First Tuesdays with The Midwest Independent Film Festival:

The Promotion, Train Town, I.O.U.S.A. Lead 2008 Best of the Midwest Awards!

Seann William Scott, Steve Conrad scheduled to attend awards gala

 

UPDATE: AS OF 2:12 A.M. ON TUESDAY, THE BEST OF THE MIDWEST AWARDS GALA IS SOLD OUT!!!

 

   

 

Three outstanding works of independent cinema – Steve Conrad’s dark comedy The Promotion, Patrick Creadon cautionary doc I.O.U.S.A. and Keith Bearden’s original comedy Train Town - lead all nominees for The 2008 Best of the Midwest Awards, hosted by The Midwest Independent Film Festival.  These awards recognize the premier films and filmmakers featured during this year's festival, which holds its screenings every first Tuesday of the month.  This year’s “BMAs” will also serve as the festival’s sole fundraiser and will be hosted by the popular Rockit Bar & Grill, 22 West Hubbard.  Acclaimed filmmakers John McNaughton, Steve James and Steve Conrad highlight the list of confirmed attendees!

 

Best of the Midwest Award (BMA) winners are chosen via online balloting from both the public and the festival’s Screening Committee.  Online voting continues through November 18th at www.midwestfilm.org.  Vote now!

 

Gala Information: The Tuesday, December 2nd festivities begin with a cocktail reception (sponsored by Effen and St. Pauli Girl) at Rockit Bar & Grill, 22 W. Hubbard, at 6 p.m.  The Best of the Midwest Awards ceremony takes place from 7:00-8:00 p.m.; festivities continue through 9 p.m.  Gala tickets are available for $50 at MidwestFilm.org; all proceeds benefit the 2009 Midwest Independent Film Festival.

 

Get to know our top nominees a bit better…

THE PROMOTION.  Two assistant managers of a corporate grocery store (Seann William Scott and John C. Reilly) vie for a coveted promotion.  Five nominations: Feature, Actress (Jenna Fischer), Actor (Seann William Scott), Actor (John C. Reilly) and Director (Steve Conrad).

 

TRAIN TOWN.  In this comedy, a 1950s conservative patriot battles a 1960s sex, drugs and rock 'n roll hippie on the unlikely battleground of a model train town.  Produced by Paula Froehle, Ericka Frederick.  Four nominations: Short Film, Actor (Will Clinger), Actor (John Bader), Cinematography (David Blood).

 

I.O.U.S.A.  Few are aware that America may be on the brink of a financial meltdown. I.O.U.S.A. explores the country's shocking current fiscal condition and ways to avoid a national economic disaster.  Three nominations: Documentary, Editing (Doug Blush) and Director (Patrick Creadon).

 

ABOUT THE MIDWEST INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL

 

The Midwest Independent Film Festival is the nation's only film festival solely dedicated to the Midwest filmmaker, presenting audiences with regionally produced independent cinema every first Tuesday of the month at Landmark's Century Centre Cinema, 2828 North Clark in Chicago.  This year-round film festival sits proudly at the center of the independent film scene in Chicago and the Midwest and is dedicated to celebrating and strengthening that community. More information can be found on the Festival website: www.MidwestFilm.org.

 

This year’s festival sponsors include Resolution Digital Studios, O’Connor Casting, Fletcher Camera, Zacuto, Flashpoint Academy, Zipcar, Crunch Fitness, Zaroban Design, Left Brain Right Brain Productions, The Illinois and Chicago Film Offices, Movietrax.tv, Pixel Brothers, Kodak, DKP Image, Mimi Productions, Level 10 Sound and Orbit Media Studios.

 

Note: Interviews are available with several of our nominees, Midwest Independent Film Festival Director Mike McNamara or a festival spokesperson by request.

 

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