Chicago – Writer/director Michael Glover Smith’s award-winning feature film “Relative” (2022) was snapped up by Chicago-based Music Box Films, and will have its Digital release on May 21st, 2024. But first, how about one more special screening at the historic Music Box Theatre on Wednesday, May 15th. Click Relative at for tickets and info.
“Relative” is a film about transition, as a family gathers for the youngest son/brother’s college graduation. Each individual family member is dealing with a situational crossroads, and the family togetherness both modifies and challenges them. Meanwhile, the college graduate (Cameron Scott Roberts) has serendipitously fallen for Hekla (Elizabeth Stam). The film also features Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Keith D. Gallagher, Emily Lape, Melissa DuPrey and Clare Cooney.
Relative
Photo credit: Music Box Films
Writer/Director Michael Glover Smith is also an author and film studies instructor, and is based in Chicago. His first feature film,...
“Relative” is a film about transition, as a family gathers for the youngest son/brother’s college graduation. Each individual family member is dealing with a situational crossroads, and the family togetherness both modifies and challenges them. Meanwhile, the college graduate (Cameron Scott Roberts) has serendipitously fallen for Hekla (Elizabeth Stam). The film also features Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Keith D. Gallagher, Emily Lape, Melissa DuPrey and Clare Cooney.
Relative
Photo credit: Music Box Films
Writer/Director Michael Glover Smith is also an author and film studies instructor, and is based in Chicago. His first feature film,...
- 5/15/2024
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
"I don't want an empty nest!" Music Box Films has posted their official trailer for an indie drama about a family titled Relative, from filmmaker Michael Glover Smith. This originally premiered back in 2022, but we have only caught up with it now and haven't ever posted about this film before. It played at a few small film festivals in 2022/2023, with a very limited release in art house theaters around the country. As various members of the Frank family come together for a college graduation party in Chicago, they find their bonds being tested, and strengthened, in surprising ways. The story focuses on the parents of four kids, who decide to announce that they're about to sell the house they grew up in. "Relative is a warm blend of comedy and drama about a modern American family." This stars Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Cameron Scott Roberts, Clare Cooney, Keith D. Gallagher,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
The BFI Flare: London Lgbtqia+ Film Festival has revealed the line-up for its 38th edition which takes place March 13-24.
The programme comprises 57 features across the Hearts, Bodies and Mind strands, four of which are world premieres.
Scroll down for full line-up
World premiering is Karen Knox’s sophomore feature We Forgot To Break Up about a trans musician caught in a love triangle with his bandmates. The Canadian actress and filmmaker’s debut Adult Adoption premiered at Glasgow Film Festival in 2022.
Other world premieres are Kat Rohrer’s Austrian romantic comedy What A Feeling about two women who meet...
The programme comprises 57 features across the Hearts, Bodies and Mind strands, four of which are world premieres.
Scroll down for full line-up
World premiering is Karen Knox’s sophomore feature We Forgot To Break Up about a trans musician caught in a love triangle with his bandmates. The Canadian actress and filmmaker’s debut Adult Adoption premiered at Glasgow Film Festival in 2022.
Other world premieres are Kat Rohrer’s Austrian romantic comedy What A Feeling about two women who meet...
- 2/13/2024
- ScreenDaily
In the canon of high school-set slashers, Departing Seniors is a moderate achiever — the middle of the pack. Jose Nateras’ screenplay massages LGBTQ+ themes into an adorable-awkward-angsty teen romance threatened by deadly obstacles (outside cruel bigotry). It’s refreshingly genuine in terms of treating queer relationships with normalcy, but schoolyard slasher tension dulls without sharp execution. Director Clare Cooney’s feature debut is more competent than confident, relying on select performances and cheeky metatextual callbacks to overcompensate for a less successful balancing of subgenres.
It’s seven days until graduation at Springhurst High, and Javier (Ignacio Diaz-Silverio) is just trying to survive until college. He’s gay, he’s Mexican-American, and he’s surrounded by small-minded jocks who mock anything outside their suburban status quo. Javier’s bestie Bianca (Ireon Roach) is his rock, willing to beat an athlete bloody if they utter a single insult. Unfortunately, when Bianca isn’t around after school,...
It’s seven days until graduation at Springhurst High, and Javier (Ignacio Diaz-Silverio) is just trying to survive until college. He’s gay, he’s Mexican-American, and he’s surrounded by small-minded jocks who mock anything outside their suburban status quo. Javier’s bestie Bianca (Ireon Roach) is his rock, willing to beat an athlete bloody if they utter a single insult. Unfortunately, when Bianca isn’t around after school,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Matt Donato
- bloody-disgusting.com
The final week of January is also the first week of February, and it’s a slow week for the horror genre in terms of new releases. But that doesn’t mean we’re not getting new horror this week.
Here’s all the new horror releasing January 29 – February 4, 2024!
For daily reminders about new horror releases, be sure to follow @HorrorCalendar.
Real-life serial killer John Wayne Gacy has been the subject of a handful of horror movies over the years, played by Brian Dennehy in To Catch a Killer (1992), Mark Holton in Gacy (2003), and William Forsythe in Dear Mr. Gacy (2010). Quiver Distribution brings their own Gacy movie to the table this week, with Gacy: Serial Killer Next Door now available on VOD.
In director Michael Feifer’s horror movie, “A teenager’s life in a quiet suburb changes drastically when John Wayne Gacy, a famed serial killer, becomes his neighbor.
Here’s all the new horror releasing January 29 – February 4, 2024!
For daily reminders about new horror releases, be sure to follow @HorrorCalendar.
Real-life serial killer John Wayne Gacy has been the subject of a handful of horror movies over the years, played by Brian Dennehy in To Catch a Killer (1992), Mark Holton in Gacy (2003), and William Forsythe in Dear Mr. Gacy (2010). Quiver Distribution brings their own Gacy movie to the table this week, with Gacy: Serial Killer Next Door now available on VOD.
In director Michael Feifer’s horror movie, “A teenager’s life in a quiet suburb changes drastically when John Wayne Gacy, a famed serial killer, becomes his neighbor.
- 1/31/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Watch Short Film The Drawing: "After waking from a nightmare, artist Scarlet is pursued by a malevolent figure eerily reminiscent of her latest drawing."
https://www.thedrawingmovie.com
Directed by Jay Salahi Written by Jay Salahi & Todd Knaak Produced by Carlos Uribe & Jay Salahi Starring: Annika Foster & Destiny Mounce Director of Photography - Jon Corum Associate Producers - Aaron Needham, Todd Knaak & Nicholas David Music - Mattan Cohen Editor - Jay Salahi 1st AC - Mitchell Parks Gaffer - Samuel Mendoza Make-Up - Ali Embury VFX - Peter Larson Sound - Jay Salahi & Adrian Cooperman Drawing & Art by Aaron Needham
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Phantom Limbs: "Encyclopocalypse Publications will release Jason Jenkins’ Phantom Limbs in hardcover, paperback, audiobook and eBook on April 2nd, 2024.
Originally a column on popular horror website Bloody Disgusting, Phantom Limbs is the inaugural volume of a planned series of books which will explore the histories of unmade horror movie...
https://www.thedrawingmovie.com
Directed by Jay Salahi Written by Jay Salahi & Todd Knaak Produced by Carlos Uribe & Jay Salahi Starring: Annika Foster & Destiny Mounce Director of Photography - Jon Corum Associate Producers - Aaron Needham, Todd Knaak & Nicholas David Music - Mattan Cohen Editor - Jay Salahi 1st AC - Mitchell Parks Gaffer - Samuel Mendoza Make-Up - Ali Embury VFX - Peter Larson Sound - Jay Salahi & Adrian Cooperman Drawing & Art by Aaron Needham
---
Phantom Limbs: "Encyclopocalypse Publications will release Jason Jenkins’ Phantom Limbs in hardcover, paperback, audiobook and eBook on April 2nd, 2024.
Originally a column on popular horror website Bloody Disgusting, Phantom Limbs is the inaugural volume of a planned series of books which will explore the histories of unmade horror movie...
- 1/24/2024
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
"We can't just let him die." "Well, actually, we could..." Dark Sky Films has revealed an official trailer for an indie horror comedy creation called Departing Seniors, an original idea from writer / actor Jose Nateras. This premiered at FrightFest London and the Chicago Film Festival last year, with a release in February in theaters and on VOD coming up soon. Following an act of bullying, witty high school senior Javier develops psychic abilities which he must use to stop a mysterious serial killer targeting his classmates. Described as a slasher inspired by "The Dead Zone meets Scream." Ignacio Diaz-Silverio stars, with Maisie Merlock, Ireon Roach, Yani Gellman, Sasha Kuznetsov, Cameron Scott Roberts, and Ryan Foreman. It's also the feature directorial debut of actress Clare Cooney. This looks rather generic, of course, but with some fun high school humor. The main kid looks a lot like Alex Wolff, almost like they wanted to cast him.
- 1/10/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
We’ve seen Groundhog’s Day as a slasher with Happy Death Day, It’s a Wonderful Life as a slasher with It’s a Wonderful Knife, Freaky Friday as a slasher with Freaky, and Back to the Future as a slasher with Totally Killer. Next in the “this movie, but it’s a slasher” line-up is Departing Seniors, which mixes the high school slasher set-up with elements from Stephen King’s The Dead Zone. Dark Sky Films will be giving Departing Seniors a limited theatrical and VOD release on February 2nd, and with that date right around the corner a trailer has arrived online. You can check it out in the embed above.
The feature directorial debut of actress Clare Cooney, Departing Seniors was written by actor Jose Nateras and centers on high school student Javier, who doesn’t exactly fit in with the popular kids as a queer Mexican-American.
The feature directorial debut of actress Clare Cooney, Departing Seniors was written by actor Jose Nateras and centers on high school student Javier, who doesn’t exactly fit in with the popular kids as a queer Mexican-American.
- 1/10/2024
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Dark Sky Films has released the trailer for their brand new slasher movie Departing Seniors this morning, announcing that the film hits VOD and select theaters on February 2.
Finals aren’t the only killer in Departing Seniors. Watch the trailer below.
From director Clare Cooney, Departing Seniors is said to “put a fresh spin on teen slasher movies like Scream and Freaky, updating them by putting its queer protagonist and characters of color front and center.” The official press release also previews, “It’s a horror-comedy with a sarcastic, whip-smart edge and appealingly complex characters.”
In the upcoming slasher, “After being bullied, high school senior Javier develops psychic abilities which he must use to stop a mysterious killer targeting his classmates.”
Here’s the full plot synopsis: “Mexican-American and queer, high school student Javier doesn’t exactly fit in with the popular kids. But he might be the only one who can save them.
Finals aren’t the only killer in Departing Seniors. Watch the trailer below.
From director Clare Cooney, Departing Seniors is said to “put a fresh spin on teen slasher movies like Scream and Freaky, updating them by putting its queer protagonist and characters of color front and center.” The official press release also previews, “It’s a horror-comedy with a sarcastic, whip-smart edge and appealingly complex characters.”
In the upcoming slasher, “After being bullied, high school senior Javier develops psychic abilities which he must use to stop a mysterious killer targeting his classmates.”
Here’s the full plot synopsis: “Mexican-American and queer, high school student Javier doesn’t exactly fit in with the popular kids. But he might be the only one who can save them.
- 1/9/2024
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Chicago – Actor/filmmaker Clare Cooney began her career in Chicago, and is returning to represent her debut as feature film director for “Departing Seniors,” a North American Premiere on Opening Night at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival (Ciff). For tickets and info, click Seniors.
Mexican-American and queer, high school student Javier (Ignacio Diaz-Silverio) doesn’t exactly fit in with the popular kids, preferring the company of sardonic friend Bianca (Ireon Roach), but he might be the only one who can save them all. After an act of bullying sends Javier to the hospital, he begins experiencing visions that foresee glimpses of shocking murders at his school right before they happen. Now, in between navigating the social hierarchies and prejudices of clique culture, he has to unmask a serial killer before they strike again.
’Departing Seniors,’ Directed by Clare Cooney, at the 59th Ciff
Photo credit: Chicago International Film Festival...
Mexican-American and queer, high school student Javier (Ignacio Diaz-Silverio) doesn’t exactly fit in with the popular kids, preferring the company of sardonic friend Bianca (Ireon Roach), but he might be the only one who can save them all. After an act of bullying sends Javier to the hospital, he begins experiencing visions that foresee glimpses of shocking murders at his school right before they happen. Now, in between navigating the social hierarchies and prejudices of clique culture, he has to unmask a serial killer before they strike again.
’Departing Seniors,’ Directed by Clare Cooney, at the 59th Ciff
Photo credit: Chicago International Film Festival...
- 10/10/2023
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Roster includes LoopTrack, Mother May I?
MPI Media Group has kicked off talks with buyers on a Cannes sales slate led by horror title Departing Seniors which screen tomorrow (Friday) and stars Ignacio Diaz-Silverio from the comedy series Primo which debuts on Amazon Freevee this weekend.
Departing Seniors is part of the genre showcase of market titles at Cannes Fantastic Pavilions Gala and centres on a bullied high school student whose visions reveal the truth behind a supposed spate of classmate suicides and may thwart a serial killer.
Clare Cooney makes her feature directorial debut and Dashawna Wright’s Choppe Productions produced alongside Cooney,...
MPI Media Group has kicked off talks with buyers on a Cannes sales slate led by horror title Departing Seniors which screen tomorrow (Friday) and stars Ignacio Diaz-Silverio from the comedy series Primo which debuts on Amazon Freevee this weekend.
Departing Seniors is part of the genre showcase of market titles at Cannes Fantastic Pavilions Gala and centres on a bullied high school student whose visions reveal the truth behind a supposed spate of classmate suicides and may thwart a serial killer.
Clare Cooney makes her feature directorial debut and Dashawna Wright’s Choppe Productions produced alongside Cooney,...
- 5/18/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
The Fantastic Pavilion, a new hub for the genre community set to make its debut at this year’s Cannes’ Marché du Film, has revealed its seven Gala screenings.
Over May 16-21, industry professionals will get to “appreciate the diversity of genre offerings coming from all over the world,” tease the organizers. They will also be able to create new alliances and acquire titles from companies like Raven Banner, MPI Media, Screenbound and Mantícora.
“The reason for the Pavilion is that we needed space to do better business and help newcomers integrate more easily, and faster, into this constantly growing industry,” says Fantastic Pavilion executive director Pablo Guisa Koestinger. “Genre needs to take the place it deserves and it’s Fantastic Pavilion’s mission to help to achieve this.”
British sci-fi comedy “The Bystanders,” directed by Gabriel Foster Prior and presented by Screenbound, will kickstart the event, followed by another...
Over May 16-21, industry professionals will get to “appreciate the diversity of genre offerings coming from all over the world,” tease the organizers. They will also be able to create new alliances and acquire titles from companies like Raven Banner, MPI Media, Screenbound and Mantícora.
“The reason for the Pavilion is that we needed space to do better business and help newcomers integrate more easily, and faster, into this constantly growing industry,” says Fantastic Pavilion executive director Pablo Guisa Koestinger. “Genre needs to take the place it deserves and it’s Fantastic Pavilion’s mission to help to achieve this.”
British sci-fi comedy “The Bystanders,” directed by Gabriel Foster Prior and presented by Screenbound, will kickstart the event, followed by another...
- 5/9/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
Life is about handling contradictions. And they all demand that we choose between compromising, conceding, or refusing to back down—whether it’s opposite a family member, friend, lover, or even yourself. We weigh pros and cons. We anticipate a future that we can never know for certain. Do we choose the job or the potential for love? Do we sacrifice our career for our spouse? Do we leave our hometown, or decide to make a new one? Each choice becomes another snowflake falling atop a mountain ready to unleash an avalanche. Sometimes it falls with the force of an atomic bomb and sometimes it never budges. The only thing we can therefore control is how we ultimately live within that uncertainty. For ourselves or for another?
There’s no wrong answer. Writer-director Michael Glover Smith hasn’t built Relative as some catch-all drama to foist his ideals upon his audience.
There’s no wrong answer. Writer-director Michael Glover Smith hasn’t built Relative as some catch-all drama to foist his ideals upon his audience.
- 10/5/2022
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
Ignacio Diaz-Silverio (“Primo”) has been set to lead the cast of a horror-comedy titled Departing Seniors, with Deadline reporting that production is now underway in Chicago.
Yani Gellman (Pretty Little Liars), Lorena Diaz (Chicago Med), Ireon Roach (Candyman), and Cameron Scott Roberts (The Walking Dead) also star in the movie.
From director Clare Cooney, “the film follows witty high school senior Javier (Ignacio Diaz-Silverio), who after witnessing an act of bullying, begins having psychic visions that reveal the horrifying truth behind a rash of supposed suicides at his school. It’s up to him and his sarcastic best friend to unmask the truth behind the grisly occurrences.”
Jose Nateras wrote the script for Departing Seniors.
Queensbury Pictures is producing.
Cooney said in a statement, “I couldn’t have asked for a more ambitious and exciting first feature. Jose’s sharp, funny, moving script is an ode to so many classic genre films,...
Yani Gellman (Pretty Little Liars), Lorena Diaz (Chicago Med), Ireon Roach (Candyman), and Cameron Scott Roberts (The Walking Dead) also star in the movie.
From director Clare Cooney, “the film follows witty high school senior Javier (Ignacio Diaz-Silverio), who after witnessing an act of bullying, begins having psychic visions that reveal the horrifying truth behind a rash of supposed suicides at his school. It’s up to him and his sarcastic best friend to unmask the truth behind the grisly occurrences.”
Jose Nateras wrote the script for Departing Seniors.
Queensbury Pictures is producing.
Cooney said in a statement, “I couldn’t have asked for a more ambitious and exciting first feature. Jose’s sharp, funny, moving script is an ode to so many classic genre films,...
- 8/19/2022
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Exclusive: Filming is underway in Chicago on horror-comedy Departing Seniors, starring Ignacio Diaz-Silverio, the lead in recently announced Amazon series Primo.
Also starring in the Queensbury Pictures production are Yani Gellman (Pretty Little Liars), Lorena Diaz (Chicago Med), Ireon Roach (Candyman), and Cameron Scott Roberts (The Walking Dead).
Written by Jose Nateras, the film follows witty high school senior Javier (Diaz-Silverio), who after witnessing an act of bullying, begins having psychic visions that reveal the horrifying truth behind a rash of supposed suicides at his school. It’s up to him and his sarcastic best friend to unmask the truth behind the grisly occurrences.
Directing is Clare Cooney, who makes her feature directorial debut and serves as a producer. The project is being produced by Dashawna Wright’s Choppe Productions along with Clare Cooney, Jose Nateras and Kelly Parker, with support from Divisionist Films. Greg Newman and Queensbury Pictures are executive-producing.
Also starring in the Queensbury Pictures production are Yani Gellman (Pretty Little Liars), Lorena Diaz (Chicago Med), Ireon Roach (Candyman), and Cameron Scott Roberts (The Walking Dead).
Written by Jose Nateras, the film follows witty high school senior Javier (Diaz-Silverio), who after witnessing an act of bullying, begins having psychic visions that reveal the horrifying truth behind a rash of supposed suicides at his school. It’s up to him and his sarcastic best friend to unmask the truth behind the grisly occurrences.
Directing is Clare Cooney, who makes her feature directorial debut and serves as a producer. The project is being produced by Dashawna Wright’s Choppe Productions along with Clare Cooney, Jose Nateras and Kelly Parker, with support from Divisionist Films. Greg Newman and Queensbury Pictures are executive-producing.
- 8/12/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Chicago – First Tuesday for the Midwest Film Festival (Mff) is on August 2nd, 2022, and will present “Women & Gender Non-Conforming Filmmakers Night” at the Gene Siskel Film Center. For ticket info, click Mff Aug First Tuesday.
‘Women & Gender Non-Conforming Filmmakers Night’ Line-up at Mff
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.com
The Shorts showcase has a diverse line-up of films, including “Luteal” (Directed by Hilary Williams); “Heartsong” (Aurora Real de Asua); “Jade” (Reshmi Hazra Rustebakke); “Emergence” (Rey Tang); “The Chase” (Alaina Delagardelle); “Smoking Gun!” (Sanicole); “After (A Love Story)” (Clare Cooney); “Period Drama” (Anushka Tina Nair & Lauryn Anthony); “Skyroof” (Jewelia Santos) … and “Rough River Lake,” directed by Mary Tilden, who is interviewed below by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com.
The Midwest Film Festival (formerly the Midwest Independent Film Festival) has been a staple in Chicago’s film community for 15 years. Through Executive Director Erica Duffy. the Festival thrives by bringing together the Chicago film...
‘Women & Gender Non-Conforming Filmmakers Night’ Line-up at Mff
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.com
The Shorts showcase has a diverse line-up of films, including “Luteal” (Directed by Hilary Williams); “Heartsong” (Aurora Real de Asua); “Jade” (Reshmi Hazra Rustebakke); “Emergence” (Rey Tang); “The Chase” (Alaina Delagardelle); “Smoking Gun!” (Sanicole); “After (A Love Story)” (Clare Cooney); “Period Drama” (Anushka Tina Nair & Lauryn Anthony); “Skyroof” (Jewelia Santos) … and “Rough River Lake,” directed by Mary Tilden, who is interviewed below by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com.
The Midwest Film Festival (formerly the Midwest Independent Film Festival) has been a staple in Chicago’s film community for 15 years. Through Executive Director Erica Duffy. the Festival thrives by bringing together the Chicago film...
- 8/1/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review on “Relative,” the latest film from Chicago-based filmmaker Michael Glover Smith. Its theatrical release begins on June 8th (click links) at Music Box Theatre and on June 10th at Gene Siskel Film Center, and will expand from there.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Writer/director Michael Glover Smith gathers an ensemble cast that portray the Frank family, anchored by Dad David (Francis Guinan) and Mom Karen (Wendy Robie). Their youngest son Benji (Cameron Scott Roberts) is graduating from a nearby university, and the entire Frank clan will be gathering at their Chicago family home to celebrate. The oldest son Rod (Keith D. Gallagher) still lives in the basement, having left his marriage to Sarah (Heather Chrisler). Clare Cooney is Evonne, going through a marriage and mental stability crisis with her wife Lucia (Melissa Duprey). And rounding out crew is Norma (Emily Lape), whose nostalgic longing...
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Writer/director Michael Glover Smith gathers an ensemble cast that portray the Frank family, anchored by Dad David (Francis Guinan) and Mom Karen (Wendy Robie). Their youngest son Benji (Cameron Scott Roberts) is graduating from a nearby university, and the entire Frank clan will be gathering at their Chicago family home to celebrate. The oldest son Rod (Keith D. Gallagher) still lives in the basement, having left his marriage to Sarah (Heather Chrisler). Clare Cooney is Evonne, going through a marriage and mental stability crisis with her wife Lucia (Melissa Duprey). And rounding out crew is Norma (Emily Lape), whose nostalgic longing...
- 6/8/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – One of the breakout performances in Michael Glover Smith’s new film, “Relative,” is from Elizabeth Stam, who portrays the pivotal role of Hekla. The “Relative” special Chicago general releases will take place (click links) at Music Box Theatre and the Gene Siskel Film Center on June 8th and 10th.
“Relative” is a film about transition, as a family gathers for the youngest son/brother’s college graduation. Each individual family member is dealing with a situational crossroads, and the family togetherness both modifies and challenges them. Meanwhile, the college graduate (Cameron Scott Roberts) has serendipitously fallen for Hekla (Elizabeth Stam). The film also features Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Keith D. Gallagher, Emily Lape, Melissa DuPrey and Clare Cooney.
Elizabeth Stam (right) with Cameron Scott Roberts in ‘Relative’
Photo credit: White City Cinema
This is Elizabeth Stam’s second film, after “Bleed American” in 2019. As mentioned in the interview below,...
“Relative” is a film about transition, as a family gathers for the youngest son/brother’s college graduation. Each individual family member is dealing with a situational crossroads, and the family togetherness both modifies and challenges them. Meanwhile, the college graduate (Cameron Scott Roberts) has serendipitously fallen for Hekla (Elizabeth Stam). The film also features Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Keith D. Gallagher, Emily Lape, Melissa DuPrey and Clare Cooney.
Elizabeth Stam (right) with Cameron Scott Roberts in ‘Relative’
Photo credit: White City Cinema
This is Elizabeth Stam’s second film, after “Bleed American” in 2019. As mentioned in the interview below,...
- 6/2/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – The journey from idea to completed film is a fever dream for the writer/director. Chicago-based filmmaker Michael Glover Smith has realized his dreams in his fourth feature film, “Relative.” The story of family, set in the neighborhood of Rogers Park, begins its local run at Music Box Theatre on June 8th, 2022.
“Relative” is a film about transition, as a family gathers for the youngest son/brother’s college graduation. Each individual family member is dealing with a situational crossroads, and the family togetherness both modifies and challenges them. Meanwhile, the college graduate (Cameron Scott Roberts) has serendipitously fallen for Hekla (Elizabeth Stam). The film also features Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Keith D. Gallagher, Emily Lape, Melissa DuPrey and Clare Cooney.
’Relative’ Begins Its Theatrical Run in Chicago
Photo credit: Chicago Film Project
Writer/Director Michael Glover Smith is also an author and film studies instructor (at Oakton Community...
“Relative” is a film about transition, as a family gathers for the youngest son/brother’s college graduation. Each individual family member is dealing with a situational crossroads, and the family togetherness both modifies and challenges them. Meanwhile, the college graduate (Cameron Scott Roberts) has serendipitously fallen for Hekla (Elizabeth Stam). The film also features Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Keith D. Gallagher, Emily Lape, Melissa DuPrey and Clare Cooney.
’Relative’ Begins Its Theatrical Run in Chicago
Photo credit: Chicago Film Project
Writer/Director Michael Glover Smith is also an author and film studies instructor (at Oakton Community...
- 5/22/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
One of the rising filmmakers in the Chicago movie-making scene, Michael Glover Smith has returned this year with his fourth feature, Relative. Produced by Chicago Film Project (which also backed Jennifer Reeder’s Knives and Skin) and starring Wendy Robie (Twin Peaks) and Cameron Scott Roberts (The Walking Dead), the film follows a family at a crossroads, featuring separations, new romances, and empty-nesting as the youngest member of the clan graduates college. Ahead of the film’s hometown screenings at the Music Box on June 8 and the Gene Siskel Film Center on June 10, 15, and 16, we’re pleased to exclusively debut the first trailer.
“I’ve always been skeptical of the phrase “dysfunctional family” since all families would seem dysfunctional if one were able to observe them closely enough,” the director said. “In creating Relative, my goal was to contrive a scenario that would allow me to lift the veil on...
“I’ve always been skeptical of the phrase “dysfunctional family” since all families would seem dysfunctional if one were able to observe them closely enough,” the director said. “In creating Relative, my goal was to contrive a scenario that would allow me to lift the veil on...
- 5/5/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Chicago – The made-in-Chicago film “Relative” … written and directed by Michael Glover Smith … will get its city/Midwest premiere at (appropriately) the Midwest Film Festival on April 5th, 2022. The sold out show at the Gene Siskel Film Center will also have a Q&a, moderated by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com. One of the vital credits on any film is Music Supervisor, and that role on “Relative” was filled by Cait Rappel, a veteran film scorer in her feature film debut.
“Relative” is a film about transition, as a family gathers for the youngest son/brother’s college graduation. Each individual family member is dealing with a situational crossroads, and the family togetherness both modifies and challenges them. The film features Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Cameron Scott Roberts, Keith D. Gallagher, Emily Lape, Melissa DuPrey, Elizabeth Stam and Clare Cooney.
’Relative’ at the Midwest Film Festival, Music Supervision by Cait Rappel (inset)
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.
“Relative” is a film about transition, as a family gathers for the youngest son/brother’s college graduation. Each individual family member is dealing with a situational crossroads, and the family togetherness both modifies and challenges them. The film features Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Cameron Scott Roberts, Keith D. Gallagher, Emily Lape, Melissa DuPrey, Elizabeth Stam and Clare Cooney.
’Relative’ at the Midwest Film Festival, Music Supervision by Cait Rappel (inset)
Photo credit: MidwestFilm.
- 4/2/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – In more good news on the road to normalcy, one local writer/director – Michael Glover Smith – produced his fourth feature film last year in Chicago and now it’s ready for its World Premiere. “Relative” will screen at the Gasparilla International Film Festival on March 12th, 2022. For more information, click Relative.
“Relative” is a film about transition, as a family gathers for the youngest son/brother’s college graduation. Each individual family member is dealing with a situational crossroads, and the family togetherness both modifies and challenges them. The film features Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Cameron Scott Roberts, Keith D. Gallagher, Emily Lape, Melissa DuPrey, Elizabeth Stam and Clare Cooney.
’Relative’ World Premiere on March 12th, 2022
Photo credit: GasparillaFilmFestival.com
Writer/Director Michael Glover Smith is also an author and film studies instructor (at Oakton Community College and elsewhere), and is based in Chicago. His first feature film, “Cool Apocalypse,...
“Relative” is a film about transition, as a family gathers for the youngest son/brother’s college graduation. Each individual family member is dealing with a situational crossroads, and the family togetherness both modifies and challenges them. The film features Wendy Robie, Francis Guinan, Cameron Scott Roberts, Keith D. Gallagher, Emily Lape, Melissa DuPrey, Elizabeth Stam and Clare Cooney.
’Relative’ World Premiere on March 12th, 2022
Photo credit: GasparillaFilmFestival.com
Writer/Director Michael Glover Smith is also an author and film studies instructor (at Oakton Community College and elsewhere), and is based in Chicago. His first feature film, “Cool Apocalypse,...
- 3/10/2022
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – After a postponement in 2020, the Chicago Film Critics Festival (Ccff) – the only U.S. film fest curated by film critics – will present a truncated weekend of films from the major festivals in 2021 and the upcoming Awards Season favorites. The fest kicks off Friday, November 12th at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre. For details on passes , films and tickets, click Ccff 2021.
Festival highlights … besides the previews below … include the Opening Night film, The Lost Daughter, filmmaker Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog, a film showcase Ccff Shorts Program and the Closing Night Film, Red Rocket. Click on the links for description and ticket information.
Preview Of The 2021 Ccff: Capsule Reviews
The Novice
Photo credit: Ccff
Click the title for information …
Rating: 4.5/5.0
”The Novice” – Awarded the Best U.S. Narrative at 2021 Tribeca, this film lives up to the honor as an intense character study of a female student/athlete named Alex Dall,...
Festival highlights … besides the previews below … include the Opening Night film, The Lost Daughter, filmmaker Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog, a film showcase Ccff Shorts Program and the Closing Night Film, Red Rocket. Click on the links for description and ticket information.
Preview Of The 2021 Ccff: Capsule Reviews
The Novice
Photo credit: Ccff
Click the title for information …
Rating: 4.5/5.0
”The Novice” – Awarded the Best U.S. Narrative at 2021 Tribeca, this film lives up to the honor as an intense character study of a female student/athlete named Alex Dall,...
- 11/12/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Although this former Chicago-based actor has moved on to Los Angeles, she continues as a filmmaker with her excellent second short, “Pick Up.” Clare Cooney wrote, directed and is featured in this poignant journey, as two ex-lovers figure out their current status in the midst of the world pandemic.
Clare Cooney is Nina, doing one of the great favors of humanity – picking up her ex-boyfriend Greg (Chris Rickett) at a Los Angeles airport. The short film is set in pre-vaccine pandemic, so both passengers are masked up and even begin the drive with windows rolled down. As their conversation deepens, their caution lessens, and soon windows are rolled up and masks are removed, physically and metaphorically.
Clare Cooney On Set and Poster Image (inset) for ‘Pick Up’
Photo credit: Clare Cooney/Omeleto
Clare Cooney is a native of Detroit, and graduated from Notre Dame University with a degree in Psychology and Theater.
Clare Cooney is Nina, doing one of the great favors of humanity – picking up her ex-boyfriend Greg (Chris Rickett) at a Los Angeles airport. The short film is set in pre-vaccine pandemic, so both passengers are masked up and even begin the drive with windows rolled down. As their conversation deepens, their caution lessens, and soon windows are rolled up and masks are removed, physically and metaphorically.
Clare Cooney On Set and Poster Image (inset) for ‘Pick Up’
Photo credit: Clare Cooney/Omeleto
Clare Cooney is a native of Detroit, and graduated from Notre Dame University with a degree in Psychology and Theater.
- 8/17/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Local filmmaker Michael Glover Smith broke through the after-the-pandemic ceiling with his recently completed fourth feature film, “Relative.” The ten day production, shot primarily in Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood, follows the adventures of a family negotiating the youngest son’s graduation gathering.
Smith is also an author and film studies instructor (at Oakton Community College and elsewhere), and is based in Chicago. His first feature film, “Cool Apocalypse,” premiered in 2015, the same release year as his first book, “Flickering Empire: How Chicago Invented the U.S. Film Industry.” His next two films were “Mercury in Retrograde” in 2017, and “Rendezvous in Chicago” in 2018. He planned to shoot “Relative” in 2020, but like the rest of the world it was delayed.
Olivia Aquilina (Cinematographer), Actors Melissa DuPrey, Arielle Gonzalez, Clare Cooney & Michael Glover Smith of ‘Relative’
Photo credit: Michael Glover Smith
In a comprehensive two-part Podtalk, Michael Glover Smith talks all things “Relative,...
Smith is also an author and film studies instructor (at Oakton Community College and elsewhere), and is based in Chicago. His first feature film, “Cool Apocalypse,” premiered in 2015, the same release year as his first book, “Flickering Empire: How Chicago Invented the U.S. Film Industry.” His next two films were “Mercury in Retrograde” in 2017, and “Rendezvous in Chicago” in 2018. He planned to shoot “Relative” in 2020, but like the rest of the world it was delayed.
Olivia Aquilina (Cinematographer), Actors Melissa DuPrey, Arielle Gonzalez, Clare Cooney & Michael Glover Smith of ‘Relative’
Photo credit: Michael Glover Smith
In a comprehensive two-part Podtalk, Michael Glover Smith talks all things “Relative,...
- 7/20/2021
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – An entire decade is biting the dust in the switch from 2019 to 2020, with an America that can experience the anarchy of our current times reflected in the movies. What better time to unleash the 10 Best Films of 2019, as selected by Über Critic Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com.
I begin (switching now to first person), by ranking the 25th best film through the 11th, with the option to click on the highlighted titles for reviews or associated interviews… 25th - Midway (A WW2 film that was inside the cockpit), 24th - Toy Story 4, 23rd - The Kingmaker (a cautionary tale of power), 22nd - The Current War, 21st - Where’D You Go, Bernadette (a misunderstood tale of lost genius), 20th - Dolemite Is My Name (a hilarious and heart filled comeback for Eddie Murphy), 19th - Wild Rose (three chords and the truth), 18th - Clemency (multi-layered death row...
I begin (switching now to first person), by ranking the 25th best film through the 11th, with the option to click on the highlighted titles for reviews or associated interviews… 25th - Midway (A WW2 film that was inside the cockpit), 24th - Toy Story 4, 23rd - The Kingmaker (a cautionary tale of power), 22nd - The Current War, 21st - Where’D You Go, Bernadette (a misunderstood tale of lost genius), 20th - Dolemite Is My Name (a hilarious and heart filled comeback for Eddie Murphy), 19th - Wild Rose (three chords and the truth), 18th - Clemency (multi-layered death row...
- 12/31/2019
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Biff Review: ‘Rendezvous in Chicago’ Traverses the Tenuous Divisions Between Public and Private Life
There’s a reason the first word in Michael Glover Smith’s triptych Rendezvous in Chicago isn’t pluralized despite consisting of three distinct stories. It stems from the fact that Smith sought to close out his cinematic trilogy about on-screen relationships and communications within (Cool Apocalypse and Mercury in Retrograde are the others) with the three possible stages of a romantic union. Rather than call each chapter a rendezvous, the title is referring to our engagement with them as the beginning, middle, and end of a single passionate affair (complete with the potential for getting back up to try again). The agreed-upon time and place is therefore whenever you sit down to watch the film and its characters’ hometown of Chicago, Illinois. The date is between you and love.
We become an intentional voyeur as these couples traverse the tenuous divisions between public and private life. I say “intentional...
We become an intentional voyeur as these couples traverse the tenuous divisions between public and private life. I say “intentional...
- 10/7/2019
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
Chicago – The determining factor of a creative work’s shelf life can simply be its excellence. Writer, director and actor Clare Cooney released her first short film “Runner” in 2017, and the positive reaction was immediate. After a number of film festivals and awards, Cooney will release the film nationwide on the YouTube channel “Omeleto” on April 23rd, 2019. To access the film, click here.
Clare Cooney in ‘Runner,’ Now on YouTube’s Omeleto
Photo credit: Clare-Cooney.com
Clare Cooney is a native of Detroit, and graduated from Notre Dame University with a degree in Psychology and Theater. She moved to Chicago to pursue acting, and also has attended the School at Steppenwolf. She has also appeared (and worked as a casting director) in a couple of feature collaborations with filmmaker Michael Glover Smith, “Mercury in Retrograde” and “Rendezvous in Chicago.” The story of “Runner” is the story of Becca (Cooney) who...
Clare Cooney in ‘Runner,’ Now on YouTube’s Omeleto
Photo credit: Clare-Cooney.com
Clare Cooney is a native of Detroit, and graduated from Notre Dame University with a degree in Psychology and Theater. She moved to Chicago to pursue acting, and also has attended the School at Steppenwolf. She has also appeared (and worked as a casting director) in a couple of feature collaborations with filmmaker Michael Glover Smith, “Mercury in Retrograde” and “Rendezvous in Chicago.” The story of “Runner” is the story of Becca (Cooney) who...
- 4/23/2019
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – Filmmaking is a collaborative art, the melding of technical skill and creative energy. Proving that collaboration on a very high level is the new film “Rendezvous in Chicago,” written and directed by Michael Glover Smith. This passion project, shot in eight days, brought together a production crew and cast who perfectly meshed to create the “romance-in-the-Windy-City movie the world has been waiting for.” For the rest of the 5-Star review from HollywoodChicago.com, click here.
On Monday, February 11th, 2019, “Rendezvous in Chicago” was screened at the Gene Siskel Film Center on State Street in its hometown. Patrick McDonald of this outlet was the moderator for an audience Q&A afterward. with a cast member (represented by Rashaad Hall) and the production crew, producer Layne Marie Williams, cinematographer Alex Halstead, production designer Haley McCormick, editor Eric Marsh and writer/director Michael Glover Smith. The main feature was preceded by the short film “Dancer,...
On Monday, February 11th, 2019, “Rendezvous in Chicago” was screened at the Gene Siskel Film Center on State Street in its hometown. Patrick McDonald of this outlet was the moderator for an audience Q&A afterward. with a cast member (represented by Rashaad Hall) and the production crew, producer Layne Marie Williams, cinematographer Alex Halstead, production designer Haley McCormick, editor Eric Marsh and writer/director Michael Glover Smith. The main feature was preceded by the short film “Dancer,...
- 2/13/2019
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – In the 30 odd years I’ve lived in Chicago, and in the 10 years I’ve done the Chicago Film Tour, I know Chicago movies. The problem was that most of them didn’t understand the Windy City vibe, especially in the relationships that develop here. Well, writer/director Michael Glover Smith gets it exquisitely right, in his three story anthology called “Rendezvous in Chicago.”
Rating: 5.0/5.0
The first one is set in a typical Chi-town tavern, the second is in a walk to the Lake Michigan shores and the third is a remarkable existential monologue in a classic city apartment, plus they are all about the relationships contained within. The main cast is sensational, virtually all of them stand outs, and the settings are longingly authentic. Those who have moved from the Chi will revel in their youth again, as the characters are living in the land of surprise connections.
Rating: 5.0/5.0
The first one is set in a typical Chi-town tavern, the second is in a walk to the Lake Michigan shores and the third is a remarkable existential monologue in a classic city apartment, plus they are all about the relationships contained within. The main cast is sensational, virtually all of them stand outs, and the settings are longingly authentic. Those who have moved from the Chi will revel in their youth again, as the characters are living in the land of surprise connections.
- 2/7/2019
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – On a cold day in January, it was a “Cold War” night. The Midwest Independent Film Festival “Best of the Midwest” (BMA) Awards for 2018 were given out on January 17th, 2019, and “Cold War” took home three major honors, including Best Feature.
The shot-in-Chicago indie film also won Best Director (J. Wilder Konschak and Stirling McLaughlin) and Best Actor (Michael Blaiklock). The Best Actress was Clare Cooney in her excellent short “Runner.” (also Best Short Film). The BMA Awards were hosted by Executive Director Amy Guth at the The Promontory in Hyde Park, Chicago.
The BMA Awards at The Promontory, January 17th, 2019
Photo credit: Amy Guth
The votes were tallied from internet survey and the Midwest Indie Awards Committee, and capped off a year of transition for the Festival, as Amy Guth took the reins as Executive Director in July. The breezy film-community-oriented night had a energetic vibe at The Promontory,...
The shot-in-Chicago indie film also won Best Director (J. Wilder Konschak and Stirling McLaughlin) and Best Actor (Michael Blaiklock). The Best Actress was Clare Cooney in her excellent short “Runner.” (also Best Short Film). The BMA Awards were hosted by Executive Director Amy Guth at the The Promontory in Hyde Park, Chicago.
The BMA Awards at The Promontory, January 17th, 2019
Photo credit: Amy Guth
The votes were tallied from internet survey and the Midwest Indie Awards Committee, and capped off a year of transition for the Festival, as Amy Guth took the reins as Executive Director in July. The breezy film-community-oriented night had a energetic vibe at The Promontory,...
- 1/18/2019
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – When a notable filmmaker debut takes place, the cinema universe takes notice. Clare Cooney debuted her short film “Runner” on the festival circuit in 2017, and won Best USA Short Film at the Fairhope (Alabama) Film Festival. She brings the made-in-Chicago short back to its city of origin, as “Runner” screens as part of the 6th Chicago Critics Film Festival on Sunday, May 6th, 2018, part of “Ccff Shorts Program #1.” For details and ticket purchase info, click here.
Clare Cooney Wrote, Directed, Edited and is Featured in ‘Runner’
Photo credit: Clare-Cooney.com
Clare Cooney is a native of Detroit, and graduated from Notre Dame University with a degree in Psychology and Theater. She moved to Chicago to pursue acting, and also has attended the School at Steppenwolf. She has appeared (and worked as a casting director) in the Chicago indie film “Mercury in Retrograde,” and has three feature films completed or...
Clare Cooney Wrote, Directed, Edited and is Featured in ‘Runner’
Photo credit: Clare-Cooney.com
Clare Cooney is a native of Detroit, and graduated from Notre Dame University with a degree in Psychology and Theater. She moved to Chicago to pursue acting, and also has attended the School at Steppenwolf. She has appeared (and worked as a casting director) in the Chicago indie film “Mercury in Retrograde,” and has three feature films completed or...
- 5/5/2018
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Chicago – The 2018 Chicago Critics Film Festival (Ccff), the only fest curated by film critics in the country, is entering its sixth edition with another outstanding line up. A collective of Chicago film critics attend the winter film festivals and find the hidden gems that will make their mark in cinemas for 2018 and beyond. The festival takes place from Friday, May 4th – “Fast Color” is the opening night film – through Thursday, May 10th, at Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre. Get all the information – including the opportunity to purchase a weeklong pass – by clicking here.
From short films to features to documentaries, there are film treats to savor at this year’s Ccff. One of the benefits of the festival is special appearances by the filmmakers and featured performers. HollywoodChicago.com breaks down all those meet-and-greets below, and includes one other additional festival highlight by day and date.
Ccff Opening Night is Friday,...
From short films to features to documentaries, there are film treats to savor at this year’s Ccff. One of the benefits of the festival is special appearances by the filmmakers and featured performers. HollywoodChicago.com breaks down all those meet-and-greets below, and includes one other additional festival highlight by day and date.
Ccff Opening Night is Friday,...
- 5/4/2018
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
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