Fest director Mike McNamara and film director Ward Roberts

The name isn't the only change. Midwest Indie will make its new home at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N. Clark, with screenings the first Tuesday of every month.

"It is a gorgeous 250-seat venue," says Midwest Indie's McNamara, "with the finest projection equipment available in the country, thanks to our sponsors." Those key sponsors are Resolution Digital Studios and Fletcher Chicago, who will bring in top-of-the-line projection equipment each month for the festival (equipment that probably costs more than most of the films to be shown on it).

Other sponsors include Kodak, Avid Technology, Bexel, Illinois Film Office and IFP/Chicago, among others.

As a monthly event, the Midwest Indie accepts submissions throughout the year, with regional directors handling submissions from surrounding states. They also actively recruit films and get ideas from friends, sponsors and other festivals. A screening committee made up of Midwest Indie staff and other industry professionals chooses the lineup each month.

For their inaugural event in May, the Midwest Indie will showcase five or six shorts, including the Midwest premiere of Sugar Mountain, a film directed by Aaron Himelstein (who is currently seen in the recurring role of Freidman in "Joan of Arcadia"). Himelstein will attend a Q & A after the screening.

The festival will also present an animated short called The Clan. It is the first to be created solely by Flash animation and includes the voice talent of Chicago actors Noah Gregoropoulos, Celeste Pechous and Dan Bakkedahl. The Midwest Indie will also screen a music video performed by DOD, produced by Grammy Award winner Kanye West and shot by Chicago's Eightball Films.

The former CCC and the new Midwest Indie attract so much emerging talent to their monthly screenings because, according to McNamara, "We show some of the best films in the country while providing a casual social atmosphere." Past guests and filmmakers have included producer Steve Jones (Wild Things, Normal Life), Illinois Film Office president Brenda Sexton, recent Project Greenlight finalist Scott Smith and Chicago radio's Steve Dahl.

Smith was recognized by the festival last year with a Best Director award for his short film entitled Ten, the story of a man who breaks all ten commandments within a matter of minutes. He feels that the festival is great for the Chicago production community. "Being a part of Project Greenlight, I found people want to rally around Chicago."

In fact, Smith feels that he would not have been able to accomplish what he has so far if he were living in L.A. "There is a lot of enthusiasm, and the support here has blown me away."

Future headliners at the Midwest Indie may include Paul Kotter—whose short Jeff Farnsworth has an all-Chicago cast and has been screened everywhere but here—and Space Man Dan's 243 Flight, which is the first short film from The Artistic Home.

For new filmmakers and on-camera actors, Smith recommends getting involved with organizations like the Midwest Indie because it is a great way to meet people. In fact, one of the benefits of being a monthly festival is the camaraderie built when actors, filmmakers and film fans have a regular place to meet up each month. "So many people in Chicago are doing great work, but they are off on their own," says McNamara. "We need to bring them together."

Admission is $10 for the general public, $7 for students with ID or SAG and IFP members with their card. Tickets are sold at the door, and doors open at 6p.m.

If you'd like to get involved, submit a film or just come to a screening, check out their website at www.chicagocommunitycinema.com. For programming, special events, and general questions about the event, please contact event director Mike McNamara at 773/398-0021 or McNamara310@aol.com. For event production, equipment, and technical questions, please contact event producer Michael Kwielford at 312/371-0291 or Kwiel21@yahoo.com.