Strategic Communications and Marketing News Bureau

Illinois Public Media launches ‘Reel Midwest’

Illinois Public Media announces the launch of “Reel Midwest,” a new independent film series that aims to find the best in features, documentaries and short films in Illinois and across the Midwest. “Reel Midwest” showcases the region’s brightest talents through a selection of thought-provoking documentaries, narrative dramas and short films.

“Many people seem to think the best documentaries come from New York or Los Angeles. But the Midwest is blessed to have an extraordinarily creative filmmaking community, and Illinois Public Media is extremely fortunate to work with and support them,” said Moss Bresnahan, the president and CEO of Illinois Public Media.

The film series’ primary goal is to showcase the heartland of the country along with the history, struggles, art and issues that bind it as a region.

Kicking off season one is “Inquiring Nuns,” which has experienced a recent revival with its first-ever theatrical release by Kartemquin Films. The film, which first aired in 1968, has received critical acclaim from the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Tribune and The New York Times.

“Reel Midwest” premieres Jan. 3 on WILL-TV, with films airing every Thursday night at 9 p.m. through Feb. 28.

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