GROUP 312 ANNUAL REPORT 2023: A Review by Anna Castagnaro

 

From GROUP 312 ANNUAL REPORT 2023 trailer.

Over the past year, not-for-profit artists’ collective Group 312 Films has gathered their best shorts for their annual report at Chicago Filmmakers. Tune in to see the wacky, poetic, and experimental featured works by Kevin B. Chatham, Johnny Lange, Kelly McGowan, Richard Syska, David Purdie, Brian Klein, and Kevin Ortinau.

 
 

Trailer for GROUP 312 ANNUAL REPORT 2023.

 
 

From Richard Syska’s satirical tone and archival experimentation to Kelly McGowan’s colorful stop-motion puppetry, prepare to be amazed by the inventive storytelling of each director and their distinctive voice. Every director has approached their short from a variety of skill levels and expertise, all while collaborating with one another to perfect their craft.

Some of the most notable films of this year’s report were recorded on a mobile phone, and my personal favorite all-encompassing aspect of the cohort was each director’s attention to detail in sound design. Certain stories have reverberating narration that phase out into a three dimensional soundscape, while others have a multi-functional score (from electronic to orchestral) that could break the fourth wall.

Especially given that these films were all crafted on a monthly timeline under a given theme, I could not be more impressed with the economic yet vibrant use of the visual medium.

Visit Chicago Filmmakers, Saturday August 26th at 7PM, to catch the screening of GROUP 312 ANNUAL REPORT 2023.

For tickets: www.chicagofilmmakers.org/upcoming-screenings-and-events

A review by Anna Castagnaro

Marketing Intern