A Surrealist Celebration of Chicago-Made Short Films
Presented by Mxxd Media on Thursday, May 29, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Davis Theatre.
Step into Chicago’s most anticipated night of local film, connection and creative celebration.
Now in its third year, Mxxd Media and IFA Chicago have partnered for a high-energy showcase of Chicago-made short films from some of the city’s most exciting emerging and established voices. From magical realism to humanistic storytelling, this year’s theme – “Same, but Different” – invites audiences to experience stories that stretch reality and reflect the human experience in powerful new ways.
What To Expect:
Live Keynote Discussion – Taking the Leap: A Discussion on Feature Filmmaking.
90-Minute Screening.
Q&A Panel – Meet the minds behind the films.
Sponsors – Remy Martin, Maison Perrier and IFA Chicago.
After Party – Vibes, networking, and music from Global Currency.
Mxxd Media is a Chicago-based production company on a mission to celebrate local filmmakers, help brands tell their stories, and create films with emerging filmmakers. They’re not just screening work – they’re elevating artists.
The Independent FIlm Alliance (IFA) Chicago is a non-profit organization that provides the community, resources, and programs needed to build a diverse and sustainable industry of independent content creators.
“…No joke, every step of the ethos of Screen Time has been incredible… They’re setting the bar for how screenings and festivals should be run” – Sean Raju, Filmmaker
Selected Films:
A Sweetness of Lapse: When best friends, Ava and Mina, are introduced to the internet phenomenon of “timeline shifting,” they decide to try it one night. The result tests their friendship and grasp of reality.
Check Please: Two headstrong Koreans can’t agree on who’s treating who to dinner, causing their casual restaurant outing to spiral into a martial arts death match.
CineYouth Comedy Award Winner – Chicago International Film Festival: Prawn Star: When a young shrimp gains aspirations to become an actor, he purposely gets caught by humans so he can end up at a fancy restaurant and on the plate of someone who could make him famous.
A Film by Texas Smith (Sneak Preview): After some time apart, a former couple (Charlie and Austin) run into one another, and over the next 24 hours, the pair reconnect, living many years and lives simultaneously.
Protagonist Gene: A timid woman hoping to change her life is medically diagnosed as a supporting character forcing her to undergo a radical treatment to attain main character energy.
Spanked by a Ghost (Premiere): Alone in her home, a woman is spanked by an unseen entity – awakening a force she cannot control.
About Time: After years apart, former lovers reunite and struggle to connect until an edible spurs an emotional night of dredging up past hurts and self-discoveries.
Everything is Everything: Chicagoans reflect on history and identity during Juneteenth 2024.
Hand Job: A sentient hand must save its body after an attempted suicide.
Why It Matters:
This isn’t just a screening – it’s a movement. A place for filmmakers, creatives, and culture lovers to gather, discover new stories, and celebrate the heartbeat of Chicago film. Whether you’re a cinephile, an industry pro, or just curious – this is where you want to be.
The Davis Theatre is located at 4614 N. Lincoln Ave.
Early bird tickets are $20. The day of the event, $20 cash only, if there are seats available.
For information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screen-time-90-minutes-of-chicago-made-short-films-tickets-1312385553519?aff=oddtdtcreator.