City & State Shorts: Now and Then
Synopsis
A program of shorts by Illinois filmmakers addressing how past experiences shape the present moment, showcasing the talent and vision of regional filmmakers. Including documentary, observational, and narrative works by James Choi, Adam Oppenheim, Samuel-Ali Mirpoorian, Annette Elliot, Fernando Saldivia Yáñez, Donald Conley, Sophiyaa Nayar, Erika Valenciana, Mitchell Wenkus, and Kimberly Spohn.
Using the natural sights and sounds of Tekal, Yucatan, Resonancia (Mexico) is an expressive piece that captures the feel of a small town and its relationship to religion. In Saving Superman (United States), 57-year-old Jonathan experiences the joys and challenges of living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, supported by his mother, friends, and Glen Ellyn community. The Museum (United States) is an atmospheric reflection on the prestige — and bias — of artistry, and one man’s journey of accepting an invitation to display his sculptures after decades of rejection. Against the backdrop of cloudy skies, Winter Portrait (United States) focuses on a Mapuche couple watching their historic wedding video. Ex-lovers Lamar and Sidney reconnect after several years apart in About Time (United States). Chhaya (United States) observes Jiya, whose painful memories return to the surface as she attempts to sit through an annual pelvic exam. Broken Flight (United States) follows the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, a volunteer group that rescues and records birds after they collide with skyscrapers. Facing a daunting day at work, a young woman tries a novel method to boost her confidence in Day with a Dick (United States).
Screenings & Events
Virtual Screening
Virtual programs will be available to stream from October 21-27 in Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois. Learn more about streaming…
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Saving Superman [short film]
Synopsis
57-year-old Jonathan is a staple of the Glen Ellyn community, thriving thanks to the support of his mother and friends as he navigates life with Autism Spectrum Disorder. When a new landlord increases his rent twice over, locals rally to raise the cost difference and his story goes global.
This film screens as part of the City & State Shorts: Now and Then program.
Film Credits
- Julie Spiller, Adam Oppenheim, & Samuel-Ali Mirpoorian
- Samuel-Ali Mirpoorian
- Adam Oppenheimer
- Sandra Charbonneau, Jonathan Charbonneau, & Julie Spiller
- Mark Crawford
- Samuel-Ali Mirpoorian
- Intersection
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The Museum [short film]
Synopsis
After being offered the chance to showcase his art in Chicago’s most famous museum, a black sculptor reflects on decades of rejection. Elliot’s film is a melodic portrayal of the bias of history, and the institutions that control its interpretations.
This film screens as part of the City & State Shorts: Now and Then program.
Film Credits
- Mary Jane Villamor
- Annette Elliot
- Annette Elliot
- Sanghoon Lee
- Charín Álvarez, James Vincent Meredith, Cheryl Lynn Bruce
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About Time [short film]
Synopsis
After years of no communication, a pair of exes find themselves together once again. Unable to connect, they take an edible, which acts as a catalyst for an evening of old wounds and new revelations.
This film screens as part of the City & State Shorts: Now and Then program.
Film Credits
- Judy Febles
- Donald Conley
- Troy J. Lewis
- Matt Brown
- Namir Smallwood, McKenzie Chinn
- John Key
- Donald Conley, Kendra Chanae Chapman, Laron Davis
- About Time Production LLC
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Chhaya [short film]
Synopsis
Paralyzed by anxiety at her OB/GYN appointment, painful memories resurface for Jiya during her pelvic exam. She dissociates and relives her recent assault — this time with sequined boots and red lipstick as her battle gear.
This film screens as part of the City & State Shorts: Now and Then program.
Film Credits
- Sophiyaa Nayar
- Sophiyaa Nayar
- Lauren Jevnikar
- Helena Gruensteidl
- Tina Munoz Pandya, Sarah Price, Rom Barkhordar, Jordan Dell Harris, Jesse Bhamrah
- Rohan Krishnamurthy, Ryan Andrews
- Cheese Dosa Productions
- Cheese Dosa Productions
212 W Van Buren St., Suite 400
