Percolator Films has presented independent films, with an emphasis on documentaries, in the Chicago metro-area since 2008. Our goal is to show films that represent an original artistic vision and create a space where audience members can meet filmmakers in person and engage in dialogue. Our events are frequently presented in collaboration with other local organizations, thereby strengthening the fabric of our community.
PROGRAMS
DOC CHICAGO
The DOC CHICAGO conference brings Midwest documentary filmmakers together to exchange ideas, learn, and connect. From expert panels to film screenings, a short film contest, and community conversations, DOC CHICAGO offers a gathering place for filmmakers to gain new insights and strengthen our connections across the region. Past panelists and moderators have included Gordon Quinn, Yvonne Welbon, Danielle Beverly, Ruth Leitman, Brent Huffman, Amber Love, Colette Ghunim, Jeff Spitz, Jiayan Jenny Shi, Marco Williams, and many others. We have recently added monthly Doc Chicago meet-ups for local documentary filmmakers – contact us if you would like to join! http://www.docchicago.com/
The DOC CHICAGO conference brings Midwest documentary filmmakers together to exchange ideas, learn, and connect. From expert panels to film screenings, a short film contest, and community conversations, DOC CHICAGO offers a gathering place for filmmakers to gain new insights and strengthen our connections across the region. Past panelists and moderators have included Gordon Quinn, Yvonne Welbon, Danielle Beverly, Ruth Leitman, Brent Huffman, Amber Love, Colette Ghunim, Jeff Spitz, Jiayan Jenny Shi, Marco Williams, and many others. We have recently added monthly Doc Chicago meet-ups for local documentary filmmakers – contact us if you would like to join! http://www.docchicago.com/
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PERCOLATOR FILMS PRESENTS
This itinerant screening project takes documentaries to different community locations in the greater Chicago metro-area. Collaborating venues have included Lake Street Church, Evanston Arts Depot, Buffet Center at Northwestern University, Hyde Park Art Center, and Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ. Films have included Beneath the. Blindfold, Spilled Water, Perseverance, and more. |
REELTIME (1999-2015) was a popular free documentary and discussion series that took place monthly at the Evanston Public Library and Northwestern University's Block Cinema. .Events typically featured high caliber documentaries followed by a conversation between audience members, filmmakers, guest speakers, and community groups.
Our successful mix of work by nationally known and local filmmakers included: The Trials of Muhammad Ali, Throw Down Your Heart, Forgiving Dr. Mengele, Scrappers, The Cats of Mirikitani, LaLee's Kin, In the Family, Gideon's Army, Lost Boys of Sudan, Rivers and Tides, Burnt Oranges, Pete Seeger: The Power of Song, Revenge of the Electric Car, Banished, Darwin's Nightmare, The Real Dirt on Farmer John, Milking the Rhino, and many more.
Reeltime began in 1999, when Evanston filmmakers Kathy Berger and Andrea Leland approached the Evanston Public Library and Northwestern University’s Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art with the idea of a monthly film and discussion program. Filmmaker Ines Sommer joined as Reeltime’s Co-Director in 2003. When Percolator Films became a stand-alone non-profit organization, Reeltime continued as one of our programs. We are proud that Reeltime succeeded as a unique collaboration between a team of independent filmmakers and two Evanston institutions for sixteen years!
Reeltime began in 1999, when Evanston filmmakers Kathy Berger and Andrea Leland approached the Evanston Public Library and Northwestern University’s Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art with the idea of a monthly film and discussion program. Filmmaker Ines Sommer joined as Reeltime’s Co-Director in 2003. When Percolator Films became a stand-alone non-profit organization, Reeltime continued as one of our programs. We are proud that Reeltime succeeded as a unique collaboration between a team of independent filmmakers and two Evanston institutions for sixteen years!
While Reeltime was best known for its screenings, we simultaneously built an extensive circulating collection of independent films that are still available for checkout at the Evanston Public Library. Search the catalog with the key word "Reeltime" to find some unique indie films: https://www.epl.org/find/catalogs/
“I did not realize this gem existed in my own backyard until I went to see the documentary ‘Forgiving Dr. Mengele.’ The documentary and sophistication of the ensuing discussion blew me away. And this was not a flash in the pan. Since then, I have been to many different showings and enjoyed virtually all of them.” – Kapil Sood
“I did not realize this gem existed in my own backyard until I went to see the documentary ‘Forgiving Dr. Mengele.’ The documentary and sophistication of the ensuing discussion blew me away. And this was not a flash in the pan. Since then, I have been to many different showings and enjoyed virtually all of them.” – Kapil Sood
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TALKING PICTURES FESTIVAL
When Percolator Films organized Evanston’s home-grown Talking Pictures Festival (2009-12), thousands of audience members encountered a stimulating blend of independent films ranging from animation, documentaries, and fiction films to great films by local filmmakers, followed by lively discussions. Collaborating venues included Noyes Cultural Arts Center, Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and Block Cinema, Evanston Public Library, and other sites. |
The festival involved numerous community groups, local business sponsors, volunteers, Northwestern University faculty, and festival committee members including Howard Ellman, Barbara Sykes, Stefanie Mabadi, Mary Filice, Leslie Brown, Santosh Venkataraman, Kathy Berger (festival co-founder), and Festival Director Ines Sommer.
Among the many highlights of the 2012 Talking Pictures Festival were Evanston filmmaker Bob Hercules’ Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance; the hard-hitting documentary Pink Ribbons, Inc; Xan Aranda’s portrait of the acclaimed musician Andrew Bird: Fever Year; and Shira Piven and Paula Killen’s comedic Fully Loaded.
”What a wonderful experience the Talking Pictures Festival was! It totally lived up to its name. I think it is a really great forum for art and community to come together. The shared experience of a film, and then being able to discuss it right away with a group is so important.” – Laura Israel, Windfall
Among the many highlights of the 2012 Talking Pictures Festival were Evanston filmmaker Bob Hercules’ Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance; the hard-hitting documentary Pink Ribbons, Inc; Xan Aranda’s portrait of the acclaimed musician Andrew Bird: Fever Year; and Shira Piven and Paula Killen’s comedic Fully Loaded.
”What a wonderful experience the Talking Pictures Festival was! It totally lived up to its name. I think it is a really great forum for art and community to come together. The shared experience of a film, and then being able to discuss it right away with a group is so important.” – Laura Israel, Windfall
