Chicago Broadcasting Network

 “Oscar Micheaux -The Superhero of Black Film Making” is a useful documentary film contribution to the library of Black History subjects placing Micheaux into the pantheon of individuals who contributed to the rise of twentieth century African American culture and ultimately, in a more “woke” sense, to the fabric of American culture as a whole.

The 57th Annual Chicago Film Festival brought together two interestingly similar subjects, Mayor Harold Washington who became Chicago’s first African American mayor and Mayor Pete Buttigieg who was the mayor of nearby South Bend, Indiana who went on to become the first openly gay candidate for United States President.

“Punch 9 for Harold Washington” and “Mayor Pete” are each in their own way stories of outsiders who triumphed over adversity and a look at our ever shifting political climate and changing social values.

Physically debilitated due to a childhood injury purposely inflicted by his mentally impaired father, an aspiring pianist is virtually paralyzed on one side of his body and unable to use his right hand. “For the Left Hand” an inspiring documentary is available for virtual viewing as part of the Chicago International Film Festival.

Pre-opening preview review of “Broadcast Signal Intrusion” inspired by a true Chicago mystery and capsule reviews of SHORTS 1 a collection of 8 short subjects produced by filmmakers with ties to the Chicago area. Featuring works Winning in America, Close Ties to Home Country, Sink, Monochromatic Dreams, Get Well Soon, Speck of Dust, By the Time I Reach Him, and The Year I Went Looking for Birds by Amrita Singh, Akanksha Cruczynski, Curtis Matzke, Ashley Thompson, Simo Ezoubeiri, Kristen Butile, JP Olsen, Brian Zahm, Meg Walsh, and Danny Carroll.

In this Chicago based documentary “The Road Up” Mr. Jesse  part teacher, part preacher, part drill sergeant guides a class of mostly middle aged job seekers through a training course designed to raise their self-esteem and hone their skills to improve their readiness for employment. Winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Chicago International Film Festival 2020. 

“Live at Mr. Kelly’s” is a bit of Chicago history that with each passing day fades further into obscurity. Thankfully this film has made an effort to stop the clock and capture a snapshot of the past from a few of those who were there to witness it in its heyday.

There's plenty to love about this "Pagliacci" production with its backstage views and enjoyable melodies. Available for viewing online. Listen to this podcast review to learn more.

Chicago native Ira Deutchman produces documentary film “Searching for Mr. Rugoff.”