Powerful ‘Sons of Toledo’ Premiere Headlines Chicago Ad Federation and AAF Toledo Event Oct 24

Powerful homegrown and diverse storytelling takes center stage this Monday. Chicago Ad Federation’s Diversity Thought and Leadership Council and the AAF Toledo will be hosting the Chicago premiere of the powerful short film inspired by a true story, “Sons of Toledo.” Please join the filmmakers and cast on October 24th, for the screening and a moderated discussion to follow. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Davis Theater, located at 4614 N Lincoln Ave in Chicago.

Quriosity Productions Founder and Executive Producer Qadree Holmes will be on hand to lead the festivities. “I am honored to represent the Chicago Ad Federation’s Diversity Thought Leadership Council at the screening,” Holmes shared with SCREEN. “This is such an impactful story that really sheds light on universal issues within the black community.”

“Sons of Toledo” has been entered into an abundance of festivals, winning top prizes.  Some of the festivals include Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival, Hip Hop Film  Festival, DC Film Fest, Film Invasion LA and Columbus Black Film Festival, to only name a few. 

Making a Difference with Filmmaking

While the plentiful accolades are a plus, what really stands out about this film and the filmmakers is their priority to making a difference, giving back to the community and incorporating diversity in every aspect of the film.  

Almost 70% of the budget went to local community partners who served as cast and crew, minority-owned caterers were used, and a surplus of catering was purchased in order to feed any and all around the filming location each day. On their largest shoot day, they subsidized a full COVID vaccination clinic and men’s health screening for the 150 extras.

Investing Back into the Community

Making money on this short was never a goal but funds that have been generated have been re-invested into supporting local events. All in all, they have made sure that they were giving back to their community who already gave so much.  AAF Toledo is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing professional education  and promoting fellowship to the community they serve. The AAF’s prestigious Mosaic  award is given to those whose commitment to diversity and inclusion are evident  through their creative work and organization-wide initiatives. This year, the work done  striving to bridge gaps in the community and continuously advocating for diversity,  “Sons of Toledo” was awarded by AAF Toledo as Mosaic Champion.

Please attend in Chicago on October 24th for the powerful and moving screening of “Sons of Toledo.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, please click right here.

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