As part of our ongoing Film Independent Goes to Washington series, join us for a live Q&A with City So Real director/producer/cinematographer/editor Steve James and producer/sound recordist Zak Piper. Moderated by Ben Travers (Deputy Editor, IndieWire)

Academy Award®-nominated filmmaker Steve James’ fascinating and complex portrait of contemporary Chicago delivers a deep, multifaceted look into the soul of a quintessentially American city, set against the backdrop of its history-making 2019 mayoral election, and the tumultuous 2020 summer of COVID-19 and social upheaval following the police killing of George Floyd.

Episode One – “Welcome to Chicago”
Facing a growing chorus of activists, incumbent Rahm Emanuel must choose whether to run for reelection against a large and diverse field of candidates in the most contested mayor’s race in Chicago history. Influencing his decision is the beginning of the high-profile trial for the murder of Laquan McDonald by a white police officer.

City So Real is available from National Geographic on October 29.

 
2020, 60 minutes, 5 episodes, color | Directed by Steve James | Produced by Zak Piper, Steve James | Executive Produced by Jeff Skoll, Diane Weyermann, Alex Kotlowitz, Gordon Quinn, Betsy Steinberg, Jolene Pinder

Event details and guest participation are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.