from December 22, 2005
Best year yet for Chicago indie filmmakers, with an estimated 140 films and more DVD sales
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| “Uncle Nino” |
For Chicago’s burgeoning community of active and creative independent filmmakers, 2005 was a very good year. The number of films—feature, short, doc, animation, experimental—enlarged, along with some decent distribution deals and growing respect for the auteur.
An estimated 40 indie films were produced over the course of the year, and at least 100 shorts and documentaries were reported here in 2005.
Every genre was represented. There were plenty of dramas, comedies, mysteries, thrillers, sci-fi, historical adventure and experimental, but some inexplicable for reason, only one romance.
Production expenditures of at least $8.5 million were estimated by the Chicago Film Office. Since the IFO only tracks films that obtain permits to shoot on city property, another estimated $4 million might have eluded their records.
The more than 20 indies that debuted this year reflected a slight increase over local features released last year. But only Bob Shallcross’ family comedy, “Uncle Nino,” was a national theatrical release.
At least 10 features had bona fide commercial DVD releases, half of them horror pictures.
While most of the local productions were the under-$100,000 DV variety, there were some notable exceptions.
They included the John Malkovich starrer “Drunkboat;” Bob Odenkirk’s “You Are Going to Prison!,” Patrick Read Johnson’s “Star Wars” nostalgia trip “5-25-77;” Paul Kampf’s drama “American Gothic”; Robin Peters’ HD “Angst;” William Pierce’s comedy sequel “My Phamily BBQ, Too,” and Paul Leuer’s comedy “Eden Court.”
Listed here are the locally-made features that shot or premiered in 2005, more or less in chronological order beginning last January.
“Relative Evil:” Tanya Wexler’s rehab drama (formerly “Ball in the House,”) was released on DVD in January by Screen Media Ventures. Starring Jonathan Tucker, Jennifer Tilly and David Strathairn. Redeemable Features. www.redeemable.com
“Uncle Nino:” Robert Shallcross’ $3 million Italian-American family drama was released theatrically in February by Lange Releasing. Starring Joe Mantegna, Anne Archer and Pierrino Mascarino. Kick the Can Productions. www.uncleninothemovie.com
“The Fourth Beast:” Nathyn Masters’ apocalyptic thriller was released on DVD Feb. 15 by York Entertainment. Starring Jon Ross, Katie Getty, Jason Walsh and Glenn Dhont. Timecode Mechanics. www.the4thbeast.com
“The Evil One:” Parris Reaves’ six-figure budgeted, Super 16mm serial killer horror pic was released Feb. 15 by Breakaway Films. Starring Candace Carrey, Shawna, Big Gipp, and Eric Lane. Maverick Entertainment. hawkfilmz@aol.com.
“The Door:” Bruce Wood’s supernatural mystery shot in February-March premiered here in a preview screening Sept. 26. Starring Bill Ferris, Katherine Wray, Karla Magnan and Ryan Martin. www.dreamfastcinema.com
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| “American Gothic” |
“American Gothic:” Paul Kampf of Breadline Theater Group adapted his own play into this $1 million 35mm fraternal drama, which shot in Utah in March and April. With John Heard, Patrick Wilson, Neal McDonough and Scott Michael Campbell. Last Line Endeavors. www.americangothicfilm.com
“You Are Going to Prison!” Bob Odenkirk’s comedy shot in April and May in Chicago and Joliet. Starring Will Arnett, Dylan Baker, Steve Dahl, and Ellis Foster. Carsey Werner/Strike Entertainment.
“39: A Film by Carroll McKane:” Gary Sherman made this DV serial killer pic in April and May. Starring Martin Cummins and Lawrence McGowan. Epitaph Films LLC.
“Kissing on the Mouth:” Joe Swanberg’s intimate portrait of post-collegiate relationships screened at the South by Southwest, Montreal, Chicago and Northampton film festivals. With Swanberg, Kate Winterich, Kris Williams and Kevin Pittman. www.kissingonthemouth.com
“Sword of Hearts:” David Schmidt self-released the DVD of his Elizabethan adventure March 22. Starring Travis Estes, Kathrynne Ann Rosen, Zack Thomas and Amy Harmon. Sword and Cloak Productions. www.swordandcloak.com
“Legit:” James W. Boinski’s mob drama shot through April. With Boinski, Allen Kalfas, Angie Schoofs, Norm Boucher, and producers John Stemberg and Richard Strimer. Kitchen Film Productions. www.legitthemovie.com
“Interkosmos:” Jim Finn began the all-year shoot in April on his 60’s-set experimental cosmonaut story. Finn stars with Nandini Khaund, Dean DeMatteis, Usama Alshaibi, Bettina Richards. jimfinn@speedsite.com
“Camp Twilight:” Roberto Blanchard wrapped in April on his teen slasher pic, which stars Eriq Prince, Jenny Sanchez, Heather Zagone, Nakita Marshall, Vera Vaughn, and Fred Schultz. www.blanchardfilms.com
” La Migra:” Juan Frausto’s Florida-shot HD immigration drama premiered April 8 at the Chicago Latino International Film Festival. Featuring Chicagoans Christina DeLeon, Laura Lopez, North Roberts, and Frausto’s sister Rosa Frausto. Maverick Entertainment. ortamexfilms@hotmail.com
“To Kill a Killer:” Ricardo Islas’ Mexican thriller premiered April 17 at the Latino Fest. With executive producer Salomón Carmona, Jorge Reynoso, Hugo Stiglitz and Lyndsey Jiménez. Alpha Studios. www.alphaflicks.com
“In the House of Water and Light:” Darryl Moon’s war satire premiered May 7 at Chicago Actors Studio. With Michael McKay, Quinn Mander, Angela Davis and Marshall Givens. tabulous01@aol.com
“Chasing Robert:” Len Ostrevich wrapped production in May on this dark gambling comedy. Starring Rick Overton, Paul Provenza, Dan Castelleneta, Larry Miller, and Richard Portnow. Bad Penny Films. www.badpennyfilms.com
“Beer Muscles:” Griffin Marks self-released the DVD of his comedy in May. Starring Bill Booker, Matthew McGuire, Marks, producer Carmen Jesse and executive producer Bo Wetzel. www.beermusclesmovie.com
“Drunkboat:” Bob Meyer’s autobiographical drama shot in May and June. With John Malkovich and John Goodman. Drunkboat Chicago LLC.
“Dog Jack:” Edward T. McDougal started production in May on his Civil War epic about an escaped slave. With Nadine Hugmeyer, Richard Heartgraves, Ben Gardner and Ken Craig. McDougal Films. www.dogjackmovie.com
“The Gift:” Hyup Kim’s Korean $100,000 HD Christian family drama shot in May and June. Win Media. earthina720@yahoo.com
“Crime Fiction:” Will Slocombe’s $62,000 pulp noir shot in June with writer Jonathan Eliot, Christian Stolte, Amy Sloan, Yasen Peyankov, Katrina Lenk and Dan Bakkedahl. Crime Fiction Pictures. www.crimefictionpictures.com
“The Ultimate Betrayal:” Annette Galloway’s thriller shot through June. Starring Galloway, Christopher Nolen, David Newman, Roxxiane Cooley, and Tenique Mathieu. Diverciti Productions. theultimatebetrayal@yahoo.com
“Say Hello to Clive for Me:” Steve Luce’s ensemble crime caper comedy shot in early summer. Backburner Films. www.backburnerfilms.com
“Reversal:” Thomas Sigmon’s sci-fi drama about reverse aging shot over the summer. Creative Control Filmworks. stranglewood@hotmail.com
“Family Values:” Derek Dow’s youth drama shot over the summer. Love Above All Productions. Email goldie3d@aol.com
“Alleyball”: Dan Consiglio’s DV arrested development comedy, shot in June and July, premieres in a preview screening Dec. 21. Starring Larry Joe Campbell, Keegan-Michael Key, Heather Landry, Kellynn Jones, Danny McCarthy, Mike McColl, co-writer Johnny Ray Meeks, and Joel Spence. www.alleyballthemovie.com
“Cousins:” Martin Khoshaba’s $100,000 DV Assyrian romantic comedy shot in June. With Crystal Dinha and Jacob Alexander. Strategic Entertainment. www.strategicentertainment.com
“Perilous Ties:” Melissa Kosar’s DV action drama shot in June. Starring Bill Zasadil, Harold Dennis, Erin Ordway, and Anthony Rago. Chi-Town Films. honeybeefilmpro@aol.com
“Space Daze 2:” Scott Grenke’s sci-fi comedy shot second unit here in June. With Robert Z’Dar, Fred Williamson, Butch Patrick, Larry Thomas and producer James Vallo. West Bridge Entertainment. www.westbridgeentertainment.com
“Bowser Makes a Movie:” Toby Ross’ porn industry satire debuted in July at the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Starring Nick Lewis, Kevin Viol, Matt Pletcher and Michael Miro. www.bowsermakesamovie.com.
“Angst:” Robin Peters’ under-$500,000 HD age-bending comedy shot in July around Champaign. With Eddie Jones, Pat Morita, Max Gail, Adrienne Frantz and Amber Benson. Dreamscape Cinema. www.dreamscapecinema.com
“An Addict for My Addictions:” Jonathan Vukelich’s romance between a junky and a prostitute shot in July. Purple Eye Productions. peyeproductions@aol.com
“Dustclouds:” Filip Rymsza’s surreal HD drama shot in July. With Irina Björklund, Wesley Walker, Jay Whittaker and Jane Alderman. m31 films. www.m31films.com
“A Lover for My Husband:” Brandon Finney’s partner-swapping drama was released on DVD in July by Ground-Zero. Starring Finney’s wife Cassandra Finney.
“My Phamily BBQ, Too:” William Pierce followed up his urban family comedy with this sequel, which started shooting in July on a six-figure budget. With Nicole Fitzgerald and Andy Gerhenson and Clifton Davis. Urban Multimedia/Trio.
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| “5-25-77” |
“5-25-77:” Patrick Read Johnson’s “Star Wars” nostalgia trip wrapped production in August. Starring John Francis Daley and Christopher Lloyd. Moonwatcher Films. www.5-25-77.com
“Gigs:” Rob Ruiz’ boxing-salsa-family drama premiered at Clemente High School in July. Ruiz stars. Ambassador Entertainment. ruiz_empire@yahoo.com
“Common Senses:” Split Pillow’s five-director Dogme 95 tribute shot in July and August and premiered in October at Chicago Filmmakers. Starring Holly Montgomery-Webb, Luis Perez and Cheryl Lynn Golemo. www.splitpillow.com
“Love and Valor:” Charles F. Larimer wrapped production in August on his Civil War romance. Brian Pittman and Ann Cejka star. Sigourney Press. www.sigourneypress.com
“Caged:” Eldridge Valentine’s single father drama, starring writer Elliott V. Porter and Simeon Henderson, premiered Aug. 19 at the Black Harvest Film Festival. N2FilmN. elliottporter@hotmail.com
“Toot’s and Blow’s:” Deri Tyton’s romance between a poet and a drug dealer premiered in August at Black Harvest. Starring Jaye Mitchell and Jayson Smith. Legenderi Films. www.legenderifilms.com
“Comatose:” Mike Merrill’s psychological thriller premiered at Black Harvest Aug. 26. Starring Amanda Andretti and producer Simeon Henderson. N’Site Films. www.nsitefilms.com
“Riff Raff:” Justen Naughton’s lifeguard comedy shot on North Avenue beach in August. Featuring Rob Belushi, Ben Wells, Chryssie Whitehead and Joe Farina. Mindlight Films. www.riffraffthemovie.com
“Cup of My Blood:” Lance Catania’s HD horror pic was released on DVD Aug. 30 by MTI Films. Starring Daniel Patrick Sullivan, Janina Gavankar, Circus•Szalewski, Roger Anderson and Lance Mulvaney. X-Ray Films. www.cupofmyblood.com
“Eden Court:” Paul Leuer’s HD dark comedy shot in August and September. With Thomas Lennon, Kimberly Williams, Stephnie Weir, and Christian Finnegan. Printers Row Pictures. www.printersrowpictures.com
“Quietly on by:” Frank V. Ross’ suburban comedy of alienation premiered Sept. 10 at the Gene Siskel Film Center. Starring Anthony J. Baker, Denise Blank, Debi Hulka, and Jennifer Knox. Molehill Pictures. www.molehillindependent.com
“Movie Boy:” Jon Lefkowitz’ coming-of-age comedy won prizes at the Indie Gathering and WorldFest film festival. Starring Eastman Presser. LongShort Productions. www.movie-boy.com
“All About the Ring:” Eldridge Valentine’s marriage satire shot in September with writer Elliott V. Porter, Jamal West, Zandra Rivera and Michelle Shelton. N2FilmN. elliottporter@hotmail.com
“Touched:” Roxxianne Cooley’s teen pregnancy drama shot in October. Starring Cooley, Annette Galloway and Derek Dow. Grace Films. gracefilms4@yahoo.com
“Get a Life:” Toby Ross shot the gay sex addict comedy in September and October. Starring Peter Marinelli, Brian Campbell, Aaron Michael Stahlecker and Slim Collins. Hornbill Films. www.hornbillfilms.com
“Night Fangs:” Ricardo Islas’ lesbian vampire thriller shot in August and was released on DVD by Hart Sharp Video Oct. 11. With Leslie Frank, Cyn Dulay, Islas and Ruby González. Alpha Studios. www.alphaflicks.com
“Fool’s Gold:” Eric Battersby’s high school drama shot in summer and fall. Starring Jason Abustan and Nick Lewis. Hollywood 27. www.hollywood27.com
“The Fate:” Farhad Hossain’s bank heist comedy shot in September. Starring Bobby Zaman, Al Mansoor, and Hossain’s wife Salma Rosey. Chicago Bioscope. www.chicagobioscope.com
“The Trouble with Dee Dee:” Mike Meiners’ $750,000 35mm comedy inspired by his mother premiered Oct. 16 at the Chicago International Film Festival. Starring Lisa Ann Walter, Kurtwood Smith, Mason Gamble, and J.P. Manoux. Cinemetro Films. www.cinemetro.com
”Resurrection Mary:” Michael Lansu’s horror pic premiered Oct. 23 at the Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge. With Joe Estevez, Jason Ryan Lovett and Eva Bloomfield. Cooked Goose Productions.
“Buscando a Leti:” Dalia Tapia’s immigration drama world premiered at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival Oct. 24. Starring Tatiana Tien, Juan Manuel Perez and Carmen Cenko. www.daliatapia.com
“Realization:” Split Pillow’s seven-director quantum drama shot in October and November, with different actors playing the same characters in each segment. Premieres next spring at Chicago Filmmakers. www.splitpillow.com
“The Rockville Slayer:” Marc Selz’ HD slasher pic was released on DVD Nov. 1 by Freestyle Entertainment. Starring Joe Estevez, Robert Z’Dar, Linnea Quigley, Ellie Weingardt and Circus•Szalewski. Selz Film. www.therockvilleslayer.com
“Second Moon:” Masahiro Sugano’s HD romantic thriller shot in November. With Andre Ing, Jennifer Shin, and Jim Finn. Eye From the Sky. www.eyefromthesky.net
“In the Name of God:” Shoaib Mansoor’s Super 35mm Pakistani social-religious epic shot here in November. Starring Shaan and Junaid Jamshed. Shoman Productions
“Dirty Work:” Formerly “Southside,” Bruce Terris’ crime drama debuted at the IFP/Chicago Midwest Filmmakers Summit and is due for release from Screen Media Ventures. Starring Lance Reddick, Mike McGlone, Nutsa Kukhianidze, and Austin Pendleton. Blue Horseshoe Productions. www.dirtyworkthemovie.com
“Brushfires:” Split Pillow’s lesbian drama by seven women directors was released on DVD in November by Ariztical Entertainment. Starring Lorri Hamm, Candace Thompson, Sara Laudonia and David Roth. www.splitpillow.com
“Chicago Poems:” Gerard Jamroz’ Carl Sandburg-inspired drama had its theatrical premiere Nov. 27 at the Gene Siskel Film Center. With Diane Wren, Robert Tobin, Tera Dunlap, Laura Donnelly, Phil Wasik, and Jamroz. Lincolnhead Productions. www.chicagopoems.com
“Chicago Boricua:” Marisol Torres’ Humboldt Park drama, formerly “Boricua,” is due out on DVD Dec. 27 from Screen Media Ventures. Starring Aimee Garcia, Ramses Jimenez, Frankie Davila, Christina DeLeon and Victor Gonzalez. BDYD Productions. www.boricuamovie.com —Ed M. Koziarski
Ed M. Koziarski is co-director of the feature film “The First Breath of Tengan Rei”. Email:
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