Why You Gotta Get to Chicago Filmmaker Kevin Shaw’s ‘Let the Little Light Shine’ This Weekend

“A rousing tribute to grassroots activism with the visceral impact of all six ROCKY movies and a couple of CREED films put together.” So says Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune about Let the Little Light Shine, the festival darling documentary from Chicago filmmaker Kevin Shaw and a superb supporting team. The impactful film lands at the Siskel Film Center this Friday to launch a theatrical run with an impressive slate of special guests.

Chicago 2017: After closing down dozens of public schools, Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration sets out to shutter yet another, the top-ranked National Teachers Academy in the South Loop. But mother-professor-activist Elisabeth Greer and members of her community are fighting back. Filmmaker Kevin Shaw (a director on Steve James’ America to Me) was on the ground for the entire riveting David vs. Goliath saga. As the film tracks this passionate group of parents and students rising up for their beloved elementary school, it also reveals the bracing realities of systemic racism and gentrification.

Here is your first look at Let the Little Light Shine…

Plenty of Special Guests

This weekend is packed with notable guests and memorable performances and panels to give you all the more reason to put this theatrical premiere on your calendar this minute.

Opening Night on Friday, August 12, 7:30pm will feature a special panel led by indie doc legend Gordon Quinn, Founder of Kartemquin Films, with Director Kevin Shaw, Producer Rachel Dickson, Producer, and participants Elisabeth Greer, Isaac Castelaz, Audrey Johnson.

On Saturday, August 13, 7:30pm, acclaimed Chicago jazz composer and multi-instrumentalist Kahil El’Zabar, who composed the film’s score, will perform onstage with his quartet following the screening.

Click here for the full slate of special guests, showtimes, and tickets for this film.

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