Patrick Lives On 2026 Film Lineup

The Patrick Lives On Film Festival is a yearly Renaissance for Chicago’s creative community. Attracting celebrities and professionals, students and artists, it heralds springtime with an abundance of food, drink, prizes and, of course, film.

The event takes place at Resolution Studios (2226 W. Walnut St.) on Saturday February 28. It will commence with feasting and networking before screening a fifteen-title showcase of curated work. For tickets and information, click here.

“This year’s program is heavy on documentaries — historical, mental illness, homelessness, antisemitism and a PSA about consequences,” says Patrick Lives On founder Patricia Frontain. She adds that there are also some “beautiful, inspirational movies about children” and “a nice assortment of thought-provoking comedies and dramas” including one that is “weird and spooky.”

The Filmmakers

Those who have contributed work to the lineup include Timothy Troy, master of the one-minute horror film, and Tim Mason, who directed and co-created Showtime’s Work In Progress with Improv star Abby McEnany. Chicago actor Harold Dennis will also appear in an “intense drama” by JD Collins that makes a “significant comment on prescription pharmaceuticals.” There will also be at least one film created by a One Chicago crew member.

The Prizes

Raffle prizes include a $15,000 Panavision camera rental package, a $10,000 Keslow camera rental package and a $15,000 Harbor Post color-grading session. There are also unique items from Chicago Fire, Chicago Med and Chicago PD. One luck winner will enjoy dinner at Lou Malnatti’s and four tickets to a Cubs game, courtesy of Hubbard Radio.

The Cause

Frontain spent a decade as Script Supervisor for Chicago PD before pursuing a professional directing career in 2023. She is currently shooting her eighth feature for the Lifetime Network and recently wrapped a “gorgeous romance” starring Taye Diggs on the Caribbean island of Nevis. She launched Patrick Lives On after losing her son Patrick to an act of senseless violence ten years ago. Now she follows through on a desire to comfort teens and prevent other families from experiencing similar trauma.

The organization’s flagship initiative is the Patrick Boswell Courage Award (PBCA). It honors the legacy of Patrick Boswell by recognizing and empowering students who demonstrate exceptional courage in resisting gangs, violence, and harmful influences.

“My son Patrick lives on to encourage all filmmakers to create and share their non-violent themed short stories through film” she says. “This fundraising event is an opportunity for our local film community to share their work with their peers, friends and family while helping to raise funds for a worthy cause.”

The Lineup

ALL EYES ON YOU DYLAN KAUFMANN
LET’S CHANGE THE NORM PSA TIM MASON
APOLITICAL MISHU HIILMY
BRAC ARMIN KORSOS
DEEPA ANITA CHANDWANEY
ON BROKEN GLASS TIMOTHY TROY
THE GHOST WANTS A FRIEND YANELY CASTELLANOS & SALVADOR SALAZAR
COEXIST ANGIE PANGANIBAN
REDLINE PROPHECIES JD COLLINS
PETER MICHAEL G FLORES
HEAT INITIATIVE PSA TIM MASON
A LEAF FROM THE MOON VIC DEIUVY & NGUYEN TRAN
WELCOME TO HEAVEN ANDY MARKANTONATOS
THE KNOT JOB AFRIM ZENUNI & TOMMY MARTIN
CORA DALE — A REDISCOVERED HARMONY SILAS IMMANUEL & ISABEL MASSUD FARIA DE SOUZA