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CHICAGO – When you are not black in America, you cannot imagine the societal indignities (to say the least) that are endured on a daily basis, both macro and micro. A new documentary on a particular indignity, “The Neutral Ground,” by first time director CJ Hunt, premieres on PBS’s “POV” on July 5th, 2021. Click for details.

CHICAGO – The evolution of the “local filmmaker” always seems to be defined through where that person is. Jack C. Newell appears to not be measured by time and place, but as a filmmaker of artistic vision with a basis in love. His latest film, “Monuments,” opens June 4th, 2021, through the Gene Siskel Film Center virtual cinema.

CHICAGO – In this new golden age of animation, the ability to create mood and setting is more accessible than ever. For creator and writer Ron Falzone (with director Julian Grant), a notable death in the 1920s and the movie business associated with it is in their film “Coriander and a Penny’s Worth of Lonesome.”

CHICAGO – David Dastmalchian is always looking up … both at his soaring career and how he can spread his particular brand of positive vibes. The actor will appear in two huge 2021 films, “The Suicide Squad” (Aug 6th)) and “Dune” (Oct 1st). And don’t forget his co-created comic “Count Crowley” and his appearance at Mid May Massacre, May 15-16, 2021.

CHICAGO – Jer Sklar has created a one-of-a-kind feature film debut – “Tom of His Life” – the story of a boy who ages four years every hour, living his entire life in one day. The film has a week-long run at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre, with Sklar making an appearance on May 8th, 2021, with a Q&A moderated by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com (click here for tickets).

CHICAGO – Within the successful Season 12 for the Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) series of Chicago – the Closing Night film is Hong Kong’s “Ready O/r Knot” at the Davis Theater (relocated from the Lincoln Yards Drive-In) on May 7th, 2021 (rescheduled from May 1st/2nd) – were the usual variety of adventurous Asian films.

CHICAGO – A couple weeks ago, Netflix released for streaming the new animated film “Arlo the Alligator Boy” and immediately it went to 100% FRESH on Rotten Tomatoes (including a 4.5/5 on this forum). This fresh, delightful and full-of heart “2D” cartoon musical is the product of creator and director Ryan Crego.

CHICAGO – Filmmaker Kelley Kali just scored a major award at the recent South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival, Grand Jury Recognition for Multi-Hyphenate Storytelling, for a film that she co-wrote, co-directed and acted in the lead role. “I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking)” is a vivid portrait of another America that is happening now.

CHICAGO – Getting his debut film – “Our Father” – into the 2021 South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival was a major achievement for writer/director Bradley Grant Smith, and puts the spotlight on his emerging talent and perspective. Smith is also a musician … he provided the soundtrack for the film as well.

CHICAGO – After garnering a major honor at the Sundance Film Festival – the Audience Award in the NEXT category – “Ma Belle, My Beauty” will screen at the virtual/online South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival in yet another opportunity to see the modern and emotional expression of love. Idella Johnson and Hannah Pepper are two/thirds of a past polyamorous relationship.