Monday, August 26, 7:30 p.m. | Emerging Filmmaker Night is The Midwest Film Festival’s (MFF) celebration and showcase of rising talent in local filmmaking. Fulfilling a commitment to highlight a wide spectrum of voices, MFF is proud to share the opportunity to experience films created by artists who are in the beginning stages of their careers. These filmmakers may still be in film school or may have recently entered the industry as professionals. The high level of talent and creativity each brings to the screen is what they have in common, and what makes them an essential part of our creative community.

FILM LINE-UP

  • The Lonely Portrait by Marc Marashi

  • I Know There's Something Here for You by Sean Robert Kelly

  • No Words by Ryan Sheehy

  • Fatfish by Jewells Santos

  • Bystander by Justin Nico Flocco

  • LINT by Gabe Leistekow

  • Commercial by Andrew Paul Davis

  • Won't Be Around by Terry Blade

  • Treasure Haunt by Carlos Lerma

  • Cecily With Apple by Katelyn Douglass & Drew Angle

SCHEDULE

All programming will be held at The Gene Siskel Film Center, with the exception of the After-Party, hosted at the Emerald Loop Bar & Grill. This venue is conveniently located just a short 5-minute walk from the Film Center. For more information about our Workforce Workshops and additional programming visit midwestfilm.com.

6:30 pm - Networking Reception
6:30 pm marks the commencement of the evening with a Networking Reception. Here all special guests and attendees can enjoy concessions and one another’s company in the theater’s lobby. This first hour is a great way to get ready for the show while networking among attending directors, producers and film lovers. Community Spotlight panelists will be present, ahead of the theater presentation, for lively introductions and conversations.

7:30 pm - Community Spotlight
Our Community Spotlight is an intimate sit down with our Operations Director, NK Gutiérrez, where guests are treated to insightful conversations with industry partners and community thought leaders to learn more about their work, wisdom and community contribution. This month, MFF welcomes Candice Abioye, Creative Pathways Manager of Free Spirit Media. Free Spirit Media is a community organization that partners with young creators, ages 11-25 primarily from the West and South sides of Chicago, to develop and amplify their unique and critical voices through storytelling and media arts. 

7:55 pm - Film Screening
The program will feature a powerful “10 under 10” selection. That is to say, ten pieces, highlighting the talents of fantastic artists who are in the first ten years of their professional careers. These short films span horror to comedy, animation to music videos, thought provoking narratives and visual artistry on full display for all to enjoy. This lineup will be an experience to behold for all in attendance. 

9:45 pm - Filmmaker Q&A
The post show discussion will call the creators behind the work of the evening to the stage, to provide valuable insight to their visions. This month, our Filmmaker  Q&A will be moderated by MFF’s own NK Gutiérrez.

10:30 pm - After Party
The best way to end the night with a bang! MFF’s After-Parties at Emerald Loop Bar & Grill have become the best opportunities for all who attend to forge connections, grow their networks and simply end the night in style. The venue is located nearby at 216 N. Wabash Ave. Enjoy lite appetizers, provided by the festival, and purchase tasty drinks while you keep the conversation going with filmmakers, and community members.

The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu