The Year that Was: 2020 In Review
In a year where so much didn’t go as planned, reflecting on all that went right is practically a form of radical self-care. And to be sure, looking back on all the incredible projects that filled our slate in 2020 is a much-needed reminder that even in the most stressful times, there is good to be found. Join us for a brief review of the films, events and more that Bright Iris Film Co. was a part of in the year that was.
Flannery
A year-long adventure, Bright Iris Film Co. helped usher FLANNERY into the world this year, supporting its release strategy planning in early 2020 then supervising the national virtual cinema release when the pandemic closed theaters. Eventually screening in more than 100 venues, Bright Iris Film Co. earned the documentary chronicling the life and work of Flannery O’Connor nationwide publicity attention and grew its audiences across all digital platforms. FLANNERY will enjoy a national television broadcast via American Masters in March. Learn more at flanneryfilm.com.
My First and Last Film
A deeply personal documentary on aging, grief and second chapters, MY FIRST AND LAST FILM sparked important and thoughtful conversations with every audience that discovered it. From planning an independent, targeted release to facilitating virtual cinema bookings, regional publicity and a VOD release in December, Bright Iris Film Co. helped bring Tracey Thomas’s film to audiences far beyond its Milwaukee-made roots. Learn more and watch the film at myfristandlastfilm.net.
Working Man
Starring Peter Gerety, Talia Shire and Billy Brown, WORKING MAN is the quietly moving story of a man determined to hold onto a sense of meaning in his life as the world moves on around him. Filmed just outside Chicago, Bright Iris Film Co. was originally engaged to elevate the film’s profile locally; soon, the team took on key publicity roles for the home entertainment release and early awards campaigns, eventually earning the it a Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Learn more at workingmanmovie.com.
We Believe in Dinosaurs
A documentary about the making of The Ark Experience and the scientists who opposed it, Bright Iris Film Co. was tasked with bringing new audiences to WE BELIEVE IN DINOSAURS after the film had wound its way through festivals and a PBS broadcast. By hosting a virtual watch party with filmmakers and film subjects (complete with a digital marketing campaign), we brought new attention to a film more than worthy of it. Learn more at Independent Lens.
Dreaming Grand Avenue
Fully embracing the “new normal” of movie premieres during a pandemic, Bright Iris Film Co. notched a new first in September: hosting the drive-in premiere for DREAMING GRAND AVENUE, a Chicago-made drama about dreams, hope and star-crossed lovers. Masked and safe, the cast, crew and special guests gathered to celebrate the first-ever screening of this truly independent film. Learn more at Chicago Film Project.
Triple Threat
Finding its way to audiences in 2021, TRIPLE THREAT is a vibrant movie musical bursting with millennial energy, and Bright Iris Film Co. joined forces with Besties Make Movies to polish up the film’s marketing assets and craft big plans for what’s ahead for this one. Watch this space to find it at a festival, virtual cinema or drive-in near you soon. Learn more at triplethreatfilm.net.
Algren
After a few years unexpectedly in limbo, ALGREN, the definitive documentary about mid-century author and Chicagoan Nelson Algren, will become available to audiences in 2021 thanks to the strategy and planning guidance Bright Iris Film Co. provided in late 2020. Learn more at AlgrentheMovie.com.
And more…
With so many exciting projects to be a part of, it’s a wonder there was room for anything else! And yet, Bright Iris Film Co. contributed to a number of additional releases over the course of the year, bringing attention and acclaim to new documentaries, debut narrative features, web series and then some.
The debut feature film RINGOLEVIO cheekily explores the challenges a new relationship faces when it’s time to meet the family, or in this case, the over-protective brothers.
ROY’S WORLD delves into the fictional world created by Barry Gifford, deeply seated in the gritty streets of Chicago and featuring Willem Dafoe, Matt Dillon and Lili Taylor.
The hilarious and heartfelt SIDEWAYS SMILE is the wholly original web series about a young woman on a journey toward her own sexual awakening.
Moving and inspiring, THE ROAD UP chronicles the work of Cara, a Chicago-based non-profit with a mission to get those down on their luck back on their feet.
Every day spent connecting films to audiences is a day all of us at Bright Iris Film Co. consider a success. It’s not simply a pleasure to do this work, it is our privilege. From compelling portraits of iconic American artists to original and exciting new narrative films, our work has drawn attention to independent and art house fare that more than deserves it. And if we can make that happen in a year like 2020, imagine what’s ahead when nothing’s holding us back in 2021.