claimed the life of his best friend, Zach. Set in their small hometown, Sean grapples with his stagnant life and neglected responsibilities, including his young son Zachary. The narrative takes a poignant turn when Kendall (played by Lindsey Morgan), Zach’s sister and Sean’s first love, returns to town for her upcoming wedding. This event forces Sean to confront his unresolved grief and the impact it has had on his relationships and aspirations.
Featuring a talented ensemble cast of Chicago artists including Trevor Morgan, Billy Zane, Lindsey Morgan, Chris Lee, Paulina Olszynski, Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel, Billy Dec, and Charín Alvarez, the film explores themes of enduring friendship and the possibilities that arise when one chooses to look forward rather than dwell on the past.
“From its inception, this film has been uplifted by Chicagoland friends and collaborators, from development, through production, and beyond,” says director Brittani Ward. “Gene Siskel is the perfect partner in many ways, in large part because of their commitment to accessibility, not only in terms of the resources they provide, but also by showcasing truly independent art. We are honored and excited to connect with local audiences in this iconic theater.”
“The Gene Siskel Film Center is a place for Chicago filmmakers, and we’re especially honored to host local premieres,” said Rebecca Fons, Director of Programming at The Gene Siskel, “Brittani Ward’s Single Car Crashes is a grounded and heartfelt debut, and we’re delighted to welcome the film and the cast and crew this July.”
Single Car Crashes is the second feature film from production company five two one films, a partnership between Ward and producer Angie Gaffney, and marks the first Chicago premiere for the company. Following its world premiere at Cinequest where it won the New Vision award and subsequent screenings at the Midwest Film Festival in Milwaukee, the film now eagerly anticipates its Chicago premiere. Ward and Gaffney are poised to continue presenting compelling narratives to local audiences with two upcoming projects slated for release in the coming year.
Audiences can catch Single Car Crashes at The Gene Siskel Film Center on multiple dates:
Friday, July 12 at 8:00PM
Saturday, July 13 at 5:30PM
Sunday, July 14 at 2:30PM
Tuesday, July 16 at 8:30PM.
Each screening will be followed by a Q&A session with director Brittani Ward along with select cast and crew members, offering an opportunity to engage with this compelling story and its creators firsthand.
Tickets are available for purchase online here.
CREDITS:
Written and Directed by Brittani Ward
Produced by Angie Gaffney, Brittani Ward
Executive Producers: Kelly Aisthorpe Waller, Ted Reilly, Markie Glassgow
Starring: Trevor Morgan, Lindsey Morgan, Paulina Olszynski, Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel, Chris Lee,
Billy Dec, Charín Alvarez, and Billy Zane
Director of Photography: Christopher Rejano
Edited by: Ana Christian
Colorist: C. Ryan Stemple, CSI
Costume Designer: Halley Sharp
Production Designer: Stefanie Mitchell
Original Score by Devin Delaney
Supervising Sound Editor: Katie Waters, MPSE
Music Supervision by Melissa Chapman, Annie Pearlman
Post Producers: Ana Christian, C. Ryan Stemple
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