CHICAGOLAND SHORTS VOL. 8 presents seven films that examine what it means to exist outside the box, be at odds with societal norms, and yearn for connection. Featured filmmakers use various genres, ranging from documentary to experimental fashion film, to investigate unique pathways of resilience and understanding.

Curated by Full Spectrum Features: 
Raul Benitez (Lead Programmer)
Oriana Oppice
Dena Springer

PICTURES ONLY
dir. Charles A. Honeywood
To stay independently thriving during the start of an economic downturn during the late 1950s, a young arts teacher & socialite is given the opportunity to elevate her lifestyle and secure her family’s future.

PRESS POUND TO CONNECT
dir. Alexander Fingrutd
Divided in space and tied together through telephone wire, the pound sign is used as a symbol
for cosmic connection and distant effects, causing a change in perspective.

FIRST WEEK OUT
dir. Charles Fritschner
Larry Williams spent the last 42 years in prison. We follow his first week of freedom.

SILVER LINING
dir. Yanyi Xie
A documentary about Alexis Hex, a drag artist in Chicago, who experienced drastic life changes during the COVID-19 lockdown and started a knitting tutorials YouTube channel.

GLIMMER OF US 
dir. Eda Birthing x Bitchcraft
As an otherworldly critter births new creations in their sewing lab, they recall fond memories with their chosen family in a universe that explodes with glowing colors, fuzzy feelings, and a star-studded cast of Chicago drag queens dripping in designs by Eda Birthing.
 

OUTIE
dir. Lily Freeston & Florence Creffield
An exploration of one young woman’s complicated relationship with her vulva. Will she undergo surgery in pursuit of a designer vagina?

WARREN? 
dir. Juan C. Linares
Annoyed with people constantly mispronouncing his name, a white-passing Latino must assert his identity.


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