Hosted by NBC 5 Chicago’s LeeAnn Trotter, the festival kicks off with a unique parade of Black Harvest Film Festival filmmakers in a virtual red carpet. Honorary co chairs Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshlman will welcome patrons via video.  Then sit back and enjoy the Black Harvest Feast program of five short films, ranging from local to international, providing a true taste of the festival’s diverse array of upcoming offerings.

LOST
LOST
Pugs Atomz
USA
2020
8 min

Stop-motion animation creates a world reflective of today, unpacking the current problem with policing for the black male.  Too many of my friends share the same story.  (Description courtesy of the director) 

 

Content Warning: Content may be uncomfortable for some viewers; discretion is advised.

Opus
OPUS
Kgosana Monchusi
Javier v González
South Africa
2019
18 min
With
Kagiso Rathebe

Set in the buzzing city of Johannesburg, OPUS follows a day in the life of Lebo, a young aspiring bassist whose dream is to play in the national orchestra.  In Tswana with English subtitles.  (Description courtesy of the director)

THE DISTRICT, PART 1
THE DISTRICT, PART 1
David Weathersby
USA
2020
5 min

Evocative animation illustrates a Black cop’s memories of a Chicago Police Department divided by race.

COPING
COPING
Derek Dow
USA
2020
16 min
With
Reece Raechelle, Reece Ford

A grieving sister finds solace in virtual reality.  (Description courtesy of the director)

DESTINY’S ROAD
DESTINY’S ROAD
Kameishia D. Wooten
USA
2019
16 min
With
Mariah Robinson, Hilda Boulware

At her high school graduation party, a teenage girl scrambles to recover stolen college tuition money before her family members catch on to her secret.  (Description courtesy of the director)