The Gene Siskel Film Center will be hosting their
18th Annual Black Harvest Film Festival
on Aug 3 through August 30, 2012 in Chicago.
“Action! The Real Deal About Filmmaking: Money, Casting, Production, and Distribution” (August 25), this year’s edition of the ever-popular “Black Harvest” panel discussion and DIY workshop, will cover every aspect of production for the aspiring filmmaker and feature down-to-earth tips and practical information from our guest producers and directors.
Many filmmakers from around the U.S. will be appearing for discussion and networking, including a significant number of our own Chicago-based filmmakers. Feature films made in Chicago include the documentary
THE CURATORS OF DIXON SCHOOL, the drama ENGLEWOOD, and the action drama FATHER’S DAY.
Eleven short films boast Chicago directors.
Among the festival’s special events are special advance screenings of BALLPLAYER: PELOTERO and the closing night film BROOKLYN CASTLE. BALLPLAYER: PELOTERO explores the tension-fraught high-stakes process of recruiting young talent in the Dominican Republic by American pro baseball clubs. A game of another sort is the subject of BROOKLYN CASTLE, in which a failing Brooklyn middle school initiates a chess program and develops the nation’s newest chess prodigies in the process.
Movies to catch early on:
Filmmakers in person!
Made in Chicago
2011-2012, Various directors, USA, 82 min.
Seven films featuring Chicago talent: In Derek Dow’s dark farce THIS AIN’T YO MOVIE (2012, 6 min.), a frustrated director goes to extreme lengths to make the film his way.
In Vaun Monroe’s A BLIND EYE (2011, 6 min.), a tawdry dressing room is the last stop in a father’s search for his missing daughter.
Created by students in the Precious Blood Theatre Program, Eric Walker’s ONE SHOT (2012, 8 min.) dramatizes the dangers of gun possession.
Natasha Parker’s THE PACKAGE (2011, 9 min.) stars Morocco Omari as a would-be playa whose lines aren’t getting any bites.
In Allesandra Pinkston’s harrowing THE TESTAMENT OF KARMA (2011, 14 min.), a frantic mother has to face the truth about her missing son.
In Dion Strowhorn Sr.’s REDIAL (2012, 20 min.), a straying husband gets an unexpected anniversary present.
Heaven and earth meet in Corey Harvey’s ISHMAEL (2012, 20 min.), when an alcoholic husband is granted a sobering vision of the future. Various video formats. (MR)
Director Dion Strowhorn Sr. and producer Susan Strowhorn (REDIAL) will be present for both screenings; producer Cory Lewis (ISHMAEL) and director Alessandra Pinkston (THE TESTAMENT OF KARMA) on Saturday; directors Derek Dow (THIS AIN’T YO MOVIE) and Eric Walker (ONE SHOT) on Thursday.
CHI-CHI,
TALES FROM THE BASS LINE
2012, Barrie Gavin, UK, 46 min.
Sun, Aug 5th at 5:15pm
Mon, Aug 6th at 6:15pm
Two portraits of women of color who forged unconventional paths to musical excellence: Chi-chi Nwanoku is a virtuoso of one of the most challenging musical instruments, the double bass. The effervescent and indomitable Chi-chi recounts the hurdles she faced growing up as a mixed-race child and scaling the musical establishment in Britain, interspersed with luscious performances of Haydn, Berlioz, Elgar, Dvorak, and others.
Preceded by
T’AIN’T NOBODY’S BIZNESS
2011, Robert Philipson, USA, 29 min.
An overview of such early blues divas as Ma Rainey, Alberta Hunter, and Bessie Smith, whose independent spirit was reflected in their unconventional sexuality as well as in their groundbreaking music. Both in DigiBeta video. (MR)
Pamela Sherrod Anderson in person!
THE CURATORS OF DIXON SCHOOL
2011, Pamela Sherrod Anderson, USA, 80 min.
Sun, Aug 12th at 3:00pm
Thu, Aug 16th at 6:00pm
Public schools don’t have to be a minefield of metal detectors, minimal expectations, and mind-numbing routine. An alternative exists right here in Chicago, at the Dixon Elementary Public School in the Chatham neighborhood, where former principal Joan Crisler and her successor Sharon Dale have implemented the idea that art should be an integral part of the learning environment, with museum-quality works openly adorning the halls. The results, in terms of student performance and morale, have been spectacular, but, as this inspiring but pragmatic documentary demonstrates, there are no miracle solutions: Crisler’s protégé Carol Briggs has an uphill battle applying the same approach at another school, and recent budget cuts have left even the most successful programs vulnerable to the axe. HDCAM video. (MR) FF
Director Pamela Sherrod Anderson will be present for audience discussion at both screenings.
Filmmakers in person!
2011-2012, Various directors, USA, 82 min.
Sat, Aug 4th at 8:30pm
Thu, Aug 9th at 8:30pm
Seven films featuring Chicago talent: In Derek Dow’s dark farce THIS AIN’T YO MOVIE (2012, 6 min.), a frustrated director goes to extreme lengths to make the film his way. In Vaun Monroe’s A BLIND EYE (2011, 6 min.), a tawdry dressing room is the last stop in a father’s search for his missing daughter. Created by students in the Precious Blood Theatre Program, Eric Walker’s ONE SHOT (2012, 8 min.) dramatizes the dangers of gun possession. Natasha Parker’s THE PACKAGE (2011, 9 min.) stars Morocco Omari as a would-be playa whose lines aren’t getting any bites. In Allesandra Pinkston’s harrowing THE TESTAMENT OF KARMA (2011, 14 min.), a frantic mother has to face the truth about her missing son. In Dion Strowhorn Sr.’s REDIAL (2012, 20 min.), a straying husband gets an unexpected anniversary present. Heaven and earth meet in Corey Harvey’s ISHMAEL (2012, 20 min.), when an alcoholic husband is granted a sobering vision of the future. Various video formats. (MR)
For a complete Film Listing and Showtimes go to: http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/blackharvest2012
(reprinted from The Gene Siskel Film Center) https://www.facebook.com/siskelfilmcenter
