Chicago Intl Film Festival

Shorts 7: Documentary

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These films showcase the richness of the documentary form. Through observation, testimony, and poetic reimagining, six different complex corners of the world come into view.
A man floats in the air as he attempts a dance move in a roller skating ring. The room is dimly lit, resembling a dance club.

Dooni

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Preacher Walter Hawkins eulogizes legendary singer Sylvester, who died of AIDS in 1988. “AIDS is not God’s punishment,” says Hawkins in this deeply moving film on faith, love, and triumph in the face of death.

This film screens as part of Shorts Program 7: Documentary.[…]

A middle aged man holds his mother's hand as they both sit in a room, in front of a window.

Visiting Hours

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During his daily visits to his ailing mother Rose, Tony helps her remember the past in this quietly beautiful portrait of aging, loss, and shared tenderness between mother and son.

This film screens as part of Shorts Program 7: Documentary.[…]

Close up of a parrot looking out into the distance, behind bars. One of his paws lays on a bar.

Koki, Ciao

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This deeply singular short film is a humorous autobiography of sorts about a parrot named Koki, who rubbed shoulders with some of the most famous people of the 20th century. Developed by having Koki verbally react to archival footage presented to him, this film is a fascinating portrait of pets, their strangely fascinating lives, and their relationship to power.

This film screens as part of Shorts Program 7: Documentary.[…]

A bare chested man stis on a canoe at night, as he blows a green powder on his hand, and holds a bowl with his other hand.

Lanawaru

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As a community grapples with the disappearance of one of their own, a young boy receives spiritual guidance from his grandfather. Hypnotic and profound, Lanawaru depicts one community’s bond with nature and their sacred spiritual practices.

This film screens as part of Shorts Program 7: Documentary.[…]

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