10th Annual Advertising Community Shorts Night Is Set for July 29th

For the 10th year in a row, Advertising Community Night is returning to the Midwest Film Festival (MFF) in the heart of Chicago at the Gene Siskel Film Center at 164 N. State St. This experience is a collective gathering and screening that showcases the innovative storytelling skills coming directly from the region’s dynamic advertising industry members. This evening will feature 11 exceptional shorts, showcasing the artistry of the featured filmmakers who, through their work, share the magic of creative storytelling with their distinct passion projects. 

The film lineup will consist of: 

Apolitical by Mishu Hilmy 

Mile Marker 116 by Casey Lock & Ross Zuchowski of Method & Madness 

Anthony: Welcome Home Campaign by Tracy Hatfield of Social Snacks 

Deep Eddy Vodka – Directors Cut by Jessica Batson of Dreamboat 

Pole Climb by T.C. De Witt 

Darn It by Kara Hamilton of Someoddpilot Studios 

Abefele by Amir George 

Fitting Descriptions by Tiffany Bedwell & John Mossman 

A Real One by McKenzie Chinn of Tessa Films 

Spaceman VW – ID4 by Jorge Arana 

New Friends, Old Drugs by Kyle Leland Cullerton 

The night also marks the end of MFF’s Back To School Drive, in partnership with Mezcla Media Collective. This effort aims to fill 100 backpacks with essential school supplies for children to support single-income, women-led families in the Chicago area. It continues the organization’s commitment to utilize its platform to serve the broader community. To learn more and contribute, MFF’s website www.midwestfilm.com/back-to-school-drive will be live and collecting donations throughout July. 

At the event itself, MFF event staples including a Networking Reception will offer attendees an opportunity to connect with each other, distinguished filmmakers and Community Spotlight panelists who will be present at designated lobby tables ahead of the theater presentation. Once inside the theater, the Community Spotlight conversation will shine on Nicole Yelsey of KindWorks.AI and Dani Jackson-Smith of The Cre8tors. This informative conversation, moderated by Operations Director, NK Gutiérrez, will explore the positive contributions of these organizations and how they help guide the film industry towards kindness and creative fulfillment.

All guests in attendance will be treated to a film lineup that includes client works, spec pieces, and passion projects, all pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling. The work begs to be experienced on the big screen. Afterwards, creators in attendance will grace the stage for a Filmmaker Q&A moderated by Dani Jackson-Smith. The After Party will be held at a Emerald Loop Bar & Grill (216 N Wabash Ave, Chicago) a short walk away from the theater venue, where food and drinks can be enjoyed, and conversations continued. 

Carlos Rogelio Diaz, MFF Event & Volunteer Manager shares his thoughts on the event, “This is a screening everyone looks forward to each year. It’s a celebration of the many talents of those who are fortunate to work in, and around, this mercurial business. And for the festival to get the chance to introduce some to KindWorks.AI and the Cre8tors while ‘bringing home’ the Back To School Drive, is an absolute privilege. This is sure to be a special night.” 

Tickets and additional info can be found at midwestfilm.com.

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