USA
Director: Brad DeMarea

Industrial carpet salesman Emery Long prepares for his first date with receptionist and "office hottie" Della. Emery has planned the perfect evening, but soon he realizes things might not turn out as he imagined.

An Evening with Emery Long will be presented as part of the short film program, Shorts 1: Illinois[e]makers: Information & Show Times

13 minutes

USA
Director: Brian Caunter

Twenty years ago, Lou Marazano (Frank Vincent, The Sopranos, Casino) was the deadliest triggerman in the notorious Chicago Outfit. When Lou's jailed boss (Armand Assante) orders a wave of hits to cover up a conspiracy between city officials and the mob, Lou sees a chance to finance his retirement and relive his glory days. But does he still have what it takes? This neo-noir crime drama is an accomplished debut from first-time local filmmakers.

95 minutes

USA
Director: Zev Frank

Set in a society where bicycles have come to replace all other forms of power generation, the leader of an exertion-harnessing auxiliary of the municipal pedal power plant is beckoned off course into the disquieting beyond.

Cycle will be presented as part of the short film program, Shorts 1: Illinois[e]makers: Information & Show Times

13 minutes

USA
Director: Heather Ross

In this affecting documentary, the girls of the Warrenville, Illinois prison are given a chance to tell their stories in a musical based on their lives. To do this, they must reach within themselves and reflect on the life choices they have made. With unprecedented access to the juvenile prison, director Heather Ross skillfully traces these young women's attempts to reclaim their humanity and ultimately their freedom.

61 minutes

USA
Director: Alex LeMay

On her way to work one morning, Amy comes across a suicide note. Determined to do what is "right," she attempts to find the note's mysterious author.

Good People will be presented as part of the short film program, Shorts 1: Illinois[e]makers: Information & Show Times

25 minutes

USA
Director: Erik Gernand

On the last day of summer before heading off to college, two 18-year-old best friends attempt to connect as adults, and for the first time in their lives share a "real" moment.

Non-Love-Song will be presented as part of the short film program, Shorts 1: Illinois[e]makers: Information & Show Times

8 minutes

USA
Director: Alex Hans Hansen

With mere seconds before his big speech, a high school student turns to President Ronald Reagan to help him conquer his fear of public speaking.

Public Speaking will be presented as part of the short film program, Shorts 1: Illinois[e]makers: Information & Show Times

4 minutes

Director: See Individual Film Listing

It is quite literally always raining on one young man in Wet (USA). Team Taliban (USA) explores the impact of the War on Terror in American culture through the lens of professional wrestling. In Non-Love-Song (USA), two best friends try to connect on a deeper level for the first time before they are separated indefinitely. Amy tracks down leads and attempts to prevent a catastrophe in Good People (USA). The leader of an exertion-harnessing auxiliary of the municipal pedal power plant is beckoned off course in Cycle (USA). In Public Speaking (USA), Ronald Reagan helps a nervous youth conquer his fear. In An Evening with Emery Long (USA), Emery prepares for his first date with "office hottie" Della.

80 minutes

USA
Director: Benjamin Kegan

This thoughtful documentary provides a provocative glimpse into the world of independent professional wrestling. Adeel Alam, a Muslim wrestler who plays a terrorist in the ring, struggles to balance his devout faith with a life-long passion for wrestling.

Team Taliban will be presented as part of the short film program, Shorts 1: Illinois[e]makers: Information & Show Times

12 minutes

USA
Director: Brad Bischoff

A seemingly pleasant day for the rest of Chicago turns stormy for one young man. Faced with the grim reality of being eternally wet, he must decide whether he belongs on land or sea.

Wet will be presented as part of the short film program, Shorts 1: Illinois[e]makers: Information & Show Times

5 minutes