The 62nd Chicago International Film Festival Does It Again With an Amazing Black Perspectives Program.
Bonnie DeShong
Celebrating its 62nd year, the Chicago International Film Festival has brought outstanding films and filmmakers from all over the world to Chicago for two weeks of exciting events, talks, and films. Each year, I can’t wait for the Black Perspectives program and the new and exciting films that will be presented as we celebrate its 30th anniversary.
A little history so you will understand the importance of Black Perspectives. The Chicago International Film Festival’s Black Perspectives Program was founded in 1997 in collaboration with Spike Lee to highlight the excellence and diversity of African American cinema and films by the African diaspora from around the world. Over the past 30 years, the festival has not disappointed in premiering works of and honoring Black filmmakers in all genres. Each year gets better and better.
I wish I could have seen them all, but here are a few of my favorites. My number one is Once Upon a Time in Harlem. In 1972, filmmaker William Greaves invited movers and shakers of the Harlem Renaissance to Duke Ellington’s home to talk about that extraordinary time in history. Some of the people at the party were Arna Bontemps, Ida Mae Cullen, James Van Der Zee, Richard Bruce Nugent, Aaron Douglas, Ernest Crichlow, Romare Bearden, Noble Sissle, Leigh Whipper, Richard B. Moore, Louise Thompson Patterson, James Hubert “Eubie” Blake, and many more to name. To watch these trailblazers in the arts and politics, most in their 80s and 90s, reminiscing, arguing, laughing, and getting reacquainted with that time was priceless. A decade after his death, William Greaves’ son David and his granddaughter Liani Greaves directed and produced the film to finally bring it to the masses. I loved this film and left the theater with a smile and full of the spirit and intentions of these Black innovators of history.
Number two on my list of favorites is Liz Here Now. Based on a true story, the film takes place in the 1960’s. Liz (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) is a devoted domestic worker who is hired by the Connor family to take care of their two children, who she soon finds out are being violently hurt by their mother. She has to decide whether to help these children or stay in her place. The side story involves Herbert Hoover and the FBI doing whatever they can to get rid of the Black Panthers by any means necessary. Based on the book written by one of these children, Todd Connor, and written and directed by Sterling Macer Jr., the film champions the enduring dynamic of Black women who have continually put themselves on the line across generations, from historical domestic labor to modern caretaking within white households. This film touched me in a way that ran deep. My mother was a domestic worker for two families for all my life into my 30s. She helped raise their children while coming home to raise us with love. In the talk back with the actors, Sterling Macer, Jr. and Todd Connor, Todd expressed that Liz saved his life and after years of therapy, he wanted to honor her and what she did to make sure he and his siblings were safe. She worked for the Connors for 20 years.
My third favorite film was Finding Your Laughter, a documentary written and directed by Chicago comedian Arlieta Hall, and how she uses improv comedy techniques to care for her father, Milton Hall, Sr., as he battles Alzheimer’s. This film is raw, emotional in all ways, and real. We see Arlieta and her bonus mom, Charmaine, who has been Milton’s wife for 19 years, work together in tandem to support each other and Milton. We learn that Milton was a musician and teacher. We watch as the early stages begin to the progression of the disease and how it affects families as well as Milton. Having watched my cousin and family go through being caretakers, this film hit home. It gave validity to the emotions caretakers go through, from laughter, anger, tears, and exhaustion, yet giving their loved one grace and dignity. Arlieta’s comedy was her therapy while Charmaine’s art was her escape. It may sound depressing, but it is also uplifting.
I can’t close out my favorites without mentioning the Black Perspectives Shorts Program.
When They’re Gone is 14 minutes of pure good storytelling. Two widowers interrupt each other’s early morning visits to the cemetery. One is singing loudly and off-key a love song to his wife, while the other lies at her grave and talks to her. They meet and bond over the painful experience of being a widower. Starring Glynn Turman and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, this short packs an emotional punch and showcases the chemistry and talent of this veteran duo. I loved it, as we seldom see the raw side of men who are suddenly alone after their mate dies. It may be 30 years or 3; the pain and grief may remain.
Jesus is Coming (to take the Church away). This one was interesting as it deals with belief and whether there are more out there than we believe. In the aftermath of friends and family disappearing, a rural congregation is forced to confront the impossible: an extraterrestrial explanation. Breathtaking visuals and stirring performances ground this film as it journeys from our innermost emotions to places beyond the human realm. It was something new and interesting. A film that makes you think and wonder.
Jazz Infernal follows Koffi’s stressful journey from Côte d’Ivoire and his arrival in Montreal. The key to this film, for me, is Koffi’s relationship with his father, who was a musician, and his father’s trumpet that was passed down to Koffi. The funny hijinks that Koffi goes through to get to his Auntie just lead him to who he really is. A truly heartfelt film.
I could go on and on, but there isn’t enough room for now. There is so much more to experience, and if you are a lover of film and stories, the Chicago International Film Festival and the Black Perspectives program are where you should be. Some of the films have distribution rights, and some are seeking them, so the only place to see them is at the film festival. The festival runs through October 25th. Visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com for more information.
It’s a 5 winks of the EYE experience.
Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!