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?
Undefeated - 2012 OSCAR WINNER! Undefeated will be released on DVD later this year, click here for updates!
Meet Monica Velour - If you missed our Chicago Premiere of this Tribeca Film Festival Selection, you can enjoy this charming comedy on DVD and Netflix by clicking here!
Incredibly Small - If you missed our screening of this charming debut from writer-director Dean Peterson, you can purchase one of only 100 limited-edition copies here!
Cherry - Cherry opened our 2011 festival following its world premiere at South by Southwest. This charming debut from Jeffrey Fine stars Kyle Gallner and Brittany Robertson and was filmed in Michigan! Get your Cherry fix today!
The Poker House - Lori Petty won Best Director and newcomer Jennifer Lawrence earned the Best Actress Award at the BMAs for their work in this riveting, provocative drama. Co-written by Petty and David Alan Grier, filmed in and around Chicago. Buy your DVD today!
Chicago Overcoat - This gritty gangster film picked up four nominations and took home "Best Cinematography" at the 2010 Best of the Midwest Awards. Chicago Overcoat stars Frank Vincent (The Sopranos) as an aging hitman who tries to get back a piece of the glory days. Find it on Amazon or Netflix!
The Pool - this "deeply moving gem" (Sheri Linden, Hollywood Reporter) was written and directed by Chris Smith (American Movie). Independent Spirit Award Nominee and Special Jury Prize Winner at the Sundance Film Festival.
The Merry Gentleman - This edgy drama received rave reviews and took home Best Feature, Screenplay and Supporting Actor at the 2009 Best of the Midwest Awards (better known as the BMAs)! In his directorial debut, Michael Keaton leads a superb cast, which includes Kelly Macdonald (No Country for Old Men) and BMA winner Tom Bastounes. Written by Chicago's Ron Lazzeretti, produced by Steve Jones, executive produced by Paul J. Duggan. Find it on Netflix!
Being Bucky - A "buckumentary" about being a mascot... When you are being Bucky for
the first time, you're confused and disoriented and wondering why you ever got
yourself into this. By the time you're done, you don't ever want to stop. Being
Bucky changes you forever. Check out the trailer and buy the DVD 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. Find it on Netflix here!
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 Stolte 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).
