COOLEY HIGH is presented in memoriam for Black Harvest Film Festival co-Founder Sergio Mims. The film will be preceded by a video tribute.

Wednesday, November 16 at 8pm | In 1964 on Chicago’s near north side, high school graduation is weeks away for carefree aspiring poet Preach (Glynn Turman) and his best friend, local basketball hero Cochise (Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs). As average teenagers, their final days of high school are defined by dance parties, late-night spins on the streets of the city, and the promise of blossoming love. But as young Black men, growing up is not simple, and when a seemingly harmless outing goes awry, their hopes and dreams - and very lives - hang in the balance. Director Shultz and screenwriter Eric Monte - who grew up in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green housing project - present an authentic coming-of-age story and a timeless story of Black lives that is equal parts delicate, innocent, bitter and true. COOLEY HIGH is presented in memoriam for Black Harvest Film Festival co-Founder Sergio Mims. The film will be preceded by a video tribute.


Black Harvest Film Festival: Chicago’s annual showcase for films that celebrate, explore and share the Black, African American and African Diaspora experience. The Festival curates both short and feature length films, proudly presenting influential auteurs and emerging filmmakers of color side by side. View full festival lineup.


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