Gen Art Film Festival

Gen Art's Opening Night Party

Gen Art Film Festival 2008

The 2nd annual Gen Art Chicago Film Festival took place on June 23 – June 27 and showcased some of the most talented emerging directors and actors in the industry. The week-long extravaganza premiered five feature films along with five short films.

Opening night took place at the Music Box Theatre with the comedy, “Bart Got a Room” directed by Brian Hecker. The film has a stellar line-up which includes, William H. Macy, Cheryl Hines and Alia Shawkat (“Arrested Development”). The film won best feature of the week, while Goldfish by Luke Wein won for best short film of the week.

Vice President of Gen Art’s Film Division Jeffrey Abramson said that the films were set up to get darker as the week went on, which is why they began with the comedy “Bart Got a Room” and ended with the drama “Explicit Ills” featuring Rosario Dawson.

Other films debuted were, “The Last Word” with Winona Ryder and Ray Romano, “The Living Wake” with Mike O’Connell, and “Dark Streets” with Bijou Phillips and Gabriel Mann (“A Lot Like Love”).

However, the after parties every night definitely lifted any darkness. Attendees received rock star treatment and attended Ravenswood Billboard Factory, Zed451, Rockit Bar and Grill, and Enclave. Out celebrating were Alia Shawkat, Mike O’Connell, Bijou Phillips and many more.

Check out our feature, 5 Nights, 5 Looks that re-cap's the girls of Gen Art's looks for each night click here.
-Katherine Mingey