In a virtual ceremony (coincidentally, held exactly one year to the day after the film had its World Premiere at the Glasgow Film Festival) my documentary Roy’s World: Barry Gifford’s Chicago was awarded Best Illinois Feature at the 2021 Beloit International Film Festival. Yours truly and producer Michael Glover Smith were on hand to accept the honor; you can watch the video on Facebook—the big moment is around 13:00 in.
In their citation, the festival says: “The film’s director uses a wide, wide array of visual and sonic devices that whisk the filmgoer back to a time when Chicago, and the US in general, was transitioning through the Beat Generation era. The film uses clever artwork, unique animations, remarkable period photography and 8mm film clips, underpinned with a cool jazz soundtrack to create a smoldering hybrid atmosphere. With narrations by Willem Dafoe, Matt Dillon and Lili Taylor as icing on the cinematic cake, this film is a treasure trove of Windy City lore. It doesn’t get any more Illinois than this.”
Thank you everyone at BIFF for this tremendous recognition!
