Saturday
Saturday Oct. 11th Schedule
2:00PM - Arts and Culture Showcase
Beauty
8 min. (Japan)
If we appeal to people with the strong visual images which carry meaning beyond cultural values and languages, we believe people will realize the beauty that exists.
Miho Homma
Mirage Maker
3 min. (California)
A magical being eases the death of those lost in the desert. The Mirage Maker gives a dying man one last chance to say goodbye to his family.
Benjamin Reicher, Director; Producer
Dinner for Few
10 min. (Greece/California)
A sociopolitical metaphor of the world as a formal dinner that takes an unexpected turn when there's no more food to be served.
Nassos Vakalis, Director; Producer
10 min. (Greece/California)
A sociopolitical metaphor of the world as a formal dinner that takes an unexpected turn when there's no more food to be served.
Nassos Vakalis, Director; Producer
Acadian Nights
5 min. (Texas)
Marked by vibrant color, hypnotic interludes, and sensual appeal, Acadian Nights is an experiential art film inspired by the universality of dreams- particularly dreams of houses and the spaces that contain us.
Peggy Weiss, Director
5 min. (Texas)
Marked by vibrant color, hypnotic interludes, and sensual appeal, Acadian Nights is an experiential art film inspired by the universality of dreams- particularly dreams of houses and the spaces that contain us.
Peggy Weiss, Director
4 min. (Chicago)
Taking the backseat and standing in the shadow of self doubt is an all too common theme. John Kopanski's 'Writing on The Wall' music video showcases the abrupt unity of the urban masses in uprising against insecurities and the social norm.
John Kopanski, Director
Cloth Paper Dreams
12 min. (Texas)
At the confluence of the three holiest rivers in India during the world's largest spiritual pilgrimage, three men converge, each bringing what connects them to something greater than themselves.
Greg Davis, Director
12 min. (Texas)
At the confluence of the three holiest rivers in India during the world's largest spiritual pilgrimage, three men converge, each bringing what connects them to something greater than themselves.
Greg Davis, Director
War Child - Chapter One
8 min. (Canada)
The first chapter of Emmanuel Jal's autobiography, War Child. It begins the story of when Emmanuel was a seven year old Sudanese boy, living in a small village at the onset of the Sudan civil war.
Norm Fassbender, Director
8 min. (Canada)
The first chapter of Emmanuel Jal's autobiography, War Child. It begins the story of when Emmanuel was a seven year old Sudanese boy, living in a small village at the onset of the Sudan civil war.
Norm Fassbender, Director
A Bodega
6 min. (Chicago)
Made with ingredients available at a bodega in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Directed by: Samuel Mendez
6 min. (Chicago)
Made with ingredients available at a bodega in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Directed by: Samuel Mendez
9 min. (Canada)
According to Inuit oral history, long ago animals had the power of speech, could shift their appearances, and could even assume human form. In The Orphan and the Polar Bear, a neglected orphan is adopted by a polar bear elder. Under the bear's guidance, the little orphan learns the skills he will need to survive and provide for himself.
Neil Christopher, Producer; Director
2 min. (Ohio)
A film about being rejected by a film festival.
Darr Reitknecht, Director
L'Homme du Passé
12 min. (France)
Jenifer and Edward are in love since they met at Sciences Po school. But they kept their relationship secret : Jenifer is from a poor family when Edward's father is a powerful man.They eventually organize a diner for their fathers to meet. But almost each of them will play a part to please the others... Or not.
Matt Beurois, Director; Producer
12 min. (France)
Jenifer and Edward are in love since they met at Sciences Po school. But they kept their relationship secret : Jenifer is from a poor family when Edward's father is a powerful man.They eventually organize a diner for their fathers to meet. But almost each of them will play a part to please the others... Or not.
Matt Beurois, Director; Producer
5 min. (Chicago)
A story about a girl and her dog.
Director : Zoe Lubeck
4 min. (France)
A ride towards the sea is the odyssey of a small animated character who decides to go out to face the city and the nature to free his goldfish. But the cadence of his own will reserve for him numerous surprises: every person, every element of the city which he will cross could be violent to him.
Damien Stein, Director
Saturday Oct. 11th Schedule
4:00PM - Crimes
Another Life
18 min. (California)
A young pregnant woman near term is visited by her estranged brother who unwittingly plunges her into his past life of violence and crime.
Mark Lammerding, Director
18 min. (California)
A young pregnant woman near term is visited by her estranged brother who unwittingly plunges her into his past life of violence and crime.
Mark Lammerding, Director
16 min. (Luxembourg)
Jules, Felix and Matthieu are affluent teenagers who only care about one thing : having fun. And that is why Jules, the leader of the group, decides to take Joe on a night out with them…
Lélia Di Luca
14 min. (California)
A little girl, Lily, wakes her parents when she hears a monster under the bed. The next day, all seems fine and Lily's parents are happy to welcome Lily's uncle for a visit. The next morning, Lily's sheets need to be cleaned, and she says she doesn't feel well. That night she takes a knife to bed with her - determined to face the monster in the house.
Merry Grissom, Director
20 min. (California)
A teenager on the morning of his 'going Columbine' is confronted by an unlikely stranger, the only person who can stop him. It's a timely and powerful short film about two seemingly ordinary strangers existing in the heart of 'perfect' suburbia, fated to meet at a life-changing moment, both confronting the demons we all share.
Adam Rubin, Director; Producer
15 min. (Chicago)
Unaware of her past, Anne's friends do their best to help her get over a failed relationship. When the pressure becomes too much, Anne's repressed traumas explode in a cathartic moment where she makes a choice that is both horrific and heroic.
Directed by: David Bradburn
Vigilante
21 min. (United Kingdom)
Action drama about a shopkeeper who defends his store against a gang during the London Riots.
Benedict Sanderson, Director; Producer
21 min. (United Kingdom)
Action drama about a shopkeeper who defends his store against a gang during the London Riots.
Benedict Sanderson, Director; Producer
Saturday Oct. 11th Schedule
6:00PM - Action and Adventure Show
Excursion
19 min. (Australia)
Trapped inside a university library while on a tour, a group of high school students and their teachers attempt to flee from two relentless killers who prowl the corridors.
Stuart Bender, Director; Producer
19 min. (Australia)
Trapped inside a university library while on a tour, a group of high school students and their teachers attempt to flee from two relentless killers who prowl the corridors.
Stuart Bender, Director; Producer
3 min. (California)
Intergalactic travelers observe the rich and powerful using material possessions to lure the naive into becoming cheap laborers, forced to manufacture the very items they were deceived with.
JC Pratt, Director
Impact : Beyond the Mat
21 min. (Oklahoma)
This is a documentary that follows a group of individuals from Lawton, Oklahoma, who's only passion is wrestling. Trying to make it big, we hear real life stories, pain and drama unfold behind the scenes. Welcome to Impact Zone Wrestling.
Garrett Bishop, Director; Producer
21 min. (Oklahoma)
This is a documentary that follows a group of individuals from Lawton, Oklahoma, who's only passion is wrestling. Trying to make it big, we hear real life stories, pain and drama unfold behind the scenes. Welcome to Impact Zone Wrestling.
Garrett Bishop, Director; Producer
7 min. (United Kingdom)
Set in East London, a teenage thug assaults an old man for seeing something he shouldn't have.The event pushes the old man into isolation and anxiety, but on seeing the teenager again, awakens in him a purpose to exact a dark revenge with a twist.
Lester Brown, Director
11 min. (California)
A woman and her husband's mistress must find a way to work together in order to fight off two ruthless gangsters.
Morgan Clay, Producer
Chasing Stars
6 min. (Chicago)
Chasing Stars is a mixed media stop-motion animation short, made by students at Northwestern University, that re-imagines the story of Laika, the Soviet dog who was the first animal to orbit the earth. Driven by her sense of cosmic wonder, Laika must navigate outer space to find her place in the universe.
Tom Mason, Director
6 min. (Chicago)
Chasing Stars is a mixed media stop-motion animation short, made by students at Northwestern University, that re-imagines the story of Laika, the Soviet dog who was the first animal to orbit the earth. Driven by her sense of cosmic wonder, Laika must navigate outer space to find her place in the universe.
Tom Mason, Director
3 min. (Rolling Meadows, Il.)
When a father encounters his son's Xbox headset, he begins hearing warnings of impending attacks if he doesn't 'move!'
Directed by: Josh McAfee
One Forest Day
10 min. (Evanston, Il)
While trying to escape from human hunters through a vast forest, Udok must overcome his paralyzing fears and stand up to his pursuers.
Directed by: Neil Lokken
10 min. (Evanston, Il)
While trying to escape from human hunters through a vast forest, Udok must overcome his paralyzing fears and stand up to his pursuers.
Directed by: Neil Lokken
30 min. (California)
'Valiant' is the story of a band of wanted air pirates, The Valiant Three, who set out on dangerous quest after finding a lost child princess who may hold the ticket to their freedom.
Shyam Sundar Sengupta, Producer
Saturday Oct. 11th Schedule
8:00PM - Demented Shorts - Odd and Offbeat Films
Attack of the Killer Trees
6 min. California
A routine workday turns ugly for this bumbling lumberjack, as he unwittingly wanders into a forest full of vengeful plant life. Will Louie Lumberjack escape the wrath of horrifying carnivorous trees or will he meet his gruesome demise?
Valerie Giuili, Director; Producer
6 min. California
A routine workday turns ugly for this bumbling lumberjack, as he unwittingly wanders into a forest full of vengeful plant life. Will Louie Lumberjack escape the wrath of horrifying carnivorous trees or will he meet his gruesome demise?
Valerie Giuili, Director; Producer
8 min. Willowbrook, IL
Dr. Larry has a unique dental approach with interesting patients. Dr. Larry has a great rapport with teeth and a spiritual essence.
Brian Polacek, Director; Producer
There’s Something About Carrie
9 min. California
Uncle Randi throws his nephew, Davey, an unforgettable bachelor party inside his 'Cathedral of Love'.
Travis Greene, Director
9 min. California
Uncle Randi throws his nephew, Davey, an unforgettable bachelor party inside his 'Cathedral of Love'.
Travis Greene, Director
8 min. New Mexico
A domineering high school monitor who blackmails his classmates for money, falls victim to his own game.
Justin Oney, Director
3 min. Chicago
A group of friends have fun at the expense of a stranger in a coffee shop, posting their shenanigans on social media. But their phones are a barrier to a grave reality right in front of them.
Michael Dunne, Producer
3 min. California
Music video for the first single 'Candy Cane' by hip hop artist Jordayne off his album 'World Premiere'.
Rachel Woods, Director; Producer
8 min. California
Two teenage skateboarders befriend an unusual zombie in post-apocalyptic Los Angeles. As their friendship blossoms, they stumble upon an unexpected cure to the zombie outbreak.
Maxine Loder, Producer
Adam Loder, Director
12 min. United Kingdom
Michael jumped at the chance to fight for his relationship with Leah, but didn't realise he would also be fighting for his life.
Sean Young, Director
Trailer
Hellyfish
13 min. California
America's only missing nuclear weapon is leaking radioactive material into the ocean just off the coast of Savannah, GA causing a mutation in the local jellyfish population. The trifling existence of a hapless cast is disrupted by a vicious force of nature that shows no mercy.
Directed by: Patrick Longstreth
13 min. California
America's only missing nuclear weapon is leaking radioactive material into the ocean just off the coast of Savannah, GA causing a mutation in the local jellyfish population. The trifling existence of a hapless cast is disrupted by a vicious force of nature that shows no mercy.
Directed by: Patrick Longstreth
Saturday Oct. 11th Schedule
10:00PM - Halloween Horrors
11 min. California
A hoarder's addiction finally catches up with her when she purchases a lamp online that is said to behold the power of a demon.
David Michor, Director; Producer
4 min. California
A determined man must get his girlfriends purse back from the unseen perils of downtown.
Kyle Robinson, Director; Producer
9 min. United Kingdom/Portugal
The purchase of a mystery Jigsaw Puzzle from a strange and unsettling vendor leads a man to an evening of frightening consequences.
Al Safar Brothers, Director; Producer
3 min. United Kingdom
Some things should stay buried...
Charlotte Dolman
23 min. Japan
On Halloween day, the Sun gives a scarecrow girl one night freedom until Sunrise. Transforming herself into human being, she gets mixed up with crowds of a Halloween matchmaking party in the big city, Tokyo
Mari Okada, Director
3 min. New Zealand
Mr. Darrow is living out his twilight years. But despite his age and weakness, he is still driven by particular tastes...
Nick Swinglehurst, Director
Evil Dead - The Ultimate Fan Film
9 min. Michigan (Youth)
The dead are evil.
Tyler Clifton, Director
9 min. Michigan (Youth)
The dead are evil.
Tyler Clifton, Director
9 min. Massachusetts
After hearing a scary bedtime story, a young boy and girl become convinced they have monsters under their beds. They may be right...
Todd Slawsby, Director
13 min. California
Val and her friends play a game that allows them to communicate with the dead. The Knock Knock Game turns any doorway into a portal to the hereafter, but the girls learn that are rules that should never be broken.
Jeff Betancourt, Director
C.I.R.S.F Seeks Sponsors
Project Chicago is always looking to join forces with all types of sponsors.
We have sponsorship slots available in a variety of levels, be it Title Sponsor, Premier sponsor or Partners. If you are Interested in some cross promotion to the Arts people of Chicago, Let us Know!
Project Chicago is always looking to join forces with all types of sponsors.
We have sponsorship slots available in a variety of levels, be it Title Sponsor, Premier sponsor or Partners. If you are Interested in some cross promotion to the Arts people of Chicago, Let us Know!
