November 11 & 12 | Young filmmakers and protagonists showcase their indomitable spirit and resilience in this showcase of youthful determination. In Benjamin Mullholland’s THE LAKE MERRITT MONSTER (17 min.), Ollie quests to rescue his mother from the grasp of a ferocious beast. Victorious F. Mcleod’s CRAYONS (16 min.) is a journey through a young boy's colorful imagination, and Jenn Shaw’s GAPS (12 min.) explores the gaps between a tween’s self-acceptance and perfection. In Monique Morton Derouselle’s RISING DAWN (15 min.), we witness Dawn baton twirl her way to confidence, while Addison Belhomme’s A THIN LINE BETWEEN BLACK AND WHITE (6 min.) showcases young Ayanna's activism. In FATHER'S DAY (27 min.) director Tumelo Lekna delves into the intricacies of family matters, and in Ivan Rome’s TIKTOK CHALLENGED (9 min.) a grandmother-grandson duo join forces in hopes of finding TikTok fame. Select filmmakers scheduled to attend.

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.

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