IT'S TIME TO BUY INDEPENDENT FILMS!!!
Yes, it's important to get out and see these films in theatres and at scintillating showcases like The Midwest Independent Film Festival but it's also critical that we purchase these films! Here is everything you need to buy some of the gems we've screened at the festival in the past - pick one and buy one, it'll make you feel good!
Please note: all proceeds go to the films, none of the proceeds of any purchases go to our festival - this is simply a resource we have up here to support our filmmakers. Now if you would like to donate to the festival, great! It's easy - just click here!
All right, which film would you like to purchase today?
The Promotion - This Chicago comedy from writer-director Steve Conrad (The Pursuit of Happyness) and producer Steve Jones (Wild Things) took home Best Feature, Director and Actor at the 2008 Best of the Midwest Awards! Chicago natives John C. Reilly and Jenna Fischer lead an all-star cast, which includes Michigan native Seann William Scott, SNL's Fred Armisen and Lily Taylor. Buy it!
Diminished Capacity - the debut feature from Steppenwolf Films, directed by Terry Kinney, starring Matthew Broderick, Virginia Madsen and Alan Alda. Soon to be released on DVD!
Election Day - we screened this film from Arts Engine on - you guessed it - Election Day, November 4, 2008!
I.O.U.S.A. - you can catch the 30-minute "byte-sized" version of this Sundance Grand Jury Award nominee online at the I.O.U.S.A. home page!
America the Beautiful - Our 2008 Best of the Midwest Award for Documentary. Here's the skinny on this film- tell your friends!
Indestructible- Our winner for Best Documentary in 2007 - the "intimate, lacerating, absorbing documentary (Variety)" from Chicago filmmaker and ALS patient Ben Byer.
Crime Fiction- Christian Stotle took home our Best of the Midwest Award for Best Actor of 2007 for his hilarious work as uber-offensive novelist Don Lee Boone. Written and starring Jonathan Eliot, directed by Will Slocombe. It's on Netflix!
Rock the Bells - This film is a non-stop thrill ride... or as named by Cinematical, "wait-to-pee entertaining." From Casey Suchan and Denis Henry Hennelly, featuring the Wu Tang Clan, Redman and a cast of around 15,000. You will thank us for this one.
Ride of the Mergansers - Everybody loves the ducks! From our 2008 Documentary Shorts Program.
Grace Is Gone - we hosted a special advance screening of this Sundance Audience Award winner, following our 2007 Best of the Midwest Awards. Here's what Michael Phillips thought of the film!
Godfather of Green Bay - Our 2006 winner for Best Comedy! Starring Lauren Holly, Tony Goldwyn and Lance Barber. Written, directed by starring Chicago filmmaker Pete Schwaba. Here's the trailer!
Wordplay- We hosted the Midwest Premiere of this Sundance hit, which also won our award for Best Documentary in 2006! Crosswords, anyone?
Steel City- Alton, IL native Brian Jun took home our Best of the Midwest Award for Director in 2007. Meanwhile, Steel City received its world premiere at Sundance and earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Raymond J. Barry's work as Uncle Vic. Enjoy this collection of rave reviews!
Dirty Work (released as Bad City) - a classic Chicago crime drama. Best of the Midwest Award winner for Drama, Director (Bruce Terris) and Supporting Actor (Austin Pendleton). Stars Lance Reddick (The Wire), Meghan Maureen McDonough (Ice Harvest) and Michael McGlone (Brothers McMullen).