"Clones are people, too, sir!" Here's a very entertaining, thought-provoking sci-fi short film that we highly recommend watching. The Replacement is a short film written & directed by Sean Miller, now available to watch on Dust. This premiered at the Chicago Film Festival last year, won Best Short at Sci-Fi London, and has played at numerous other film festivals all over the world. The Replacement takes us into a future where clones are common, used as surrogates and as a way to help people improve their lives. But of course it gets out of hand. Mike McNamara stars as Abe, one of the few "originals" out there, who tries to fight back against the system and the clone-filled society. This is a cautionary tale about how we only think about progress, not the implications of new ideas, and how "the best of intentions can get us into places we didn't expect.
- 7/8/2019
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Chicago – Local Awards Season is coming up with the Best of the Midwest, honoring the 2018 film year of the Midwest Independent Film Festival. The Gala is on Thursday, January 17th, 2019, click here for tickets and information.
The gala will be hosted by Amy Guth, who was named Executive Director of the “Midwest Indie” Fest in 2018. Her right hand behind-the-scenes Executive is Mike Kwielford, who oversaw a transition year for the Festival he co-founded in 2005. His hard work and persistence guided the Fest through several changes in 2018, including forming the hiring committee that appointed Ms. Guth as Executive Director. For a complete list of nominees for this year’s Best of the Midwest Awards, click here.
Best of the Midwest Awards, and Co-Founder Mike Kwielford (inset) of the Midwest Independent Film Festival
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.com
Mike Kwielford is also a principal owner of Potenza Productions, as well as their cinematographer.
The gala will be hosted by Amy Guth, who was named Executive Director of the “Midwest Indie” Fest in 2018. Her right hand behind-the-scenes Executive is Mike Kwielford, who oversaw a transition year for the Festival he co-founded in 2005. His hard work and persistence guided the Fest through several changes in 2018, including forming the hiring committee that appointed Ms. Guth as Executive Director. For a complete list of nominees for this year’s Best of the Midwest Awards, click here.
Best of the Midwest Awards, and Co-Founder Mike Kwielford (inset) of the Midwest Independent Film Festival
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.com
Mike Kwielford is also a principal owner of Potenza Productions, as well as their cinematographer.
- 1/15/2019
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – The science fiction that we once knew, that we thought was impossible, is fast becoming everyday life. One short film that premiered at the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival – “The Replacement” – takes the concept of cloning, applying a chilling and symbolic twist to a science fiction that can also be interpreted in our current times as reality. “The Replacement” screens one more time as part of the “City & State” slate of shorts on Wednesday, October 25th, 2017 (details below).
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Using cloning to replicate the same person is pretty much a go-to idea for the theory of it all, but what if a man is so right for replication that the original source for all the clones begins to have an identity crisis? This is the dilemma for Abe, and lead actor Mike McNamara portrays him and all the other replicants of himself. The main story seems ripped out of the headlines,...
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Using cloning to replicate the same person is pretty much a go-to idea for the theory of it all, but what if a man is so right for replication that the original source for all the clones begins to have an identity crisis? This is the dilemma for Abe, and lead actor Mike McNamara portrays him and all the other replicants of himself. The main story seems ripped out of the headlines,...
- 10/24/2017
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – On Tuesday, December 6th, the Midwest Independent Film Festival gave out their 2016 “Best of the Midwest” Awards with a ceremony at Rockit Bar & Grill in Chicago. Best Feature honors went to “For Grace,” directed by Mark Helenowski and Kevin Pang. Best Female Actor was Amy Frazzini of “Guidance,” Best Male Actors were T.J. Jagodowski and David Pasquesi of “T.J. & Dave,” and Best Screenplay was Robert Putka of “Mad,” among other categories.
The evening was hosted by Festival Director Mike McNamara, and included presenters Betsy Steinberg – Executive Director of Kartemquin Films, Christine Dudley – the Director of the Illinois Film Office, Amy Guth of Wgn Radio and Christian Stolte of TV’s “Chicago Fire” The event took place in the upstairs nightclub area of Rockit Bar & Grill in Chicago.
Best Female Actor Amy Frazzini (‘Guidance’), with BMA Host Mike McNamara
Photo credit: Midwest Independent Film Festival
The Midwest Independent Film...
The evening was hosted by Festival Director Mike McNamara, and included presenters Betsy Steinberg – Executive Director of Kartemquin Films, Christine Dudley – the Director of the Illinois Film Office, Amy Guth of Wgn Radio and Christian Stolte of TV’s “Chicago Fire” The event took place in the upstairs nightclub area of Rockit Bar & Grill in Chicago.
Best Female Actor Amy Frazzini (‘Guidance’), with BMA Host Mike McNamara
Photo credit: Midwest Independent Film Festival
The Midwest Independent Film...
- 12/9/2016
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Using Chicago as a backdrop has rarely been as kinetic and exciting as under the direction of Marie Ullrich. Expanding upon a short film she produced in 2010 called “Faster,” about a bike messenger in the Windy City, Ullrich went for a grittier and more emotional look at that world in “The Alley Cat” in 2014. The film was released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 16th, 2016.
“The Alley Cat” evolves the story of Jasper (Jenny Strubin), the protagonist in the previous short film “Faster.” In “The Alley Cat,” Jasper is participating in a nighttime bike race/rally through Chicago, with her bike messenger colleagues. At the same time she is having family issues, including a relationship confrontation with her sister. Everything is coming to a resolution on race night, as fast as a lightweight bike on flat pavement. The film uses the available light of the streets, and is told...
“The Alley Cat” evolves the story of Jasper (Jenny Strubin), the protagonist in the previous short film “Faster.” In “The Alley Cat,” Jasper is participating in a nighttime bike race/rally through Chicago, with her bike messenger colleagues. At the same time she is having family issues, including a relationship confrontation with her sister. Everything is coming to a resolution on race night, as fast as a lightweight bike on flat pavement. The film uses the available light of the streets, and is told...
- 8/18/2016
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – On Tuesday, December 1st, the Midwest Independent Film Festival gave out their 2015 “Best of the Midwest” Awards with a ceremony at Rockit Bar & Grill in Chicago. Best Film honors went to “Uncle John,” directed by Steven Piet. Best Female Actor was Carisa Barreca of “Doomsdate,” Best Male Actor was Charles Whitcomb of “Full Frame,” and Best Director was Sonny Mallhi of “Anguish,” among other categories.
Best Male Actor Charles Whitcomb (‘Full Frame’) With Presenter Rich Moskal and BMA Host Mike McNamara
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com
The evening was hosted by Festival Director Mike McNamara, and included presenters Betsy Steinberg – the new Executive Director of Kartemquin Films, Christine Dudley – the Director of the Illinois Film Office, Rich Moskal – Director of the Chicago Film Office, Billy Dec – Rockit Entertaiment & “Windy City Live,’ and a video appearance from the director of the Best Music Video, Nick Offerman. The event...
Best Male Actor Charles Whitcomb (‘Full Frame’) With Presenter Rich Moskal and BMA Host Mike McNamara
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com
The evening was hosted by Festival Director Mike McNamara, and included presenters Betsy Steinberg – the new Executive Director of Kartemquin Films, Christine Dudley – the Director of the Illinois Film Office, Rich Moskal – Director of the Chicago Film Office, Billy Dec – Rockit Entertaiment & “Windy City Live,’ and a video appearance from the director of the Best Music Video, Nick Offerman. The event...
- 12/3/2015
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – On Tuesday, December 1st, the Midwest Independent Film Festival will award their 2015 “Best of the Midwest” with a ceremony at Rockit Bar & Grill, 22 W. Hubbard, in Chicago. The evening will be hosted by Festival Director Mike McNamara, and nominees include the short film “Baby Mary” (directed by Kris Swanberg), plus feature films “Full Frame” (directed by Christopher Kelley), and “Anguish” (directed by Sonny Mallhi).
Presented by the Midwest Independent Film Festival
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.com
A new category is being added this year, “Best Artistic Specialization.” This honors previously unsung production titles that are vital to the look and completion of their particular films. The Midwest Independent Film Festival is a year-round movie event in Chicago that takes place the first Tuesday of every month, at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema. The festival has been recognized by Chicago Magazine in their “Best of Chicago” issue, and has become one...
Presented by the Midwest Independent Film Festival
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.com
A new category is being added this year, “Best Artistic Specialization.” This honors previously unsung production titles that are vital to the look and completion of their particular films. The Midwest Independent Film Festival is a year-round movie event in Chicago that takes place the first Tuesday of every month, at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema. The festival has been recognized by Chicago Magazine in their “Best of Chicago” issue, and has become one...
- 11/29/2015
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – On Tuesday, December 2nd, the Midwest Independent Film Festival gave out their 2014 “Best of the Midwest” awards with a ceremony at The Underground Nightclub in Chicago. Sweeping Best Actor, Director and Feature Film was the Collin Schiffli-directed “Animals,” starring and written by David Dastmalchian.
BMA Host Mike McNamara with Presenter/Screenwriter Irvine Welsh
Photo credit: Jason Brown (jbrownweddingphoto.com) for MidwestFilm.com
The evening was hosted by Festival Director Mike McNamara, and featured appearances by television stars Jon Seda and Laroyce Hawkins of “Chicago Pd”; Christian Stolte and Charlie Barnett of “Chicago Fire”; Kelly O’Sullivan and Maura Kidwell of “Sirens”; Screenwriter Irvine Walsh (“Trainspotting”); and Betsy Steinberg, the Director of the Illinois Film Office.
The Midwest Independent Film Festival is a year-round movie event in Chicago that takes place the first Tuesday of every month, at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema. The festival has been named by...
BMA Host Mike McNamara with Presenter/Screenwriter Irvine Welsh
Photo credit: Jason Brown (jbrownweddingphoto.com) for MidwestFilm.com
The evening was hosted by Festival Director Mike McNamara, and featured appearances by television stars Jon Seda and Laroyce Hawkins of “Chicago Pd”; Christian Stolte and Charlie Barnett of “Chicago Fire”; Kelly O’Sullivan and Maura Kidwell of “Sirens”; Screenwriter Irvine Walsh (“Trainspotting”); and Betsy Steinberg, the Director of the Illinois Film Office.
The Midwest Independent Film Festival is a year-round movie event in Chicago that takes place the first Tuesday of every month, at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema. The festival has been named by...
- 12/10/2014
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – With a packed house, an electric atmosphere, a new video display board and a number of cast members from TV’s “Chicago Fire” present, the Midwest Independent Film Festival ‘Best of the Midwest’ Awards took place on Tuesday, December 3rd, at The Underground night club in Chicago. The documentary ‘Sole Survivor’ – directed by Ky Dickens – won Best Feature Film.
The Midwest Independent Film Festival convenes every first Tuesday of the month throughout the year, and showcases films directly associated with the Midwest area. The “Best of the Midwest” Awards honors the films, performances and technical achievements of the 2013 Festival. Festival Director Mike McNamara hosted the ceremony, and special guest presenters included Betsy Steinberg, Director of the Illinois Film Office, and David Eigenberg of the NBC-tv series “Chicago Fire.”
Director Ky Dickens (center) Accepts Best Feature for ‘Sole Survivor’
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com
For best screenplay, female actor,...
The Midwest Independent Film Festival convenes every first Tuesday of the month throughout the year, and showcases films directly associated with the Midwest area. The “Best of the Midwest” Awards honors the films, performances and technical achievements of the 2013 Festival. Festival Director Mike McNamara hosted the ceremony, and special guest presenters included Betsy Steinberg, Director of the Illinois Film Office, and David Eigenberg of the NBC-tv series “Chicago Fire.”
Director Ky Dickens (center) Accepts Best Feature for ‘Sole Survivor’
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com
For best screenplay, female actor,...
- 12/5/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – On Tuesday, December 3rd, the Midwest Independent Film Festival will award their “Best of the Midwest” honors with a ceremony at The Underground Nightclub in Chicago. The evening will be hosted by Festival Director Mike McNamara, and nominees include “The Kings of Summer,” directed by Justin Vogt-Roberts, “Sole Survivor,” directed by Ky Dickens and “Be Good,” directed by Todd Looby.
The ‘Best of the Midwest’ Awards Are Tuesday, December 3rd
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.com
The Midwest Independent Film Festival is a year-round movie event in Chicago that takes place the first Tuesday of every month, at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema. The festival has been named by Chicago Magazine in their “Best of Chicago” issue, and has become one of the top places for local filmmakers, producers and actors to network in the city.
The nominees for the “Best of the Midwest” Awards are as follows….
Best Music Video...
The ‘Best of the Midwest’ Awards Are Tuesday, December 3rd
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.com
The Midwest Independent Film Festival is a year-round movie event in Chicago that takes place the first Tuesday of every month, at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema. The festival has been named by Chicago Magazine in their “Best of Chicago” issue, and has become one of the top places for local filmmakers, producers and actors to network in the city.
The nominees for the “Best of the Midwest” Awards are as follows….
Best Music Video...
- 12/2/2013
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – The Midwest Independent Film Festival, which convenes every first Tuesday of the month, is fast becoming an institution in Chicago and an influential barometer for the local and Midwestern film scene. On Tuesday, December 4th, 2012, their annual “Best of the Midwest” Awards will be handed out. Hosting the event is the co-founder of the Midwest Indie, Mike McNamara. Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com serves on the Awards Committee.
The ‘Best of the Midwest’ Awards, December 4th, 2012
Photo Credit: www.MidwestFilm.com
The following films and performances are nominated for the “Best of the Midwest” Awards…
Best Music Video
“Moonbeams,” directed by Sam Macon
“Everything Will Be Fine,” directed by Nate DuFort
“War Again,” directed by Paul Griswold
“Are You Gonna Break My Heart,” directed by Will Meyers
“Villain,” directed by Logan Hall
Best Short Film
“The Promise,” directed by Bill Roach and Joel Edwards
“Advantage: Weinberg,” directed by David Singer
“Wednesday’s Child,...
The ‘Best of the Midwest’ Awards, December 4th, 2012
Photo Credit: www.MidwestFilm.com
The following films and performances are nominated for the “Best of the Midwest” Awards…
Best Music Video
“Moonbeams,” directed by Sam Macon
“Everything Will Be Fine,” directed by Nate DuFort
“War Again,” directed by Paul Griswold
“Are You Gonna Break My Heart,” directed by Will Meyers
“Villain,” directed by Logan Hall
Best Short Film
“The Promise,” directed by Bill Roach and Joel Edwards
“Advantage: Weinberg,” directed by David Singer
“Wednesday’s Child,...
- 12/3/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Taking the game of Scrabble and making it a thread for a romantic comedy and competitive intrigue is a wholly original idea. Director Bill Sebastian and screenwriter Juliet McDaniels guides a Chicago cast through the maze of those words in the new film “Qwerty.”
Rating: 3.0/5.0
The title refers to what is defined as the American keyboard standard – the first six letters in the top row spell out “qwerty.” But in the context of the film’s narrative, it is a maximum Scrabble word, garnering big points if used at the right time or the right part of the game board (triple word score!). The pursuit of words for Scrabble competition is the background of this Chicago-based story, which in front features a well-done romantic coupling between two outsider souls. Director Bill Sebastian displays a deft touch with the many themes, and uses creative composition to cover up some of the script’s character flaws.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
The title refers to what is defined as the American keyboard standard – the first six letters in the top row spell out “qwerty.” But in the context of the film’s narrative, it is a maximum Scrabble word, garnering big points if used at the right time or the right part of the game board (triple word score!). The pursuit of words for Scrabble competition is the background of this Chicago-based story, which in front features a well-done romantic coupling between two outsider souls. Director Bill Sebastian displays a deft touch with the many themes, and uses creative composition to cover up some of the script’s character flaws.
- 7/30/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – A film’s world premiere is an auspicious occasion. This upcoming Tuesday, at the Midwest Independent Film Festival, marks the narrative film debut of director Mark Rosengren, with his film “Lac du Flambeau.” Produced by local talent in Chicago, the feature was shot primarily in Freeport, Illinois.
Mark Rosengren did his undergrad and graduate work in film through Columbia College and the Art Institute in the Windy City. His first full-length film was a documentary, “I Write on Stuff,” which combined his love for graffiti art with the battle between the city of Chicago and his fellow graffiti artists.
Mark Rosengren (blue tee-shirt) Directs Bob Breuler and Stephen Louis Grush in ‘Lac du Flambeau’
Photo credit: StandingPassengers.com
“Lac du Flambeau” is Rosengren’s first narrative feature. If the title sounds familiar, it was inspired by the real Wisconsin lake, where the players in the film are journeying toward.
Mark Rosengren did his undergrad and graduate work in film through Columbia College and the Art Institute in the Windy City. His first full-length film was a documentary, “I Write on Stuff,” which combined his love for graffiti art with the battle between the city of Chicago and his fellow graffiti artists.
Mark Rosengren (blue tee-shirt) Directs Bob Breuler and Stephen Louis Grush in ‘Lac du Flambeau’
Photo credit: StandingPassengers.com
“Lac du Flambeau” is Rosengren’s first narrative feature. If the title sounds familiar, it was inspired by the real Wisconsin lake, where the players in the film are journeying toward.
- 3/3/2012
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
2011 - 90 mins. - Not RatedD: David McElroy
C: Daniel Baldwin, Phillip Edward Van Lear, John Turk, Mike McNamara
Group of college students who signed up for what they thought was a simple medical study to earn some extra cash find out that they have unwittingly volunteered to be part of a lethal military experiment.
The Removed is one of those films that is just simply Ok. Nothing about The Removed stands out as being particularly noteworthy or all that good. At the same time, nothing about The Removed is bad either. Everything is just kind of middle of the road. The story, itself, does enough to pique interest at first, but not enough to make for an engrossing view. The story, itself, unfolds pretty much exactly as expected. There's some suspense, but nothing that would make people scream at the screen or clutch onto there armrest. The cast turns in competent performances,...
C: Daniel Baldwin, Phillip Edward Van Lear, John Turk, Mike McNamara
Group of college students who signed up for what they thought was a simple medical study to earn some extra cash find out that they have unwittingly volunteered to be part of a lethal military experiment.
The Removed is one of those films that is just simply Ok. Nothing about The Removed stands out as being particularly noteworthy or all that good. At the same time, nothing about The Removed is bad either. Everything is just kind of middle of the road. The story, itself, does enough to pique interest at first, but not enough to make for an engrossing view. The story, itself, unfolds pretty much exactly as expected. There's some suspense, but nothing that would make people scream at the screen or clutch onto there armrest. The cast turns in competent performances,...
- 7/21/2011
- by Big Daddy aka Brandon Sites
- Big Daddy Horror Reviews - Interviews
Chicago – One of the jewels of Chicago is right on Lake Michigan. The Chicago Shakepeare Theater within Navy Pier continues to illuminate the immortal Bard resplendently for contemporary audiences. “Macbeth,” playing through March 5th, is part of their ‘Short Shakespeare!’ series.
Play Rating: 4.0/5.0
This Shakespeare presentation is framed as an “introduction” to the powerful imagery and unforgettable language of the famed playwright, abridged to under 80 minutes for a Saturday morning (11am) crowd. The audience was a mix of kids, Macbeth beginners and aficionados, part of the Cst Family Series.
None of the power and energy of this essential tragedy is lost in the remastering. All the language is maintained, with a prose beauty and familiarity all of its own. The story is of Macbeth (Mark L. Montgomery), a warrior and kinsman to King Duncan (Lynn Robert Berg) of Scotland. The prophecies of three witches include that Macbeth will be “Thane” of another province,...
Play Rating: 4.0/5.0
This Shakespeare presentation is framed as an “introduction” to the powerful imagery and unforgettable language of the famed playwright, abridged to under 80 minutes for a Saturday morning (11am) crowd. The audience was a mix of kids, Macbeth beginners and aficionados, part of the Cst Family Series.
None of the power and energy of this essential tragedy is lost in the remastering. All the language is maintained, with a prose beauty and familiarity all of its own. The story is of Macbeth (Mark L. Montgomery), a warrior and kinsman to King Duncan (Lynn Robert Berg) of Scotland. The prophecies of three witches include that Macbeth will be “Thane” of another province,...
- 1/29/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Tuesday night, December 7th, marks the 2010 edition of the Best of the Midwest Awards, honoring the achievements of local filmmakers who participated in the Midwest Independent Film Festival this year. The festivities will take place at Rockit Bar & Grill in Chicago beginning at 7pm.
The night will feature nominees in nine categories, including Best Short Film, Best Male and Female Actors, and Best Feature. Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Midwest Indie, Mike McNamara, will host the proceedings, which will highlight the ongoing success of the film event gathering that takes place on every first Tuesday throughout the year.
Mike McNamara, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Midwest Indie, is set to Host the
2010 Best of the Midwest Awards December 7th.
© Midwest Independent Film Festival
Scheduled to appear at the event will be the nominees of the various categories, plus presenters and attendees including Steven Conrad (screenwriter for “The Pursuit of Happyness...
The night will feature nominees in nine categories, including Best Short Film, Best Male and Female Actors, and Best Feature. Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Midwest Indie, Mike McNamara, will host the proceedings, which will highlight the ongoing success of the film event gathering that takes place on every first Tuesday throughout the year.
Mike McNamara, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Midwest Indie, is set to Host the
2010 Best of the Midwest Awards December 7th.
© Midwest Independent Film Festival
Scheduled to appear at the event will be the nominees of the various categories, plus presenters and attendees including Steven Conrad (screenwriter for “The Pursuit of Happyness...
- 12/7/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Every first Tuesday of the month means it’s time for the Midwest Independent Film Festival. This upcoming March 2nd, Executive Director Mike McNamara hosts Female Filmmakers Night for the first time at the festival.
Female Filmmakers Night was born from more women producing film, and Tuesday will feature a number of shorts on various subjects, co-sponsored by SAGIndie and Women in Film Chicago.
The evening kicks off at the Landmark Century City Cinema with a pre-show cocktail reception. The month’s Producers Panel, a presentation featuring industry insiders, will be conducted by co-sponsor SAGIndie, and the evening of shorts will follow thereafter. There will be a post screening discussion with the filmmakers, and a reception to follow at nearby Forno Diablo restaurant.
Co-Founder and Executive Director Mike McNamara Begins His Sixth Year at the Midwest Independent Film Festival
© Midwest Independent Film Festival
HollywoodChicago.com sat down with the...
Female Filmmakers Night was born from more women producing film, and Tuesday will feature a number of shorts on various subjects, co-sponsored by SAGIndie and Women in Film Chicago.
The evening kicks off at the Landmark Century City Cinema with a pre-show cocktail reception. The month’s Producers Panel, a presentation featuring industry insiders, will be conducted by co-sponsor SAGIndie, and the evening of shorts will follow thereafter. There will be a post screening discussion with the filmmakers, and a reception to follow at nearby Forno Diablo restaurant.
Co-Founder and Executive Director Mike McNamara Begins His Sixth Year at the Midwest Independent Film Festival
© Midwest Independent Film Festival
HollywoodChicago.com sat down with the...
- 2/28/2010
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – The 2009 Best of the Midwest Awards were given out on Tuesday night, part of a huge celebratory event at the Rockit Bar and Grill in downtown Chicago, capping another successful year at the Midwest Independent Film Festival.
Festival Director Mike McNamara was the Master of Ceremonies, giving out nine awards for the best of the 2009 season. The Midwest Independent Film Festival convenes Every first Tuesday of the month throughout the year, and showcases films directly associated with the Midwest area.
Best Feature Winner ‘The Merry Gentleman.’ Left to Right – Producers Steven A. Jones and Paul Duggan, Exec Producer Tom Bastounes, Midwest Indie Festival Director Mike McNamara at the BMAs in Chicago, December 1st, 2009.
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com
Local Chicago legends Richard Roeper and Erich “Mancow” Muller hilariously roasted each other as part of the presentations, special guests included Armand Assante, John McNaughton (director of “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer...
Festival Director Mike McNamara was the Master of Ceremonies, giving out nine awards for the best of the 2009 season. The Midwest Independent Film Festival convenes Every first Tuesday of the month throughout the year, and showcases films directly associated with the Midwest area.
Best Feature Winner ‘The Merry Gentleman.’ Left to Right – Producers Steven A. Jones and Paul Duggan, Exec Producer Tom Bastounes, Midwest Indie Festival Director Mike McNamara at the BMAs in Chicago, December 1st, 2009.
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com
Local Chicago legends Richard Roeper and Erich “Mancow” Muller hilariously roasted each other as part of the presentations, special guests included Armand Assante, John McNaughton (director of “Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer...
- 12/3/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
The winners are here for the 2009 45th Chicago International Film Festival.
It only seems like there are too many to count.
There were 145 films from 45 countries this year.
Competitions were held in the International Feature Film, New Directors, Documentary and Short Film categories, along with a special Chicago Award for a local filmmaker. The Festival’s highest honor is the Gold Hugo, named after the mythological God of Discovery.
Award Winners:
International Feature Film Competition
Gold Hugo for Best Film to Mississippi Damned (Us) for its powerful and uncompromising portrait of the compounding frailties and difficulties of a struggling black community.
Silver Hugo for Special Jury Award to Fish Tank (UK) for its aesthetic boldness in taking us into a grim public-housing environment and showing us the transcendent spirit of a young girl that struggles to overcome the adult lies that engulf her.
Silver Hugo for Best Director to Marco Bellocchio (Vincere,...
It only seems like there are too many to count.
There were 145 films from 45 countries this year.
Competitions were held in the International Feature Film, New Directors, Documentary and Short Film categories, along with a special Chicago Award for a local filmmaker. The Festival’s highest honor is the Gold Hugo, named after the mythological God of Discovery.
Award Winners:
International Feature Film Competition
Gold Hugo for Best Film to Mississippi Damned (Us) for its powerful and uncompromising portrait of the compounding frailties and difficulties of a struggling black community.
Silver Hugo for Special Jury Award to Fish Tank (UK) for its aesthetic boldness in taking us into a grim public-housing environment and showing us the transcendent spirit of a young girl that struggles to overcome the adult lies that engulf her.
Silver Hugo for Best Director to Marco Bellocchio (Vincere,...
- 10/19/2009
- by Jeff Bayer
- The Scorecard Review
Chicago – Every month, on the first Tuesday, one of the most unique ongoing film festivals in the country takes place right here in Chicago. The Midwest Independent Film Festival, now in its fifth year, showcases feature films and shorts with an angle exclusively celebrating the Midwestern filmmaker.
Mike McNamara, co-founder and Executive Director of the festival, is the energetic leader of the proceedings, creating a full plate experience for each of the first Tuesdays. Audience members not only get the Midwest-oriented feature presentation, but also can participate in the film panel discussions before the show. Filmmakers – often associated with the evening’s film – share their experiences in producing, financing and even distributing their independent works.
Mike McNamara, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Midwest Independent Film Festival.
Photo credit: Midwest Independent Film Festival
Tuesday, February 3rd, the 2009 Midwest Independent Film Festival kicks off with the a special advance screening of “The Poker House,...
Mike McNamara, co-founder and Executive Director of the festival, is the energetic leader of the proceedings, creating a full plate experience for each of the first Tuesdays. Audience members not only get the Midwest-oriented feature presentation, but also can participate in the film panel discussions before the show. Filmmakers – often associated with the evening’s film – share their experiences in producing, financing and even distributing their independent works.
Mike McNamara, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Midwest Independent Film Festival.
Photo credit: Midwest Independent Film Festival
Tuesday, February 3rd, the 2009 Midwest Independent Film Festival kicks off with the a special advance screening of “The Poker House,...
- 2/2/2009
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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