Chicago Filmmakers is thrilled to announce the accompanying slate of short films to be presented with the continuation of the REELING PRIDE MONTH FILM SHOWCASE, a special program, presented by MUBI, celebrating Pride Month in June. Presented by MUBI, this showcase is a prelude to the highly anticipated Reeling: The 41st Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, which will take place this fall. The remainder of this series of special screenings will be accompanied by short films directed by local Chicago/Midwest filmmakers Alice Avery, Frédéric Moffet, Ji Stribling, and T.J. Blanco. Their work demonstrates the way local Queer filmmakers continue to push the cinematic medium, experimenting with personal expression, while subverting and challenging traditional documentary and narrative forms. Each filmmaker will be in attendance for a post-screening conversation.

The Reeling Pride Month Film showcase features contemporary LGBTQ+ cinema that highlights queer characters on their journeys of self-discovery and explores the connections with family, friends, or lovers that define us. Screenings will be held every Friday evening starting June 2 through June 30 at Chicago Filmmakers’ Firehouse Cinema, 1326 W. Hollywood Ave.

Tickets are on sale now at www.chicagofilmmakers.org

SCHEDULE:
Friday, June 9, 2023 at 7PM (CST)
THE FIVE DEVILS
Directed by Léa Mysius
France, 2022
Vicky has a mysterious gift: she can recreate any scent she comes across, even that of her beloved mother Joanne. When her estranged aunt suddenly returns to town, the invocation of her fragrance plunges the young girl back in time to unravel a past replete with family secrets and queer romance.

This feature presentation of THE FIVE DEVILS will be accompanied by the world premiere of the short film ANGEL (USA, 2023) directed by local filmmaker and 2023 Onion City Experimental Film Festival Alum, Alice Avery (She/Her). The filmmaker will be in person for a post-screening conversation.

Friday, June 16, 2023 at 7PM (CST)
GREAT FREEDOM
Directed by Sebastian Meise
Austria, Germany, 2021
In post-war Germany, liberation by the Allies does not mean freedom for everyone. Hans is imprisoned again and again under Paragraph 175, a law criminalizing homosexuality. Over the course of decades, he develops an unlikely yet tender bond with his cellmate Viktor, a convicted murderer.

This feature presentation of GREAT FREEDOM will be accompanied by the short film JEAN GENET IN CHICAGO (USA/CANADA, 2006) directed by the former chair of the School of the Art Institute’s Film, Video, New Media, and Animation Department, Onion City Experimental Film Festival Award Winner Frédéric Moffet (He/Him). The filmmaker will be in person for a post-screening conversation.

Friday, June 23, 2023 at 7PM (CST)
MONEY BOYS
Directed by C.B. Yi
Austria, France, 2021
Fei makes a living in the big city working as a hustler. His world collapses when he realizes that his family accepts his money but not his homosexuality. Broken-hearted, Fei struggles to create a new beginning in his life.

This feature presentation of MONEY BOYS will be accompanied by the short film AMIHAN by Kansas City-based experimental filmmaker and journalist, Ji Stribling (They/Them), a previous guest on “…Like Clockwork (A Podcast of Chicago Filmmakers).” The filmmaker will be in person for a post-screening conversation.

Friday, June 30, 2023 at 7PM (CST)
MATTHIAS & MAXIME
Directed by Xavier Dolan
Canada, 2019
Two childhood best friends are asked to share a kiss for the purposes of a student short film. Soon, a lingering doubt sets in, confronting both of them with their preferences, threatening the brotherhood of their social circle, and, eventually, changing their lives.

This feature presentation of MATTHIAS & MAXIME will be accompanied by the encore presentation of the 2023 Onion City award-winning short, SOME TROPICS OF CANCER (USA/Honduras, 2022) directed by Milwaukee-based filmmaker T.J. Blanco (They/Them). The filmmaker will be in person for a post-screening conversation.

For more information about the film showcase and to purchase tickets, visit Chicago Filmmakers’ website at www.chicagofilmmakers.org or contact Marketing Manager, Michael Woods, at mwoods@chicagofilmmakers.org.

For more information about Reeling: The 41st Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival which will take place from September 21 to October 8, 2023, visit www.reelingfilmfest.org.

This special showcase is presented by MUBI, a curated streaming service that offers a diverse selection of hand-picked films from around the world.

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Tags: Alice Avery, C.B. Yi, Chicago Filmmakers, Edgewater, Frédéric Moffet, Ji Stribling, Léa Mysius, MUBI, Reeling Pride Month Film Showcase Presented by MUBI and Chicago Filmmakers, Sebastian Meise, T.J. Blanco, Xavier Dolan