Reel Black Filmmakers Hosts First In-Person South Side Short Film Series

For the last three years, the South Side Short Film Series hosted by Reel Black Filmmakers was virtual. On Saturday, March 4^th from 2-4pm, the free screening will be in-person at Harris Park, 6200 S. Drexel Avenue, where the Community Film Workshop of Chicago (CFWC) is an Arts Partner with the Chicago Park District.  

The series will feature short films by the cohorts of the 2022 Production Institute at the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation Media Center housed at the Reva & David Logan Center for the Arts on the campus of the University of Chicago.

“South Side filmmakers of the Production Institute have created stories rarely seen in mainstream media, and Reel Black Filmmakers is very proud to showcase these unique stories,” states documentary filmmaker Derek Grace, a founding member of Reel Black Filmmakers. 

Grace goes on to say, “For three consecutive years, Reel Black Filmmakers has screened films by Production Institute filmmakers.  We have screened over 30 films and hosted more than 20 filmmaker Q&As.”

Presented in partnership with the Community Film Workshop of Chicago, the Production Institute makes high-quality digital production training accessible to emerging media makers from South Side communities. This program addresses the lack of affordable, intensive courses available to South Side filmmakers and media artists. 

Through a hands-on film production course taught by experienced instructors, the Production Institute offers participants the opportunity to advance digital production skills and build a professional portfolio.

Margaret Caples, executive director of the Community Film Workshop of Chicago, shares, “It is extremely gratifying to showcase films produced by recent fellows in the Production Institute. South Side Short Films Series brings new voices to the community dialogue around issues of Blackness and shifting social dynamics.” 

She adds, “These screenings give the audience a voice in transforming our collective view of life on the South Side of Chicago.”

Featured filmmakers include: 

·       Reynard Allison

·       Otis Dominique

·       Claude Fethiere 

·       Rodney Gipson

·       Ashley McKeithen

·       Candace Odili

·       Toya Simmons

·       Monica Staton

·       Gustina Steele

·       Jennifer Thompson-Watson

“In addition to highlighting voices that are rarely heard, we hope to inspire other South Side filmmakers to apply for the 2023 Production Institute,” cites Grace. 

Click here to register for this event.

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