PROGRAM

Chicago Filmmakers presents From The Outside In, the seventh edition of “The Spirit of Chicago”, a virtual screening series featuring work by local filmmakers. This collection of documentaries offers an inside look into the lives of everyday people: a former migrant detainee and activist, residents of a town on the brink of extinction, cuddle party attendees, a Chicago subway performer, and an iconic neighborhood barber.

Streaming Monday, February 15 to Sunday, February 21. Suggested donation; a portion of the proceeds will benefit filmmakers included in the program.

SEEING YOU | Directed by Little Village Solidarity Network and Friends (2020, 12 min.)

A former detainee of a migrant child detention center talks about his experience in the facility and becoming a whistleblower once free.

SAMUEL JOHNSON, JR. | Directed by Lauren Washington (2020, 22 min.)

This short documentary celebrates the iconic life of Samuel Johnson Jr., owner of the Church Street Barber Shop in Evanston and proud father to six children. 

TOUCHY SUBJECTS | Directed by Felipe Diaz-Arango and Eugene Kobayashi (2020, 10 min.)

A glimpse into “Cuddle Parties” and their quest to become socially accepted in a world struggling to find healthy intimacy. 

BELOW THE FLOOD GATE | Directed by Sarah Franke (2019, 23 min.)

Vulnerable to flooding and excluded from protective measures, the residents of a coastal Louisiana community hold firmly to their way of life.

RED LINE LOUNGE | Directed by Jens Ericson (2017, 9 min.)

The story of world-class drummer Dave Russell and the Red Line Lounge Band, a musical staple for commuters on Chicago’s Jackson Red Line train platform.