The Midwest Film Festival proudly presents
Impact Night: Movies with Mission, Stories that Matter
April 29, 2024
Gene Siskel Film Center
6:30 PM
Join us for an enchanting evening dedicated to films that make a difference. Impact Night presents a selection of powerful short films that not only tell compelling stories but also tackle important societal issues. Expect an experience that will stir your emotions and inspire you to drive change through the influential realm of cinema.
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We're excited to shine our Community Spotlight on The Simple Good, an organization that equips youth to become positive change-makers through art and dialogue. Our networking reception will feature artworks created by these young individuals.
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As the night unfolds, we will screen four short films, providing an opportunity for the audience to engage in a Q&A with the filmmakers. And, of course, the night is not complete without mingling at our after-party. So join us for an unforgettable night of purposeful cinema and community celebration.
The Line-Up
Teacher of Patience
by Carmen Vincent
QUEER
by Ariana Alejandra Vargas
Sure as the Wind
by Mike Ambs & Greg Shewchuk
The Inside Singers
by Daniel Kolen
Schedule
All events are scheduled to occur at The Gene Siskel Film Center, with the single exception being the after-party. The after-party will be held at the Emerald Loop Bar & Grill, conveniently located just a short 5-minute walk from the Film Center.
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6:30 pm - Networking Reception
Join us for an engaging networking reception, a gathering spot for attendees to interact and connect with fellow film enthusiasts, celebrated filmmakers, and community members. This event is the perfect platform to delve deeper into film discussions, exchange innovative ideas, and establish worthwhile professional relationships. Don't forget to take advantage of the opportunity to support the local not-for-profit, The Simple Good, whose students will have their artwork on display. But the excitement doesn't stop there! Be sure to visit the concession stand to grab some delectable snacks before the movie starts, and capture the unforgettable moments on the red carpet with Purple Photo Group and Claudia Maslon Photography for some picture-perfect memories.
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7:30 pm - Community Spotlight
In this month's Community Spotlight, we are delighted to feature The Simple Good. This remarkable organization empowers young individuals to become agents of positive change through art and meaningful dialogue. With a foundation in mindfulness and social-emotional learning (SEL), their art programs and public art initiatives aim to spread the universal message of goodness that connects all of us, regardless of our origins. We will explore the impactful work The Simple Good is undertaking while showcasing the artwork of its students.
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7:50 pm - SHORT FILM Screening
This Impact Night short film screening will feature four compelling narratives that address important social issues and tell inspiring stories. "Teacher of Patience" by Carmen Vincent delves into the life of Emily Felter, diagnosed with Down syndrome, and her father's journey to raise disability awareness among first responders. "QUEER" by Ariana Alejandra Vargas explores diverse paths of self-discovery, emphasizing the strength found in shared experiences and the importance of fostering an equitable society. "Sure as the Wind" by Mike Ambs and Greg Shewchuk tells Detroit's struggle for clean air and environmental justice. Finally, "The Inside Singers" by Daniel Kolen captures the transformative power of music through the story of a unique choir comprising inmates and outside volunteers and a former inmate's endeavor to return to prison for a concert. Each film is a testament to resilience, community, and the power of change.
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9:00 pm - Filmmaker Q&A
Join us for a fascinating Filmmaker Q&A session! This is your chance to delve into the creators' minds behind the mesmerizing stories you'll witness during Impact Night. Hear firsthand about their creative process, inspirations, and the challenges they faced while bringing their unique narratives to life. Prepare your questions for an enlightening discussion that promises to deepen your appreciation for cinema and leave you inspired.
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9:30 pm - After Party
Join us for the after-party at the Emerald Loop Bar & Grill! This is your chance to continue the conversations, meet new friends, and unwind after a night of thought-provoking cinema. Enjoy delicious food and drinks while you mix and mingle with fellow film enthusiasts, filmmakers, and community members. Who knows? You might even get a chance to chat with some of the talented filmmakers from the night's screening! Let's celebrate the power of cinema, diversity, and community together at the Emerald Loop Bar & Grill. See you there!
More Info
Venues:
Gene Siskel Film Center
164 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601
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Emerald Loop Bar & Grill
216 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
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Parking & Getting There:
https://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/directions
Validated parking is available at the InterPark Self-Park at 20 E. Randolph, which is across the street from Macy's (there's also an entrance on Wabash near the corner of Randolph). Parking is $20 for 16 hours with a validation ticket, which can be obtained from the box office before your screening. Note the box office closes after the final screening begins, so please visit prior to your screening time. There is also limited street parking after 6:00 PM on Lake Street and Wabash Avenue.
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About The Venue:
Since 1972, the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago has presented cutting edge cinema to an annual audience of 100,000. The Film Center’s programming includes annual film festivals that celebrate diverse voices and international cultures, premieres of trailblazing work by today’s independent filmmakers, restorations and revivals of essential films from cinema history, and insightful, provocative discussions with filmmakers and media artists. Altogether, the Film Center hosts over 1,600 screenings and 200 filmmaker appearances every year. The Film Center was renamed the Gene Siskel Film Center in 2000 after the late, nationally celebrated film critic, Gene Siskel.
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Accessibility:
Tina Dillon will provide live open captioning for the introductory segment, community spotlight, and filmmaker Q&A. The captions will be displayed on a separate monitor next to the main screen. The films will be showcased with open captions on the bottom third of the screen. Our mission is to create events that are inclusive and accessible to all. To assist us in assessing our accessibility measures, we invite you to complete the Accessibility Scorecard after the screening. Your invaluable feedback will shed light on our strengths and areas for improvement in providing accessibility. Your insight is paramount in our pursuit to make future events more welcoming and accessible to everyone.
For questions or inquiries, please contact accessibility@midwestfilm.com
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The Gene Siskel Film Center:
https://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/accessibility
The Film Center is fully ADA accessible. Both of our theaters are equipped with hearing loops. Switch your hearing device to T-Coil program to use, or request a headset and transmitter from the box office. We strive to make our theater convenient for guests who use wheelchairs or mobility devices and their companions. Spaces have been designated to accommodate wheelchairs or mobility devices in each auditorium, providing unrestricted sight lines. Theater 1 features five spaces, and Theater 2 features four spaces. Up to four companion seats, if needed, have been set aside next to each wheelchair-accessible area. If contiguous seats are not available, companions will be seated as close as possible to the accessible location. If you need assistance finding seating at a screening, please visit our staff at the theater entry. We ask that all patrons respect the needs of our patrons who use wheelchairs and their companions, with the understanding that they may be asked to relocate if sitting in one of the designated companion seats.
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Emerald Loop Bar & Grill:
At Emerald Loop Bar and Grill, we prioritize accessibility for all our guests. Our physical layout features a ramp for easy access to designated sections. Our main entrance is equipped with an elevator/lift for smooth entry and exit. We offer both low and high tables with ample space in between for comfortable movement. The restrooms are conveniently accessible via a small ramp and boast large stalls for ease of use. Additionally, we provide our menu in two formats - a QR code for digital access and a traditional physical menu.
For additional information about this event, please e-mail us at info@midwestfilm.com