Thursday, November 16, 6:00 p.m. | Writer, actor, filmmaker, studio head, and media titan, Tyler Perry is America’s consummate multihyphenate. But underneath this entertainment behemoth is a man working humbly to heal his childhood trauma by transforming his pain into promise. MAXINE’S BABY: THE TYLER PERRY STORY, a nod to his mother’s love, is a tender and intimate portrait of visionary and innovator Tyler Perry–his harrowing but faithful road to the top of an industry that didn’t always include him. With unfettered access, directors/filmmakers Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz lead us into the inner-world of a man whose story has never fully been told, as he becomes a father and a media mogul with a mission to pave his own road to the top. The product is a profound lesson on remembering where you came from to know where you want to go. (Amazon) Directors Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz scheduled to attend. Followed by a Closing Night reception. Sold Out

Encore Screening added for Thursday, November 16, 6:30 p.m. Note that the encore screening will NOT include the director Q&A but will include access to the Closing Night reception. Sold Out.

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