from December 18, 2006

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“On the Downlow”

TADEO GARCIA and JESSE RODRIGUEZ of Iconoclast Films are in development on the immigration drama feature “Rebel Yell.”

They’re seeking a screenwriter to develop a script from their original story. Garcia is director; Rodriguez is executive producer.

Their previous film, “On the Downlow” was released Jan. 7 by Image Entertainment.

Tony Sancho and Michael Cortez star in “On the Downlow” as members of rival gangs, concealing an affair that threatens both their lives. Garcia wrote the script with Iconoclast partner Roger B. Domian.

It won best U.S. feature at NewFest, the New York Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Film Festival, and screened at more than 20 U.S. and international festivals.

See www.iconoclastfilms.com.

Diane Foster in “Iowa”

MATT FARNSWORTH’S meth drama “Iowa” took the best picture prize at the Midwest Independent Film Festival’s annual Best of the Midwest Awards. “Iowa” also garnered awards for Diane Foster (actress), Michael T. Weiss (supporting actor), and Chris Wright (production design).

Bruce Terris’ crime potboiler “Dirty Work” took home honors for best director, best drama, best actor Austin Pendleton, and sound designer Adam Frick.

John Cabrera’s short “The Man Who Invented the Moon” won best comedy. Patrick Creadon’s crossword study “Wordplay” got the best documentary award.

Pete Biagi won best cinematography for Ben-Hur Uribe’s “Por Amor.” Tom Pastorelle won best editing for “Repetition.” Mike Kwielford won in best music video for “Black Hole.” Chris Folkens won best student film for “Capsella.”

MWFF returns Feb. 6 with the Wu-Tang Clan concert doc “Raise the Bells.” See www.midwestfilm.com.

ALVIN M. DANIELS of HalstedMediaWorks is in production on the feature “Hiding Places,” in association with Gap Publishing. It’s the story of a young mother and poet coming to terms with her abusive father. Reach Daniels at halsted1_2000@yahoo.com.

“Phantom Love” Producer Kevin Ragsdale (from left,) Noel Olken, and director Nina Menkes

NOEL OLKEN of Waitergonebad Productions makes his Sundance Film Festival debut in Nina Menkes’ surreal feature “Phantom Love,” which has its world premieres Jan. 19 in Sundance’s New Frontiers section.

Olken, who recently moved to L.A., is producer of Lance Catania’s horror feature" Cup of My Blood,” and writer/director/producer of the human trafficking drama “Slave.”

“I play a wild eyed televangelist preaching fire and brimstone that shakes up the lead character as she watches,” Olken said.

See www.noelolken.com.

THE CHICAGO FILMMAKERS NETWORK is in production on the 20-minute office comedy “The Birthday Card.” Andrew turner of Aesop Pictures is producing. Director is Keith Woodruff. See www.filmind.meetup.com/238.

LOOKING FOR AN ARTS GRANT? Individual artists and nonprofit arts organizations in all disciplines can apply now for grants of up to $1,000 through the Community Arts Assistance Program (CAAP) for 2007 for professional, artistic, and organizational development projects.

Six workshops on how to apply for grants will be held throughout the city starting Jan. 4 to Jan. 22 at the Chicago Cultural Center.

Cultural Affairs Commissioner Lois Weisberg encourages eligible Chicago artists and arts organizations to apply, “so we may continue to nourish a diverse and thriving Chicago arts community,” she said.

Feb. 5 is the submission deadline. Online applications are available at: www.egov.cityofchicago.org/CulturalAffairs/CulturalGrants/.

Ed M. Koziarski is co-director of the feature film “The First Breath of Tengan Rei”. Email:

Working on an indie film? Send information to . Photos always welcome, too.

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