The Talking Pictures Festival is produced by Percolator Films, a new 501c3 non-profit media arts organization founded by independent filmmakers Ines Sommer and Kathy Berger. Percolator Films grew out of our work presenting the free Reeltime film and discussion series in Evanston for the past decade. Find out more about Percolator Films at: www.percolatorfilms.org

OUR VISION

Percolator Films engages audiences with high caliber independent films that are challenging, intriguing, and entertaining. True to its name, screenings at the Talking Pictures Festival are often accompanied by discussions with filmmakers, guest speakers, and community groups.

FILM SELECTIONS & AWARDS

Independent filmmakers from the U.S. and abroad submit recent films of any genre to the Talking Pictures Festival in response to a “call for entries.”  With the help of our Festival Committee, pre-screening panels, and festival programmers, we choose the films that will show in the festival and compete for awards.  Festival judges decide on awards in each category. In addition to the films entered into competition, we also invite outstanding new film titles to play at the festival. Those titles do not compete for awards.

WHO'S WHO AT THE TALKING PICTURES FESTIVAL

Festival Director Ines Sommer works with a committee of dedicated volunteers to make the Talking Pictures Festival a reality. Current Festival Committee members are: Roberta Benda, Kathy Berger (Festival Co-Founder), Jan Burnham, Howard Ellman, Mary Filice, Stefanie Mabadi, Mayre Press, Tim Horsburgh, Loree Sandler, Barbara Sykes, Santosh Venkataraman, and Caryn Weiner.

This year, we are especially pleased to work again with Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism as our co-presenting partner, with a special thanks to faculty member Brent Huffman.

THANKS to our fabulous pre-screening panelists: Roberta Benda, Ron Boyd, Jan Burnham, Jill Cheslik, Howard Ellman, Jonah Ellman, Mary Filice, Stefanie Mabadi, Ann Manikas, Mayre Press, Tim Horsburgh, Loree Sandler, Bobbie Scheff, Hank Scheff, Dinesh Das Sabu, Barbara Sykes, Santosh Venkataraman, Jonathan Vogel, Caryn Weiner, Shuling Yong

And a big THANK YOU to our many supporters and volunteers! 

Russ Abell, Hilton Orrington Hotel Evanston; Asha Salon Spa; Ann Balusek; David Berger and Blue Soul; Bravo Restaurant; Janice Burnham, ROC Group; Celtic Knot Public House; Columbia College Chicago; Coucou Boutique; Carolyn Delutri, Downtown Evanston; Miriam Derman, Inner Gate Therapeutics; Evanston Athletic Club; Evanston Public Library; Equinox Fitness Club; Ken Garr; Bob Hercules, Media Process Group; Bridget Isaia, Whole Foods; Gene Siskel Film Center; Kartemquin Films; Kindling Group; Lemoi Ace Hardware; Lou Malnati's Pizzeria; 675 Nails; Tommy Nevins Pub; Next Theater Company; Noodles and Company; Peets Coffee; Piven Theater Workshop; Rose’s Bakery; Jan Sutcliffe; Uncle Dan's The Great Outdoor Store; Winestyles

Festival Director:  Ines Sommer

Festival Co-Founder & Sponsorships: Kathy Berger

Festival Coordinator: Evan Morehouse

Outreach Coordinator: Stefanie Mabadi

Festival Associates: Anita David, Mayre Press, Sarah Schwartz,Jonathan Vogel, Shuling Yong

Festival Programming and Advisors: Kathy Berger, Mary Filice, Brent Huffman, Ines Sommer, Barbara Sykes

Festival trailer: Jan Sutcliffe www.jansutcliffe.com

Graphic design (print materials): Tyler Moore www.commodoretyler.com