Podtalk: Midwest Independent Film Fest Screens ‘Same Boat’ on Apr. 2, 2019

CHICAGO – Combining time travel and a cruise ship has never been so hilarious. So describes this unique and magical “Same Boat” (directed by Chris Roberti and written by Roberti with Josh Itzkowitz), is a Chicago Premiere at the Midwest Independent Film Festival on April 2nd, 2019. Click here [20] for tickets and details.

The very funny, warm and philosophical film presupposes a future in which time traveler assassins come back to save their world – which has been devastated by bad decisions in the past– through killing the evil people who will affect that devastation. When James (Chris Roberti) and his “intern” Mot (Julie Schonberg) are assigned the hit on Lilly (Tonya Glanz) while she is vacationing on a cruise ship, complications arise when James has feelings for his target. The whip-sharp comedy is full of authentic laughs derived from the plot and situations, plus the always weird vibe of a cruise ship. Roberti and Itzkowitz have fashioned a true romantic meta-story without the stickiness that often brings them down.

Fellow Travelers: Midwest Independent Film Fest Presents ‘Same Boat’
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.com and IFC FIlms

The Midwest Independent Film Festival also features a prescreening “Producer’s Panel,” and the one on April 2nd is unerringly special. “The Oscars Experience!” features three powerhouse producers and their memories when they were at the Academy Awards representing their nominated films – Mark Mitten (“Abacus: Small Enough to Jail”), Gordon Quinn of KartemQUIN films (“Hoop Dreams,” “Abacus” and 2018’s “Minding the Gap”) and Diane Quon (“Minding the Gap”) will participate. This is part of an entire evening of entertainment, culminating in an after-party where the audience can network with the filmmakers.

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Josh Itzkowitz talks about cruise ships, illusion and how it would be difficult to convince President Lincoln that he’s from the future.

The Midwest Independent Film Festival is a year-round movie event in Chicago that takes place the first Tuesday of every month, at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema. The festival has been recognized by Chicago Magazine in their “Best of Chicago” issue, and has become one of the top places for local filmmakers, producers and actors to network in the city.

[22]	By PATRICK McDONALD [23] Editor and Film Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com [22]