2025 Films: Hip Hop is a Home

Hip Hop is a Home by Jherrisha Barr

Chicago (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 8 minutes
Documentary

Tickets

Friday, September 5th 8:15PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

A short film showcasing the inter-generational power of music to build bonds, create community, and heal.

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Director Bio:

As a filmmaker, I want to shine a positive light on my community. Where I live in Chicago, we have few true role models making it easy to become "a product of your environment." My films are a reminder to every Black boy or girl that you do not have to follow in the footsteps of those around you to fit in. Being different is liberating! My hope is to continue to blend film with music to release negativity and create beauty and inspiration for myself and others.

Director Statement:

As an artist and musician, I have witnessed how hip hop keeps our community together. I have felt its power to heal and believe it will continue to spark inspiration and positivity in generations to come. I made this film as a reminder to fellow artists and musicians that we hold great power in influencing our own inner landscapes and the world around us.

2025 Films: Family Business

Family Business by Jacob Lefeber
Wisconsin (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 12 minutes
Drama/ Crime

Tickets

Friday, September 5th 8:15PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Hugh, an arrogant 17-year-old enters into the world of crime in order to provide for his family. On his first day on the job, he discovers an incredible secret that will change his mindset about what really matters to him.

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Director Bio:

Coming soon.

2025 Films: Unrest

Unrest by Patrick Stagg
Wisconsin (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 10 minutes
Drama/ Horror

Tickets

Saturday, September 6th 7PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

A young woman mourns the loss of her mother but takes a turn for the worst when a relaxing drug induced trip goes bad.

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Instagram

Director Bio:

I’m a self-taught Wisconsin based independent filmmaker. I’ve been shooting films for as long as I can remember. I’m a life long fan of the horror genre and have routed myself in it to tell my stories. In my older years, I’ve been able to cultivate an amazing team that has a synchronized goal. We strive to entertain (or scare) film audiences all around the world.

2025 Films: Ten

Ten by Beah Travis
Chicago, Ill (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 10 minutes
Drama

Tickets

Saturday, September 6th 7PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

The anxiety of growing up threatens a young girl's world.

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Website

Director Bio:

Beah Travis is a director and producer working across film, television, and advertising. Beah started their career working in film and television in New York City, primarily on the Emmy-award-winning series A CRIME TO REMEMBER. In 2017, Beah began writing their feature film script BELLADONNA. The project recently completed a year-long development lab with the Chicago International Film Festival and was part of five projects that pitched at the festival's Industry Days.

Beah's 2020 short film WAY UPSTATE premiered at the Wisconsin Film Festival and won best cinematography at the Midwest Film Awards. Beah's most recent short TEN is currently being submitted to festivals.

In 2022, Beah launched the Belladonna Film Project, a nonprofit focused on producing regional independent film projects and providing accessible arts experiences in the Midwest. The organization has been holding monthly filmmaker meet-ups, organizing screening events, and providing production support for a number of short films. Beah is currently based in Chicago and works as a Senior Post Producer at FCB.

2025 Films: Coffee, Black

Coffee, Black by Bobby Schmidt
Reno, NV (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 11 minutes
Drama/ Thriller

Tickets

Friday, September 5th 6PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Aubrey is a young woman in a troubled situation. At a diner, late at night, she meets Neale - an eccentric gender-bending character with an interesting offer.

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2025 Films: Gargalo (Bottleneck)

Gargalo (Bottleneck) by Carlos Segundo & Anna Zêpa

Brazil (Wisconsin Premiere)

Running Time: 16 minutes
Drama

Tickets

Friday, September 5th 6PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

Janaina is tired, and that can be scary.

Instagram

Instagram

2025 Films: Videotape

Videotape by Peter Thomson
Wisconsin (Milwaukee Premiere)

Running Time: 5 minutes
Drama/ Romance

Tickets

Friday, September 5th 8:15PM
Avalon Atmospheric Theater
2473 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207

"Videotape" is a couples dance through time from the lens of their camcorder. As we pass through experienced visuals, we piece together our memory, and reminisce on a story of the past.