Synopsis

A rousing tribute to roller-skating’s pivotal role in the African-American community, United Skates careens around the country, offering an intimate look at a lively subculture that’s under threat. Facing discriminatory policies and rink closures, committed skaters from around the country—including Chicago’s own Buddy Love—fight to preserve a space for people to come together and express themselves in sliding, bouncing, snapping glory.

Synopsis

Reuniting the director, writer, and stars of Forrest Gump, Here is an original film about multiple families and a special place they inhabit. The story travels through generations, capturing the most relatable of human experiences. Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, Castaway, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Contact, Back to the Future) directs from a screenplay co-written by Eric Roth (Forrest Gump, Killers of the Flower Moon, Dune, A Star Is Born). Told much in the style of Richard McGuire’s acclaimed graphic novel, upon which it is based, Tom Hanks and Robin Wright star in a tale of love, loss, laughter, and life, all of which happen right Here.

Synopsis

A battle is brewing in the Charles household, tearing two siblings apart. At the center stands a prized heirloom piano: On one side, a brother (John David Washington) plans to build the family fortune by selling it. On the other, his sister (Danielle Deadwyler) will go to any lengths to hold onto the sole vestige of the family’s heritage. Their uncle (Samuel L. Jackson) tries to mediate, but even he can’t hold back the ghosts of the past.

Adapted from August Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork, The Piano Lesson explores the intergenerational dynamics of identity, resilience, and transcendence, revealing startling truths about how we perceive the past and who gets to define our legacy. The film is directed and co-written by Malcolm Washington in his feature directorial debut. From Oscar-nominated producers Denzel Washington and Todd Black, and featuring an all-star cast including Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Ray Fisher, Michael Potts, Erykah Badu, Skylar Aleece Smith with Danielle Deadwyler, and Corey Hawkins.

Awards Event

At the Opening Night screening, director and co-writer Malcolm Washington will receive the Festival’s Breakthrough Award for his visceral and compelling feature directorial debut and John David Washington will receive the Spotlight Award in recognition of the emotional complexity and power he brings to his transfixing performance as Boy Willie.

Synopsis

Ireland, 1864. Newly orphaned heiress Maud becomes the ward of her distant Uncle Silas. She welcomes Silas and his children into her isolated manor but discovers that his intentions are far from benign as his chilling past comes into present focus. Up against escalating danger, Maud is determined to fight for her birthright to the bitter end in this white-knuckle, atmospheric thriller.

Synopsis

Nestled along Ireland’s Western coast, Galway holds a magnetic attraction for artists of all stripes. Through a series of interviews with writers, musicians, poets, and painters, Cumar ( Irish for “confluence”) crafts a portrait of the metropolis as seen through the eyes of its artists. This visually sumptuous, reflective ode to the city itself explores Galway’s rich history of artistic excellence and its enduring influence on its residents.