Join us for the 14th annual Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival this spring! The festival will exhibit over 30 films from around the globe that will compete for a variety of awards that range in genre, production, performance, and audience categories. Each film selected for exhibition and competition will be screened in one theater over the course of seven days. Judges will experience each film for the first time along with the audience and moderate Q&A’s with attending filmmakers.

Schedule of Events:

April 14, 2024:

7:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m: The Fight for Black Lives + Short Selections - $15

The Fight for Black Lives:

Feature Documentary
Director: Micere Keels
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

The Fight for Black Lives chronicles the ways that racial stress and the American healthcare system disadvantages the health of Black Americans. This health disparity is traced back to emancipation, which increased the Black mortality rate, in part, because formerly enslaved people had no access to formal health care even when they could pay. The film shows that there is nothing new about the disproportionate rate of Black mortality that was associated with the COVID-19 pandemic by showing that on almost all measures of health Black people in the United states live sicker and die younger.

Preceded by:

Things I’ve Made My Roommate Do:

Short Narrative
Director: Mylissa Fitzsimmons
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

Max thinks he loves Samantha, Olivia knows she loves Max. Samantha is leaving town, so Olivia convinces Max to tell her everything before she goes. What could go wrong?

Wider Than the Sky:

Short Narrative
Director: Philip Taylor
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Language: English

Jenny’s father has been diagnosed with Cancer. To cope, this deeply creative child makes scenes inside shoeboxes into which she escapes. One day a chance encounter with a seemingly ordinary cafe owner provides the catalyst for a truly magical happening.

Katele (Mudskipper)No Virtual Option Available:

Short Narrative
Director: John Harvey
Country of Origin: Australia
Language: English

Martha, an Indigenous woman works tirelessly in a laundromat loading machines and folding washing, ready for the collection of her boss. When a mysterious visitor arrives, Martha is reminded of the life she has left behind.

The Fire in MeNo Virtual Option Available:

Short Documentary
Director: Terah K. Hensley
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

When a horrific crash threatens his life, a downhearted, aging Muay Thai coach decides to dust off a forgotten dream, call his inner feral to life, and finally make his debut in the professional fighting ring, even though it could cost him everything.

April 15, 2024:

7:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m: Marco Polo + Short Selections - $15

Marco Polo:

Feature Narrative
Director: Pablo Riesigo Almonacid
Country of Origin: Spain
Language: Spanish (English Subtitles)

Marco is struggling with substance abuse as he uses drugs to escape from his problems. His brother, Ángel, tries to help him by showing him a simpler way of life that doesn’t involve drugs. But after Angel is killed in a hit and run accident, Marco is left alone dealing with his grief and addiction while blaming himself for the death.

Preceded by:

Life is Elsewhere:

Short Narrative
Director: Jiamin Zhao
Country of Origin: United States
Languages: English, Mandarin Chinese (English Subtitles)

Yan is currently immersed in composing her thesis dissertation, where she has selected Lynne, the Chinese-American student she instructs in Chinese, as her subject of study for investigating issues related to identity. As their classes progress, Yan gradually uncovers Lynne’s profound fascination with the language and culture, a fascination that contrasts with Yan’s own disillusionment regarding her hometown. In a moment of pressure-induced distress, Yan experiences a breakdown, and Lynne stumbles upon Yan’s research, pushing their Chinese tutorial perilously close to termination.

Geezers:

Short Documentary
Director: Jason Cooper
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

The “Geezer Happy Hour” is Ann Arbor’s hottest event – especially for the over 70 crowd. Every Friday, from 6p to 9p, a graying generation pull on their dance shoes and rock out to a live band like its 1968. At the center of it all is Randy Tessier. Not only does he organize the event, he’s a frequent performer. Randy’s been in bands since he was a teenager, but never quite made the big time. Now in his 70s, Randy’s getting some of the attention he’s long sought, and determined to keep rocking as long as he can. In the wake of the tragic loss of his son, Randy needs the music, and the Geezers, more than ever.

Blue Hour:

Short Narrative
Director: J.D. Shields
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

Two personal journeys intersect when a struggling young photographer is hired for a cheap last minute portrait gig. The unfolding photo session, while transient, leaves an indelible mark on both women.

April 16, 2024:

7:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m: The House That Stood + Short Selections - $15

The House That Stood

Feature Narrative
Director: Antonella Spirito
Country of Origin: Italy
Language: Italian (English Subtitles)

Sponsored by the Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago

San Pietro Avellana, southern Italy, 1943. Camillo, a teenager, sees his life being turned upside down when, one day, some retreating German soldiers begin using his family’s inn as a base of operation. Amid a war that seems never-ending, Camillo has much more in mind; and first things first, to ask Bianca, his longtime crush, on a first date. The world seems a little less ugly, even for a moment, until something changes their lives forever.

Preceded by:

Tilt:

Music Video
Director: Ben Nissen
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

The playfulness and joy of dancing alone lifts a woman out of a dark place.

The Bend:

Short Narrative
Director: Sarah McCarron
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A trans man migrating from Tennessee to Minneapolis gets stranded in rural Wisconsin and encounters a fisherman. Unsure whether he is safe, he ultimately finds help and shared humanity, and makes his way to his chosen family.

ApoliticalNo Virtual Option Available:

Short Narrative
Director: Mishu Hilmy
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A celebratory dinner party unravels when the guests find out the host doesn’t follow the news.

Not the Same Clarence:

Short Narrative
Directors: Brian Russell & Samuel B Russell
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A man must come to terms with his fathers Alzheimer’s disease.

April 17, 2024:

7:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m: Roger + Short Selections - $15

Roger:

Feature Documentary
Director: Ben Shweky
Country of Origin: France
Language: French (English Subtitles)

Story of a French painter whose life and art parallels much of contemporary France. From the revolutions in North Africa to the quiet countryside of Provence, he’s seen it all. Now, despite being alone, diabetic, in his nineties and nearly completely blind, he creates more work than ever before.

Preceded by:

Favorite Things:

Short Narrative
Director: Michael Paris Stone
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

Two companions reflect on their past, present and future relationship through repetitive phrasing and a series of vignettes.

Or, The Whale:

Short Narrative
Director: Mark Kiefer
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

The not entirely true story of how the American edition of Herman Melville’s famous epic got its unusually awkward, and ridiculously over punctuated, full title.

Caught on Tape:

Short Narrative
Directors: Alexander Jeffery & Chris Alan Evans
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

When Finn can’t get a word out in front of his high school crush, his playground pals convince him that watching a porno tape will solve all his problems.

Mississippi Mud: A Natural History of the BluesNo Virtual Option Available:

Short Documentary
Director: Phil Duncan
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

Comprised of interviews with Mississippi musicians, historians, and river guides and featuring historic archival images, Mississippi Mud: A Natural History of the Blues explores the relationship between the ecology of the Mississippi Delta and the creation of the genre of blues music.

April 21, 2024:

7:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m: Breakup Season + Short Selection - $15

Breakup Season:

Feature Narrative
Director: H. Nelson Tracey
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A young man brings his girlfriend to his rural Oregon hometown to introduce her to his family, only for things to go terribly wrong.

Preceded by:

Seatbelts:

Short Narrative
Director: Michael John Dunker
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

When Chad and Rachel go on their second date, he refuses to put on his seatbelt because he did his own research.

Won’t Be Around:

Music Video
Director: Terry Blade
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

At its core, Won’t Be Around is about meaning the words we say, and acting on the words we’ve used. It is not enough to just tell someone we won’t be around for them if they treat us poorly. We have to be completely and totally absent. This project is the official music video for the song. Stylistically, the song and video draw from the rural and early American roots music of the first half of the 20th century—the lifeblood of America’s musical and cultural heritage.

Natturubond:

Short Documentary
Directors: Sven Peetoom, Gríma Irmudóttir & Jonathan Damborg
Country of Origin: Iceland
Language: Icelandic (English Subtitles)

Náttúrubönd is a poetic inquiry in our changing relationship with nature, explored through the bond of four people with the Icelandic landscape.

Ivania:

Short Narrative
Director: Luigi Abanto
Country of Origin: Spain
Language: Spanish (English Subtitles)

Miguel is a camera repair technician. One day an old Voightländer camera comes into his hands to repair it. When he turns it on, he discovers that the camera captures the presence of a woman who lives in the same space and time as Miguel, although in another dimension.

April 22, 2024:

7:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m: Undivide Us + Short Selections - $15

Undivide Us:

Feature Documentary
Director: Kristi Kendall
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

America is at a crossroads where politicians, traditional media, and social media fan the flames of toxic partisanship that have led many Americans to question whether they can trust their fellow citizens. Through the intimate lens of six focus groups across three American cities, Undivide Us explores the twisted landscape of toxic polarization and uncovers the potential for healing conversation, local community, mutual respect, and democracy. Aiming to awaken the silenced majority that seeks solutions rather than strife, Undivide Us is not just a documentary; it’s a timely and urgent plea to reclaim the nation’s soul through open discourse, civic engagement, and self-governance.

Preceded by:

The Visit:

Short Narrative
Director: Sean Patrick Folster
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A man. A woman. An afternoon that could make all the difference.

Cottage Grove:

Short Narrative
Director: George Ellzey Jr.
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A young man struggles to communicate with his stroke-afflicted father, and at the same time, stay true to himself.

Seasalter Road:

Short Narrative
Director: Will Kenning
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Language: English

Following the sudden death of their mother a pair of estranged siblings must revisit their family home and fractured relationship.

Unibrow:

Short Narrative
Director: Nedda Sarshar
Country of Origin: Canada
Languages: English, Persian (English Subtitles)

Leyla is an Irani-Canadian girl with a complicated relationship with the Irani part; she does not want to speak Farsi at home to her mother and grandmother, she does not have any Irani friends, and she hates her unibrow. In an attempt to get rid of her unibrow, Leyla accidentally makes things worst and now has to go to school with ruined brows.

April 23, 2024:

7:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m: The Problem of the Hero + Short Selections - $15

The Problem of the Hero:

Feature Narrative
Director: Shaun Dozier
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

March, 1941, the St. James Theatre in New York. On the eve of opening night, a difference of opinion over a single page of the script threatens an impasse between two literary giants of the 20th Century. As rehearsal continues around Richard Wright and Paul Green, led by the mercurial Orson Welles, the ensuing argument – delving into race, class, politics, and personal story – seems destined to dissolve the writers’ friendship.

Preceded by:

No Matter How Much:

Music Video
Director: Dorian Weinzimmer
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A lost soul desperately clings to her romanticized fantasy of happiness and empowerment, only to find it all rapidly dissolving into the murky void of reality.

Maybe It Was Me:

Short Narrative
Director: Nick McDonough
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

A young man takes a look back at all the ups and downs he’s faced, and struggles with the guilt he carries from holding his mother back in life. A narrative short told through movement and spoken word.

Trying:

Short Narrative
Director: Emily Alpren
Country of Origin: United States
Language: English

She thought getting pregnant would be easy. Then she started trying.

Twenty:

Short Narrative
Director: Jason Hogan
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Language: English

The story of the girl behind the number. Twenty follows Emily, a homeless ballet dancer undertaking a potentially life-changing audition. In the audition room, identified by the auditioners as the girl wearing the number twenty, Emily is graceful and poised. Still, in the real world, she struggles to find somewhere to sleep, let alone focus on her artistry.

Date: April 14 - 23, 2024

Location:

Classic Cinemas Elk Grove XQ,
1050 Elk Grove Town Center,
Elk Grove Village, IL 60007.

Buy Tickets

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