2018 (In)Justice For All Film Festival

OPENING RECEPTION

Join us as the 4th Annual (In)Justice For All Film Festival kicks off with an opening reception as we pause for a few minutes to share our appreciation and celebrate all of the filmmakers, members of the festival team, our partner organizations from throughout Chicago, and our financial and media sponsors. These individuals and organizations are critical to our ability to hold this film festival, particularly at this scale, and we treasure their support. Light refreshments will be served.

• Atrium

OPENING NIGHT PROGRAM: SCREENING OF RIKERS: AN AMERICAN JAIL

This marks the 5th year for our festival and we hope you will join us for a short program recognizing the team that has made it all happen. In America there are three jails that stand out above all others in the sheer size of their operations, and the fear and terror they evoke - L.A. County, Cook County, and Riker's Island (in New York). We are please to be able to screen "Rikers," an excellent documentary that brings life in these jails up close and personal. Following the film we will be able to discuss the documentary in more detail with someone that has lived it.

• Sanctuary

OPENING RECEPTION

Join us as the 4th Annual (In)Justice For All Film Festival kicks off with an opening reception as we pause for a few minutes to share our appreciation and celebrate all of the filmmakers, members of the festival team, our partner organizations from throughout Chicago, and our financial and media sponsors. These individuals and organizations are critical to our ability to hold this film festival, particularly at this scale, and we treasure their support. Light refreshments will be served.

• Atrium

OPENING NIGHT PROGRAM: SCREENING OF RIKERS: AN AMERICAN JAIL

This marks the 5th year for our festival and we hope you will join us for a short program recognizing the team that has made it all happen. In America there are three jails that stand out above all others in the sheer size of their operations, and the fear and terror they evoke - L.A. County, Cook County, and Riker's Island (in New York). We are please to be able to screen "Rikers," an excellent documentary that brings life in these jails up close and personal. Following the film we will be able to discuss the documentary in more detail with someone that has lived it.

• Sanctuary

THE EQUAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE | RIKERS: AN AMERICAN JAIL | BANKSY’S HOTEL - THE SHADOW OF THE WALL 

Across the country people are waking up to the myth that even if you are accused of a crime, you are “innocent until proven guilty.” In cities and counties from coast to coast, organizations are challenging the bond system that allows people to be held in jail until their court dates, in spite of the presumption of innocence. The Equal Justice Initiative is a short documentary on a powerful organization fighting for fairness in our criminal justice system on many fronts, while Rikers: An American Jail takes a look at the conditions so many “presumed innocent” men and women must live in. Finally, this will be the initial showing of Banksy’s Hotel – The Shadow of the Wall, a short film that shows the power of art to protest and challenge oppressive systems. 

• Meyer Auditorium

'63 BOYCOTT

In 1963, 250,000 students boycotted the Chicago Public Schools to protest racial segregation. Unseen 16mm film footage of the boycott is combined with insights from the original participants and present-day protesters against school closings. "’63 Boycott" connects the forgotten story of one of the largest northern civil rights demonstrations to contemporary issues around race, education, and youth activism.

• Gallery

SAY THAT! Spoken Word and Movie Night | ​ IT’S JUST A GUN | AMERICA, I TOO | WASTED TALENT

This is sure to be one of the highlight events of the entire festival as we combine several short films and five incredible Spoken Word artists from across generations. Our Spoken Word line-up: ​ The irrepressible singer, songwriter and educator, Maggie Brown Poet and National Youth Poet Laureate, Patricia Frazier Accomplished poet and member of the Young Chicago Authors, Jalen Kobayashi Trinity UCC's Senior Pastor, prophetic preacher extraordinaire, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III Speaker, blogger and poet, Kwyn "Kwynology" Riley "It’s Just A Gun" examines one of the many chapters involved in the life of a gun as a .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver is found by a young man, Gabe. "America, I Too", shares the interconnected stories of three arrested and detained immigrants as they navigate the system in their attempts to prevent being deported. Finally, "Wasted Talent" tells the story of struggle as a homeless fifteen-year-old tries to balance school and finding a place to sleep.

• Performance Penthouse

THE EQUAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE | RIKERS: AN AMERICAN JAIL | BANKSY’S HOTEL - THE SHADOW OF THE WALL 

Across the country people are waking up to the myth that even if you are accused of a crime, you are “innocent until proven guilty.” In cities and counties from coast to coast, organizations are challenging the bond system that allows people to be held in jail until their court dates, in spite of the presumption of innocence. The Equal Justice Initiative is a short documentary on a powerful organization fighting for fairness in our criminal justice system on many fronts, while Rikers: An American Jail takes a look at the conditions so many “presumed innocent” men and women must live in. Finally, this will be the initial showing of Banksy’s Hotel – The Shadow of the Wall, a short film that shows the power of art to protest and challenge oppressive systems. 

• Meyer Auditorium

'63 BOYCOTT

In 1963, 250,000 students boycotted the Chicago Public Schools to protest racial segregation. Unseen 16mm film footage of the boycott is combined with insights from the original participants and present-day protesters against school closings. "’63 Boycott" connects the forgotten story of one of the largest northern civil rights demonstrations to contemporary issues around race, education, and youth activism.

• Gallery

SAY THAT! Spoken Word and Movie Night | ​ IT’S JUST A GUN | AMERICA, I TOO | WASTED TALENT

This is sure to be one of the highlight events of the entire festival as we combine several short films and five incredible Spoken Word artists from across generations. Our Spoken Word line-up: ​ The irrepressible singer, songwriter and educator, Maggie Brown Poet and National Youth Poet Laureate, Patricia Frazier Accomplished poet and member of the Young Chicago Authors, Jalen Kobayashi Trinity UCC's Senior Pastor, prophetic preacher extraordinaire, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III Speaker, blogger and poet, Kwyn "Kwynology" Riley "It’s Just A Gun" examines one of the many chapters involved in the life of a gun as a .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver is found by a young man, Gabe. "America, I Too", shares the interconnected stories of three arrested and detained immigrants as they navigate the system in their attempts to prevent being deported. Finally, "Wasted Talent" tells the story of struggle as a homeless fifteen-year-old tries to balance school and finding a place to sleep.

• Performance Penthouse

DRUGS AS WEAPONS

This film covers the CIA's involvement in drug trafficking and the promotion of drugs for social control. It details evidence of the CIA's Project MK-Ultra manipulating musicians and activists to promote drugs. It also details evidence of U.S. intelligence "neutralizing" these figures when they sobered up. It further shows the evidence that U.S. intelligence mostly targeted anti-war and anti-racism activists, such as leaders of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and the Black Panthers. The musicians it covers include Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, Tupac Shakur, Janis Joplin, and The Rolling Stones, among others.

• Wright Chapel

PORONGOS MANIFEST |  CAGED |  LIFE AFTER LIFE

Many don’t know that Brazil is home to the largest population of Africans in Diaspora of any nation, nearly 56 million. In "Porongos Manifest," featuring Brazilian hip hop group Rafuagi, the story of the Farroupilha Revolution, where black people put their lives on the line for freedom, the true story of the Prorongos Massacre is told. And, in the film Caged, we witness a bizarre and torturous “solution” to overcrowding in the Brazilian prison system. Following these films, Maria Drell, co-founder and director of the Brazilian Cultural Center of Chicago, will discuss the implications of the films, as well as provide insights into the current state of affairs in Brazil. This film session will end with the screening of Life After Life, a film that shows the true life struggles of three men, who after extensive prison terms, set out to prove that success can lie on the other side of tragedy. Their stories unfold years and we are witness to the precarious nature of freedom after incarnation in the U.S.

• RM 202

UNHEARD |  CAGED |  TULSA |  DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE |  UNCAGED |  GREY MATTER

Unheard finds us amidst the depths of a mother’s despair, as in her grief she finds her voice to challenge the forces of injustice and inspire hope. In Caged, as their prison system explodes beyond capacity, Brazil officials develop an innovative new method to torture inmates. An insane idea yields a horrible result. Uncaged looks at a community of men inside California State Prison who are dedicated to higher education and its transforming ability. In Tulsa we are provided with an international, cross-cultural perspective of the destruction of the thriving Black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1921. Down The Rabbit Hole explores the mental distortion caused by colorism amidst a drive for perfection, as Rachel struggles to maintain her sanity. And, in Gray Matter we experience an advanced writing cohort inside of Oklahoma’s largest maximum security prison.

• GNCC

RETURNING TO LIFE

This film follows several felons recently released from the U.S. federal prison system. As part of efforts to reform sentencing for non-violent drug offenders, these individuals were selected to participate in an early release program and "Return to Life" spends almost a year with six of them. The film includes rare access to federal court judges and probation officers, footage shot inside a federal prison and of a cognitive behavior therapy group, as it follows the successes and failures of these individuals. It offers insight into the struggles faced by men and women who got caught up in America’s war on drugs. and explores how they got involved in drug dealing, their experiences inside prison, and the difficulties they faced trying to return to a rust-belt city as people labeled as felons. Molly Merryman, the director, will be here to discuss making the film and the people she met in the process. ​

• Sanctuary

CIRCLE UP

After the brutal slaying of her teenage son, Janet Connors reaches out to her son’s killer to offer a chance for forgiveness. They team up with a group of mothers of murdered children to help young people in their community break the chain of violence and revenge. "Circle Up" is a call to action, for reframing approaches to crime and punishment through the lens of restorative justice, forgiveness, and accountability. ​

• RM 105

CENTRAL

Constant news in the international and national media, the "Presidio Central" at Porto Alegre is the focus of the documentary "Central." Through reports of the prisoners, military police and visitors, "Central" shows the everyday hard reality of the prison, which was denounced for human rights violations and defined as the "The Dungeon of 21 Century." by the CPI of the Brazilian prison system.

• Sanctuary

DRUGS AS WEAPONS

This film covers the CIA's involvement in drug trafficking and the promotion of drugs for social control. It details evidence of the CIA's Project MK-Ultra manipulating musicians and activists to promote drugs. It also details evidence of U.S. intelligence "neutralizing" these figures when they sobered up. It further shows the evidence that U.S. intelligence mostly targeted anti-war and anti-racism activists, such as leaders of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and the Black Panthers. The musicians it covers include Jimi Hendrix, John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, Tupac Shakur, Janis Joplin, and The Rolling Stones, among others.

• Wright Chapel

PORONGOS MANIFEST |  CAGED |  LIFE AFTER LIFE

Many don’t know that Brazil is home to the largest population of Africans in Diaspora of any nation, nearly 56 million. In "Porongos Manifest," featuring Brazilian hip hop group Rafuagi, the story of the Farroupilha Revolution, where black people put their lives on the line for freedom, the true story of the Prorongos Massacre is told. And, in the film Caged, we witness a bizarre and torturous “solution” to overcrowding in the Brazilian prison system. Following these films, Maria Drell, co-founder and director of the Brazilian Cultural Center of Chicago, will discuss the implications of the films, as well as provide insights into the current state of affairs in Brazil. This film session will end with the screening of Life After Life, a film that shows the true life struggles of three men, who after extensive prison terms, set out to prove that success can lie on the other side of tragedy. Their stories unfold years and we are witness to the precarious nature of freedom after incarnation in the U.S.

• RM 202

RETURNING TO LIFE

This film follows several felons recently released from the U.S. federal prison system. As part of efforts to reform sentencing for non-violent drug offenders, these individuals were selected to participate in an early release program and "Return to Life" spends almost a year with six of them. The film includes rare access to federal court judges and probation officers, footage shot inside a federal prison and of a cognitive behavior therapy group, as it follows the successes and failures of these individuals. It offers insight into the struggles faced by men and women who got caught up in America’s war on drugs. and explores how they got involved in drug dealing, their experiences inside prison, and the difficulties they faced trying to return to a rust-belt city as people labeled as felons. Molly Merryman, the director, will be here to discuss making the film and the people she met in the process. ​

• Sanctuary

CENTRAL

Constant news in the international and national media, the "Presidio Central" at Porto Alegre is the focus of the documentary "Central." Through reports of the prisoners, military police and visitors, "Central" shows the everyday hard reality of the prison, which was denounced for human rights violations and defined as the "The Dungeon of 21 Century." by the CPI of the Brazilian prison system.

• Sanctuary

UNHEARD |  CAGED |  TULSA |  DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE |  UNCAGED |  GREY MATTER

Unheard finds us amidst the depths of a mother’s despair, as in her grief she finds her voice to challenge the forces of injustice and inspire hope. In Caged, as their prison system explodes beyond capacity, Brazil officials develop an innovative new method to torture inmates. An insane idea yields a horrible result. Uncaged looks at a community of men inside California State Prison who are dedicated to higher education and its transforming ability. In Tulsa we are provided with an international, cross-cultural perspective of the destruction of the thriving Black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1921. Down The Rabbit Hole explores the mental distortion caused by colorism amidst a drive for perfection, as Rachel struggles to maintain her sanity. And, in Gray Matter we experience an advanced writing cohort inside of Oklahoma’s largest maximum security prison.

• GNCC

CIRCLE UP

After the brutal slaying of her teenage son, Janet Connors reaches out to her son’s killer to offer a chance for forgiveness. They team up with a group of mothers of murdered children to help young people in their community break the chain of violence and revenge. "Circle Up" is a call to action, for reframing approaches to crime and punishment through the lens of restorative justice, forgiveness, and accountability. ​

• RM 105

BREATHIN', THE EDDY ZHENG STORY

Arrested at 16 and tried as an adult for kidnapping and robbery, Eddy Zheng served over 20 years in California prisons and jails. This is an intimate portrait of Eddy—the prisoner, the immigrant, the son, the activist—on his journey to freedom, rehabilitation and redemption. While in prison, Eddy learned English, earned his college degree, published his poetry, and transformed into a nationally recognized leader—inspiring youth, activists, and politicians on issues of prison reform and youth violence prevention. Despite being released from immigration custody in 2007, Eddy has been ordered deported to China and awaits the final court decision. With the looming possibility of deportation, Eddy must negotiate what it means to “live freely”—attempting to rebuild a family, reconcile with his victims, and make a lasting change in society at large.

• FUCC

THE MAYOR’S RACE

A mixed-race child, Marvin grew up with his single mother in Bristol's ghettos in the UK with prostitution, violence and poverty on a daily occurrence. Ever since, Marvin had the desire to go against the injustices he experienced and decides to run for mayor. Despite his charisma and intellect, his biggest battle is believing anyone will take this black guy from the ghetto serious. Bristol was part of the slave trade, was struck by a civil rights movement in the 1960's inspired by Martin Luther King, and had the black youth revolting in the 1980's, which caused a nationwide riot. Will he manage to break the circle of history and become the first mayor of African descent of a city in Europe?

• SP&RC

BORN BEHIND BARS

Prisons are for punishment. And as part of the price they pay, incarcerated mothers lose the right to bring up their children in the outside world. In India, children can accompany their mothers in prison till they are 6. Kranti, a little boy of 5 was born in prison. His mother lives here and so do his friends. The film offers a passage into the lost world of children living inside prison walls for no fault of their own and their tentative journey to make sense of it despite the odds.

• Community Room

MRS. MONICA MOSS PRESENTS: CALIFORNIA’S FORGOTTEN CHILDREN

Join 1st Lady, Monica Moss as she hosts California's Forgotten Children, a feature documentary about child sex trafficking. The film recounts true stories of girls and boys who were commercially sexually exploited in California and are now survivors and courageous leaders fighting for the rights of victims worldwide. Following the film there will be a lively discussion facilitated by Mrs. Moss featuring Brenda Myers-Powell, Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Dreamcatcher Foundation, Shalini Mirpuri, Prevention Manager, Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, and Laura Ng, Executive Director, Traffick Free.

• Sanctuary

BREATHIN', THE EDDY ZHENG STORY

Arrested at 16 and tried as an adult for kidnapping and robbery, Eddy Zheng served over 20 years in California prisons and jails. This is an intimate portrait of Eddy—the prisoner, the immigrant, the son, the activist—on his journey to freedom, rehabilitation and redemption. While in prison, Eddy learned English, earned his college degree, published his poetry, and transformed into a nationally recognized leader—inspiring youth, activists, and politicians on issues of prison reform and youth violence prevention. Despite being released from immigration custody in 2007, Eddy has been ordered deported to China and awaits the final court decision. With the looming possibility of deportation, Eddy must negotiate what it means to “live freely”—attempting to rebuild a family, reconcile with his victims, and make a lasting change in society at large.

• FUCC

MRS. MONICA MOSS PRESENTS: CALIFORNIA’S FORGOTTEN CHILDREN

Join 1st Lady, Monica Moss as she hosts California's Forgotten Children, a feature documentary about child sex trafficking. The film recounts true stories of girls and boys who were commercially sexually exploited in California and are now survivors and courageous leaders fighting for the rights of victims worldwide. Following the film there will be a lively discussion facilitated by Mrs. Moss featuring Brenda Myers-Powell, Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Dreamcatcher Foundation, Shalini Mirpuri, Prevention Manager, Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, and Laura Ng, Executive Director, Traffick Free.

• Sanctuary

THE MAYOR’S RACE

A mixed-race child, Marvin grew up with his single mother in Bristol's ghettos in the UK with prostitution, violence and poverty on a daily occurrence. Ever since, Marvin had the desire to go against the injustices he experienced and decides to run for mayor. Despite his charisma and intellect, his biggest battle is believing anyone will take this black guy from the ghetto serious. Bristol was part of the slave trade, was struck by a civil rights movement in the 1960's inspired by Martin Luther King, and had the black youth revolting in the 1980's, which caused a nationwide riot. Will he manage to break the circle of history and become the first mayor of African descent of a city in Europe?

• SP&RC

BORN BEHIND BARS

Prisons are for punishment. And as part of the price they pay, incarcerated mothers lose the right to bring up their children in the outside world. In India, children can accompany their mothers in prison till they are 6. Kranti, a little boy of 5 was born in prison. His mother lives here and so do his friends. The film offers a passage into the lost world of children living inside prison walls for no fault of their own and their tentative journey to make sense of it despite the odds.

• Community Room

TULSA | AMERICA, I TOO | DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE | THE EQUAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE

"Tulsa" provides a new perspective on the tragic events in 1921 as Iranian director Seyyed Parviz Shojaei looks at the destruction of the black community there through the eyes two young boys, one black, one black. In "America, I Too" we follow three immigrants of different backgrounds, as they struggle to remain in the United States. "Down The Rabbit Hole" explores the issue of colorism as two friends are pushed to the edge trying to come to terms with what it means to be black versus brown. And, in "The Equal Justice Initiative" we are introduced to Bryan Stevenson’s ground breaking work for the unjustly imprisoned.

• SEIU-HC

International Film Screenings with Milos Stehlik: ASSIA | PALE WHITE  | TAKE OFF | SEVA: THE SELFLESS MISSION | BANKSY’S HOTEL

Every year this festival has been blessed with incredible international films from as far away as Thailand, South Africa, and India. This wonderful short film program has been created from among the international films we selected for the festival this year, two from an Afghani director filming in Iran, from an English director in the Palestinian West Bank, about an English Sikh working with the homeless in London, and from French director Malika Zairi. These films take us away from our comfortable homes and transport us to other parts of the human sphere so that we can see the humanity in everyone. ​ For these film screenings we are excited to have Milos Stehlik, Director of Facets Multi-Media, and renown film commentator on Worldview, on WBEZ Chicago Public Radio. He is an avid international film fan and will provide interesting commentary and Q&A with the audience.

• Chapel

ART AS RESISTANCE Film Series: BANKSY’S  HOTEL | EXPOSING POLITICS | GENTRIFICATION |  ALL THEY KNOW IS SHOOT | WINGLESS | BALANCE | DRAWN TOGETHER: COMICS, DIVERSITY, AND STEREOTYPES

You don't want to miss this incredible collection of films that either directly, or by way of story telling, show the power and impact of artists as they use their mediums to challenge the power structures of the world. From the incredible Banksy's Hotel, that tells the story of a West Bank hotel that proudly proclaims it has "worst view in the world," to the stark and brutal assessment of the political landscape of the United States depicted in Exposing Politics, or the government's "neighborhood improvement" programs, that may be unwanted, discussed on Gentrification, these are stories of art as resistance. We'll be screening All I Know is Shoot, an Anti-Police Brutality music video and Wingless, an incredibly powerful animated film on what it means to be assimilated. In Balance, we are left to consider the costs and "benefits" of war. And, in Drawn Together: Comics, Diversity, and Stereotypes, American societies pervasive culture of stereotypes is exposed through the lens of comics and their dynamic c

• RM 310

TULSA | AMERICA, I TOO | DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE | THE EQUAL JUSTICE INITIATIVE

"Tulsa" provides a new perspective on the tragic events in 1921 as Iranian director Seyyed Parviz Shojaei looks at the destruction of the black community there through the eyes two young boys, one black, one black. In "America, I Too" we follow three immigrants of different backgrounds, as they struggle to remain in the United States. "Down The Rabbit Hole" explores the issue of colorism as two friends are pushed to the edge trying to come to terms with what it means to be black versus brown. And, in "The Equal Justice Initiative" we are introduced to Bryan Stevenson’s ground breaking work for the unjustly imprisoned.

• SEIU-HC

ART AS RESISTANCE Film Series: BANKSY’S  HOTEL | EXPOSING POLITICS | GENTRIFICATION |  ALL THEY KNOW IS SHOOT | WINGLESS | BALANCE | DRAWN TOGETHER: COMICS, DIVERSITY, AND STEREOTYPES

You don't want to miss this incredible collection of films that either directly, or by way of story telling, show the power and impact of artists as they use their mediums to challenge the power structures of the world. From the incredible Banksy's Hotel, that tells the story of a West Bank hotel that proudly proclaims it has "worst view in the world," to the stark and brutal assessment of the political landscape of the United States depicted in Exposing Politics, or the government's "neighborhood improvement" programs, that may be unwanted, discussed on Gentrification, these are stories of art as resistance. We'll be screening All I Know is Shoot, an Anti-Police Brutality music video and Wingless, an incredibly powerful animated film on what it means to be assimilated. In Balance, we are left to consider the costs and "benefits" of war. And, in Drawn Together: Comics, Diversity, and Stereotypes, American societies pervasive culture of stereotypes is exposed through the lens of comics and their dynamic c

• RM 310

International Film Screenings with Milos Stehlik: ASSIA | PALE WHITE  | TAKE OFF | SEVA: THE SELFLESS MISSION | BANKSY’S HOTEL

Every year this festival has been blessed with incredible international films from as far away as Thailand, South Africa, and India. This wonderful short film program has been created from among the international films we selected for the festival this year, two from an Afghani director filming in Iran, from an English director in the Palestinian West Bank, about an English Sikh working with the homeless in London, and from French director Malika Zairi. These films take us away from our comfortable homes and transport us to other parts of the human sphere so that we can see the humanity in everyone. ​ For these film screenings we are excited to have Milos Stehlik, Director of Facets Multi-Media, and renown film commentator on Worldview, on WBEZ Chicago Public Radio. He is an avid international film fan and will provide interesting commentary and Q&A with the audience.

• Chapel

FABRIC OF AMERICA | GENTRIFICATION | THE ALIEN TRAIL

When the developers roll into your neighborhood promising new, upgrades, expansions, refreshed, and improved the first question to ask is who asked for it, and who is it for. Gentrification tells the story of the trauma caused when neighborhoods are disrupted.  There are many reasons that people strike out for new lands, leaving their homes behind. It could be economic, danger, or war. Unfortunately developed countries have become increasingly xenophobic, and immigrants are less and less welcome each year. The Alien Trail follows four photographers as they capture with their lens the migrant and refugee population in the Mediterranean Island of Cyprus. And, in The Fabric of America, the challenges of living in America without proper documentation is explored, from many sides, revealing the complexity and controversy, and showing how the issues manifest locally, in Montgomery County, Maryland.

• Brooks Library, Room 310

TIGER NUT

A worldwide trade war has broken out over the control and distribution of the new healthy Super Food, tiger nuts, which will soon be a part of all healthy diets. An investigation uncovers a plot of international corruption and abuses around the production of tiger nuts by European and American companies exploiting African resources. "Tiger Nut" shows the encouraging response of thousands of families resisting this attempt to control their resources through initiatives such as the Mousso Faso cooperative.

• FCC

SCHOOL ME! |  UNCAGED | INMATE TO INDIVIDUALS | GREY MATTER | BROKEN ENGLISH | SEARED | EL MURO ENTRE NO

Three of these films provide perspectives on prison education: "School Me" takes us inside a college for prisoners, within a prison; "Uncaged" takes a look into a community of men inside California State Prison who are dedicated to higher education and its transformative ability, and; "Gray Matter" explores an advanced writing cohort inside Oklahoma's largest maximum security prison for women. "Inmate to Individuals" follows Real Chi Youth Reporter, Kwyn Townsend Riley as she talks with Colette Payne, a returning citizen from Chicago’s Southside. "El Muro Entre Nostros" gives us a glimpse of a woman trying to turn her life around after prison, only to be rejected for a job because of her troubled past. "Broken English" tells the story of Jose Lopez, a student that is driven to challenge himself, only to find that the system doesn’t appreciate or respect confidence and initiative. And in "Seared" another young man goes from a potential suicide, to a life with hope as he enters a career as a chef.

• Daley 214

FABRIC OF AMERICA | GENTRIFICATION | THE ALIEN TRAIL

When the developers roll into your neighborhood promising new, upgrades, expansions, refreshed, and improved the first question to ask is who asked for it, and who is it for. Gentrification tells the story of the trauma caused when neighborhoods are disrupted.  There are many reasons that people strike out for new lands, leaving their homes behind. It could be economic, danger, or war. Unfortunately developed countries have become increasingly xenophobic, and immigrants are less and less welcome each year. The Alien Trail follows four photographers as they capture with their lens the migrant and refugee population in the Mediterranean Island of Cyprus. And, in The Fabric of America, the challenges of living in America without proper documentation is explored, from many sides, revealing the complexity and controversy, and showing how the issues manifest locally, in Montgomery County, Maryland.

• Brooks Library, Room 310

TIGER NUT

A worldwide trade war has broken out over the control and distribution of the new healthy Super Food, tiger nuts, which will soon be a part of all healthy diets. An investigation uncovers a plot of international corruption and abuses around the production of tiger nuts by European and American companies exploiting African resources. "Tiger Nut" shows the encouraging response of thousands of families resisting this attempt to control their resources through initiatives such as the Mousso Faso cooperative.

• FCC

SCHOOL ME! |  UNCAGED | INMATE TO INDIVIDUALS | GREY MATTER | BROKEN ENGLISH | SEARED | EL MURO ENTRE NO

Three of these films provide perspectives on prison education: "School Me" takes us inside a college for prisoners, within a prison; "Uncaged" takes a look into a community of men inside California State Prison who are dedicated to higher education and its transformative ability, and; "Gray Matter" explores an advanced writing cohort inside Oklahoma's largest maximum security prison for women. "Inmate to Individuals" follows Real Chi Youth Reporter, Kwyn Townsend Riley as she talks with Colette Payne, a returning citizen from Chicago’s Southside. "El Muro Entre Nostros" gives us a glimpse of a woman trying to turn her life around after prison, only to be rejected for a job because of her troubled past. "Broken English" tells the story of Jose Lopez, a student that is driven to challenge himself, only to find that the system doesn’t appreciate or respect confidence and initiative. And in "Seared" another young man goes from a potential suicide, to a life with hope as he enters a career as a chef.

• Daley 214

Highlighting Returning Citizens: PERCEPTION: FROM PRISON TO PURPOSE | FROM STATE PRISONER TO STATE PROFESSOR  | COUNTERSTORY: AFTER INCARCERATION

This is a trinity of triumphant stories, and road maps, for returning citizens as each of these films takes us on a slightly different journey from prison to productive citizenry. In "Perception: From Prison to Purpose" we hear the story of the transformation of Noah Schultz who goes from gang member and drug dealer, to college grad, author, and TEDx speaker. "From State Prisoner to State Professor" we meet Najjar Abdul-Musawwir, once a state prisoner, who has transitioned from his old lifestyle to become a well-respected state professor at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale "Counter story: After Incarceration" focuses on the challenges of re-entry presented through the lived experiences of formerly incarcerated college students and college faculty.

• Faculty Lounge

Immigration Stories: THE FABRIC OF AMERICA | THE ALIEN TRIAL | AMERICA, I TOO | BROKEN ENGLISH

These timely films cover immigration challenges from a variety of angles: "The Alien Trail" follows four photographers as they capture with their lens the migrant and refugee population in the Mediterranean Island of Cyprus. In "The Fabric of America," the challenges of living in America without proper documentation is explored, from many sides, revealing the complexity and controversy, and showing how the issues manifest locally, in Montgomery County, Maryland. In "America, I Too" we follow three immigrants of different backgrounds, as they struggle to remain in the United States. Finally, "Broken English" tells the story of Jose Lopez, a student that is driven to challenge himself, only to find that the system doesn’t appreciate or respect confidence and initiative.

• NIEU-EC

UNHEARD | BLACK AND BLUE | EVERYTHING WAS HAPPINESS | A RETURN

In "Unheard," amidst the depths of despair, a grieving mother finds her voice to challenge the forces of injustice and inspire hope. "Black and Blue" is the story of a marine, returning from Afghanistan, struggling with PTSD, and finding out a cop has profiled and killed one of his younger friends. When the two finally meet a conversation goes awry with dark consequences. In "Everything Was Happiness" a family struggles to temper grief with hope nearly twenty years after the incarceration of their eldest son. Sometimes coming home from prison brings all of the pain of the experience to the surface for families, as we witness in "A Return." 

• St. James

Returning Citizens Track: ON THE OUTS: REENTRY FOR INMATES WITH DISABILITIES | SEARED | FROM STATE PRISONER TO STATE PROFESSOR

Living a normal life can be a struggle, but rebuilding your life after serving time in American prisons, wearing the scarlet letter “F” (felon) as you look for housing, education opportunities, or a job, increases life’s challenges exponentially. All of these films depict real life examples of those struggles, and some victories. In "On The Outs: Reentry For Inmates With Disabilities" we follow three inmates with various disabilities – vision impairment, brain injury, and mental illness – from prison, to their release dates, and their challenges with life on the outside. "Seared" is the story of a young man’s plan for suicide, as he has been beaten down by injustice and a life of crime, and his turnaround toward a life of renewed hope and passionate career as a chef. Finally, "From State Prisoner To State Professor" tells the story of Najjar Abudul-Musawwir, once a state prisoner, and his transition to a well-respected profession at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

• FBCUP

From the Archive: PRESUMED INNOCENT

​A look at pretrial detention at the House of Detention for Men at Rikers Island jail. Interviews with inmates, corrections officers, judges and criminal justice officials provide a detailed perspective on historical conditions of one of America's notorious jails.

• Harris Park

UNHEARD | CAGED | TULSA | DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE | UNCAGED | GREY MATTER

"Unheard" finds us amidst the depths of a mother’s despair, as in her grief she finds her voice to challenge the forces of injustice and inspire hope. In "Caged," as their prison system explodes beyond capacity, Brazil officials develop an innovative new method to torture inmates. An insane idea yields a horrible result. "Uncaged" looks at a community of men inside California State Prison who are dedicated to higher education and its transforming ability. In "Tulsa" we are provided with an international, cross-cultural perspective of the destruction of the thriving Black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1921. "Down The Rabbit Hole" explores the mental distortion caused by colorism amidst a drive for perfection, as Rachel struggles to maintain her sanity. And, in "Gray Matter" we experience an advanced writing cohort inside of Oklahoma’s largest maximum security prison.

• RM 310

IN THE EXECUTIONERS SHADOW | THE SANDMAN

"In the Executioner’s Shadow" tackles tough issues of justice, injustice, and capital punishment. It casts a penetrating look at the consequences of the death penalty through three powerful personal narratives. One pro. One con. And the rarely heard perspective of a former executioner who reveals an astonishing story.

• Co-Prosperity Sphere

Highlighting Returning Citizens: PERCEPTION: FROM PRISON TO PURPOSE | FROM STATE PRISONER TO STATE PROFESSOR  | COUNTERSTORY: AFTER INCARCERATION

This is a trinity of triumphant stories, and road maps, for returning citizens as each of these films takes us on a slightly different journey from prison to productive citizenry. In "Perception: From Prison to Purpose" we hear the story of the transformation of Noah Schultz who goes from gang member and drug dealer, to college grad, author, and TEDx speaker. "From State Prisoner to State Professor" we meet Najjar Abdul-Musawwir, once a state prisoner, who has transitioned from his old lifestyle to become a well-respected state professor at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale "Counter story: After Incarceration" focuses on the challenges of re-entry presented through the lived experiences of formerly incarcerated college students and college faculty.

• Faculty Lounge

Immigration Stories: THE FABRIC OF AMERICA | THE ALIEN TRIAL | AMERICA, I TOO | BROKEN ENGLISH

These timely films cover immigration challenges from a variety of angles: "The Alien Trail" follows four photographers as they capture with their lens the migrant and refugee population in the Mediterranean Island of Cyprus. In "The Fabric of America," the challenges of living in America without proper documentation is explored, from many sides, revealing the complexity and controversy, and showing how the issues manifest locally, in Montgomery County, Maryland. In "America, I Too" we follow three immigrants of different backgrounds, as they struggle to remain in the United States. Finally, "Broken English" tells the story of Jose Lopez, a student that is driven to challenge himself, only to find that the system doesn’t appreciate or respect confidence and initiative.

• NIEU-EC

UNHEARD | BLACK AND BLUE | EVERYTHING WAS HAPPINESS | A RETURN

In "Unheard," amidst the depths of despair, a grieving mother finds her voice to challenge the forces of injustice and inspire hope. "Black and Blue" is the story of a marine, returning from Afghanistan, struggling with PTSD, and finding out a cop has profiled and killed one of his younger friends. When the two finally meet a conversation goes awry with dark consequences. In "Everything Was Happiness" a family struggles to temper grief with hope nearly twenty years after the incarceration of their eldest son. Sometimes coming home from prison brings all of the pain of the experience to the surface for families, as we witness in "A Return." 

• St. James

From the Archive: PRESUMED INNOCENT

​A look at pretrial detention at the House of Detention for Men at Rikers Island jail. Interviews with inmates, corrections officers, judges and criminal justice officials provide a detailed perspective on historical conditions of one of America's notorious jails.

• Harris Park

Returning Citizens Track: ON THE OUTS: REENTRY FOR INMATES WITH DISABILITIES | SEARED | FROM STATE PRISONER TO STATE PROFESSOR

Living a normal life can be a struggle, but rebuilding your life after serving time in American prisons, wearing the scarlet letter “F” (felon) as you look for housing, education opportunities, or a job, increases life’s challenges exponentially. All of these films depict real life examples of those struggles, and some victories. In "On The Outs: Reentry For Inmates With Disabilities" we follow three inmates with various disabilities – vision impairment, brain injury, and mental illness – from prison, to their release dates, and their challenges with life on the outside. "Seared" is the story of a young man’s plan for suicide, as he has been beaten down by injustice and a life of crime, and his turnaround toward a life of renewed hope and passionate career as a chef. Finally, "From State Prisoner To State Professor" tells the story of Najjar Abudul-Musawwir, once a state prisoner, and his transition to a well-respected profession at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.

• FBCUP

UNHEARD | CAGED | TULSA | DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE | UNCAGED | GREY MATTER

"Unheard" finds us amidst the depths of a mother’s despair, as in her grief she finds her voice to challenge the forces of injustice and inspire hope. In "Caged," as their prison system explodes beyond capacity, Brazil officials develop an innovative new method to torture inmates. An insane idea yields a horrible result. "Uncaged" looks at a community of men inside California State Prison who are dedicated to higher education and its transforming ability. In "Tulsa" we are provided with an international, cross-cultural perspective of the destruction of the thriving Black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1921. "Down The Rabbit Hole" explores the mental distortion caused by colorism amidst a drive for perfection, as Rachel struggles to maintain her sanity. And, in "Gray Matter" we experience an advanced writing cohort inside of Oklahoma’s largest maximum security prison.

• RM 310

IN THE EXECUTIONERS SHADOW | THE SANDMAN

"In the Executioner’s Shadow" tackles tough issues of justice, injustice, and capital punishment. It casts a penetrating look at the consequences of the death penalty through three powerful personal narratives. One pro. One con. And the rarely heard perspective of a former executioner who reveals an astonishing story.

• Co-Prosperity Sphere

THE GENTLEMAN BANK ROBBER

Rita "bo" brown is a white, working-class butch from rural Oregon who became known as The Gentleman Bank Robber for combining her butch style of dress with a polite way of demanding funds from bank tellers. Part of the George Jackson Brigade, a revolutionary prison abolitionist group operating in the Pacific Northwest in the 1970s, Brown helped fund operations through her bank-robbing activities. Weaving life in present-day Oakland, where Brown now resides, with retelling of events, interviews with collaborators, and archival materials, Perini weaves together a touching look at a woman who has led a life committed to activism while maintaining a delightful sense of humor and humanity. ​

• Sanctuary Cafe

A CELEBRATION OF 1ST DEFENSE LEGAL AID and A NEW APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH | BLACK AND BLUE | UNHEARD | EL MURO ENTRE NOSOTROS

This year we are so happy to celebrate 1st Defense Legal Aid(FDLA), with an evening of food, films, and fantastic information. For over 20 years the FDLA has served Chicago citizens, providing attorneys – 24 hours a day/7 days a week – for those arrested and in custody, at the police station. They also are a street education powerhouse, training thousands of citizens on their rights when they are stopped or questioned by police. And, since this is a film festival, there will be films! "A New Approach to Mental Health" shows how a black psychologist is focusing his practice on the unique needs of black men. In "Black and Blue" we witness how easily situations can go awry as a Marine, struggling with PTSD, discovers a police officer has killed one of his younger friends. In "Unheard," a grieving mother finds her voice to challenge the forces of injustice and inspire hope. And , in "El Muro Entre Nosotros," a young woman finds that her felony past is not easy to escape as she is rejected for a job.

• SSCC

1950: THE NATIONALIST UPRISING

Five Puerto Ricans who participated in the Nationalist Uprising of 1950 to free Puerto Rico from the United States of America, speak about the history of this forgotten struggle and the consequences in their lives. As America continues to neglect Puerto Rico, this film is particularly relevant.

• SRB CC

1950: THE NATIONALIST UPRISING

Five Puerto Ricans who participated in the Nationalist Uprising of 1950 to free Puerto Rico from the United States of America, speak about the history of this forgotten struggle and the consequences in their lives. As America continues to neglect Puerto Rico, this film is particularly relevant.

• SRB CC

THE GENTLEMAN BANK ROBBER

Rita "bo" brown is a white, working-class butch from rural Oregon who became known as The Gentleman Bank Robber for combining her butch style of dress with a polite way of demanding funds from bank tellers. Part of the George Jackson Brigade, a revolutionary prison abolitionist group operating in the Pacific Northwest in the 1970s, Brown helped fund operations through her bank-robbing activities. Weaving life in present-day Oakland, where Brown now resides, with retelling of events, interviews with collaborators, and archival materials, Perini weaves together a touching look at a woman who has led a life committed to activism while maintaining a delightful sense of humor and humanity. ​

• Sanctuary Cafe

A CELEBRATION OF 1ST DEFENSE LEGAL AID and A NEW APPROACH TO MENTAL HEALTH | BLACK AND BLUE | UNHEARD | EL MURO ENTRE NOSOTROS

This year we are so happy to celebrate 1st Defense Legal Aid(FDLA), with an evening of food, films, and fantastic information. For over 20 years the FDLA has served Chicago citizens, providing attorneys – 24 hours a day/7 days a week – for those arrested and in custody, at the police station. They also are a street education powerhouse, training thousands of citizens on their rights when they are stopped or questioned by police. And, since this is a film festival, there will be films! "A New Approach to Mental Health" shows how a black psychologist is focusing his practice on the unique needs of black men. In "Black and Blue" we witness how easily situations can go awry as a Marine, struggling with PTSD, discovers a police officer has killed one of his younger friends. In "Unheard," a grieving mother finds her voice to challenge the forces of injustice and inspire hope. And , in "El Muro Entre Nosotros," a young woman finds that her felony past is not easy to escape as she is rejected for a job.

• SSCC

DRAWN TOGETHER: COMICS, DIVERSITY, AND STEREOTYPES

"Drawn Together: Comics, Diversity and Stereotypes" looks at the pervasive culture of racist stereotyping in U.S. society through the lens of comics and their dynamic creators. Conversations with three story tellers and comic illustrators provides humor amidst the irony of the racial and political subjects they create comics about.

• MPT - 1025 Pleasant

WOMEN'S MARCH | TAKE OFF

"Women's March" is a story about democracy, human rights, and what it means to stand up for your values in America today. On January 21, 2017, hundreds of thousands of women marched on Washington, DC. That same day, hundreds of sister marches took place across the country and around the world. Shot on location in San Francisco, Oakland, Boston, and Washington D.C., the film explores several women’s motivation to march. For some people, it was their first time marching. For others, it was the continuation of a decades-long fight for human rights, dignity, and justice. For all, it was an opportunity to make their voices heard. It grew into the largest one-day protest in American history. Take Off zooms us half way around the world to Iran where a couple in Iran are trying to arrange to drive a car, legally, but challenges await.

• Euclid Ave. UMC

EVERYTHING WAS HAPPINESS | A RETURN

Once you've served your time, the day comes when you are released and whenever possible, brothers or sisters want to return to the home they left. This can, and often is a a challenge. "Everything Was Happiness" is the story of a family struggling to temper grief with hope, nearly twenty years after the incarceration of their elder son. In "A Return," a daughter is angry that her father has returned from prison. 

• FCC

DRAWN TOGETHER: COMICS, DIVERSITY, AND STEREOTYPES

"Drawn Together: Comics, Diversity and Stereotypes" looks at the pervasive culture of racist stereotyping in U.S. society through the lens of comics and their dynamic creators. Conversations with three story tellers and comic illustrators provides humor amidst the irony of the racial and political subjects they create comics about.

• MPT - 1025 Pleasant

WOMEN'S MARCH | TAKE OFF

"Women's March" is a story about democracy, human rights, and what it means to stand up for your values in America today. On January 21, 2017, hundreds of thousands of women marched on Washington, DC. That same day, hundreds of sister marches took place across the country and around the world. Shot on location in San Francisco, Oakland, Boston, and Washington D.C., the film explores several women’s motivation to march. For some people, it was their first time marching. For others, it was the continuation of a decades-long fight for human rights, dignity, and justice. For all, it was an opportunity to make their voices heard. It grew into the largest one-day protest in American history. Take Off zooms us half way around the world to Iran where a couple in Iran are trying to arrange to drive a car, legally, but challenges await.

• Euclid Ave. UMC

EVERYTHING WAS HAPPINESS | A RETURN

Once you've served your time, the day comes when you are released and whenever possible, brothers or sisters want to return to the home they left. This can, and often is a a challenge. "Everything Was Happiness" is the story of a family struggling to temper grief with hope, nearly twenty years after the incarceration of their elder son. In "A Return," a daughter is angry that her father has returned from prison. 

• FCC

DAY OF ACTION: "WHAT TO DO WHEN A LOVED IS ARRESTED" TRAINING PROGRAM and A CALL TO ACTION | FEARLESS

The Next Movement has held a number of community forums that provide information to families on what they should expect if one day they get a call from a loved one that someone they love has been arrested. We want to make this information more broadly available in our community, so this session will focus on training individuals on how to facilitate a community forum themselves. LUNCH BEGINS AT 11:30. As with all other events we will be showing movies too! ​ In "A Call To Action," a teenage activist shows the misunderstanding and meaning behind the Black Lives Matter movement through her student led organization.  "Fearless" is a documentary short focused on 10,000 Fearless men and women who are determined to empower a struggling community in the midst of gun violence and uncertain conditions on the South Side of Chicago.

• Atrium

Refreshments / CLOSING RECEPTION

In celebration of what is sure to be a wonder festival, we will be having refreshments beginning at 3pm for our guests. Please stop by in between movie screenings!​

• Narthex 2

ASSIA | MRS. SCHNEIDER | COUNTERSTORY: AFTER INCARCERATION  |  THE ABUSED

"Assia" is a story of a 15-year-old girl  who gets an assignment to define how to live with each other without using writing, only to find her father's writing has brought him under suspicion for terrorism. "Mrs. Schneider" is a story told by an older clergyman about a neighbor in his youth,  that he discovers has a number tattoo from a Nazi concentration camp. "The Abused" tells the tale of disturbing and senseless acts of domestic violence and the people affected. "Counterstory: After Incarceration" focuses on the challenges of re-entry presented through the lived experiences of formerly incarcerated college students and college faculty.

• Sanctuary

CLOSING CEREMONY/AWARDS CEREMONY

Please come to help us celebrate all of the filmmakers and film fans as we hold a short THANK YOU ceremony and award our 10 prizes, including the Curley Cohen Fan Favorite award that everyone will have participated in.

• Sanctuary

DAY OF ACTION: "WHAT TO DO WHEN A LOVED IS ARRESTED" TRAINING PROGRAM and A CALL TO ACTION | FEARLESS

The Next Movement has held a number of community forums that provide information to families on what they should expect if one day they get a call from a loved one that someone they love has been arrested. We want to make this information more broadly available in our community, so this session will focus on training individuals on how to facilitate a community forum themselves. LUNCH BEGINS AT 11:30. As with all other events we will be showing movies too! ​ In "A Call To Action," a teenage activist shows the misunderstanding and meaning behind the Black Lives Matter movement through her student led organization.  "Fearless" is a documentary short focused on 10,000 Fearless men and women who are determined to empower a struggling community in the midst of gun violence and uncertain conditions on the South Side of Chicago.

• Atrium

ASSIA | MRS. SCHNEIDER | COUNTERSTORY: AFTER INCARCERATION  |  THE ABUSED

"Assia" is a story of a 15-year-old girl  who gets an assignment to define how to live with each other without using writing, only to find her father's writing has brought him under suspicion for terrorism. "Mrs. Schneider" is a story told by an older clergyman about a neighbor in his youth,  that he discovers has a number tattoo from a Nazi concentration camp. "The Abused" tells the tale of disturbing and senseless acts of domestic violence and the people affected. "Counterstory: After Incarceration" focuses on the challenges of re-entry presented through the lived experiences of formerly incarcerated college students and college faculty.

• Sanctuary

CLOSING CEREMONY/AWARDS CEREMONY

Please come to help us celebrate all of the filmmakers and film fans as we hold a short THANK YOU ceremony and award our 10 prizes, including the Curley Cohen Fan Favorite award that everyone will have participated in.

• Sanctuary

Refreshments / CLOSING RECEPTION

In celebration of what is sure to be a wonder festival, we will be having refreshments beginning at 3pm for our guests. Please stop by in between movie screenings!​

• Narthex 2