Chicago-made short films create a patchwork of perspectives on life in the city.Featuring a profile of a busker (Red Line Lounge), an exploration of the city’s bricks (Sacred Brick Technology), a comedy about a souvenir salesman (BJs Mobile Gift Shop), a document of the reversal of the Chicago River (The Reversal), an examination of gun violence (4 Corners), a rumination on family and place (Under the Skyway), and a comedy about a dog sitter (Close Ties to Home Country).[…]
Best known for her 1939 concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, internationally celebrated singer Marian Anderson’s career was propelled by her immense talent, but also steered by limits imposed by racism and segregation. Director Rita Coburn adapts archival recordings of interviews and performances alongside intimate correspondence, brought to life by actors Regina Taylor and Harry Lennix, to center Anderson’s own voice. Balancing public triumphs with personal struggles, this powerful documentary tells the story of a pioneering artist and civil rights activist in her own words.[…]
Tommie Smith is the track-and-field gold medalist who famously raised a gloved fist at the ’68 Olympic games to protest racial inequality in America. With Drawn Arms tells the story of that iconic moment and examines its lasting influence on the Civil Rights movement and the ongoing fight for racial equality. Featuring an intimate conversation with Smith himself in addition to interviews with Jesse Williams, Jemele Hill, Megan Rapinoe, and the late John Lewis, the film explores the historical intersections of protest, politics, race, and sports.[…]
