The Chicago International Film Festival is set to open on October 11th with the U.S. premiere of the powerful coming-of-age film We Grown Now. Directed by Minhal Baig, the film takes place in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green housing project in 1992 and follows the friendship of two boys growing up in a challenging environment.
We Grown Now had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in early September and received favorable reviews. Baig, a Chicago native, previously directed the critically acclaimed film Hala, which is currently streaming on Apple TV+. The story of Hala revolves around a Muslim Pakistani teenager navigating her traditional home life while exploring her identity among her peers.
Baig’s latest film, We Grown Now, is centered in the now-demolished Cabrini-Green high-rises, which were a controversial part of the Chicago Housing Authority. The film showcases the struggles faced by 10-year-old Malik, played by Blake Cameron James, and his family as they contemplate a life-altering decision due to the escalating violence and mistrust in their neighborhood.
One particular scene in the film portrays the Chicago police conducting a drug search, emphasizing the sense of being treated as criminals in their own homes. Despite the challenges, Malik and his friend Eric, portrayed by Gian Knight Ramirez, try to make the most out of their lives in Cabrini-Green. They embark on adventures, such as cutting school, riding the L train, and visiting the Art Institute, which opens their eyes to new possibilities beyond their everyday realities.
We Grown Now offers a reflective and poetic perspective, reminiscent of the work of acclaimed director Barry Jenkins. The film is a departure from typical coming-of-age stories, providing a unique and thought-provoking narrative. As an opener for the 59th edition of the Chicago International Film Festival, We Grown Now is expected to captivate audiences with its powerful storytelling and exceptional acting.
The majority of this year’s festival screenings will take place at the newly renamed AMC NewCity 14, formerly known as the ArcLight, located at 1500 N. Clybourn Ave. Additionally, the festival will feature screenings and events at various venues across Chicago, including the Gene Siskel Film Center, the Chicago History Museum, the Hamilton Park Cultural Center, Harrison Park in Pilsen, La Follette Park in Austin, the Logan Center for the Arts in Hyde Park, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
The full lineup of the Chicago International Film Festival will be announced on September 18th, with tickets going on sale on September 5th for We Grown Now at the Music Box Theatre. This eagerly anticipated film and the festival as a whole are set to provide audiences with a memorable cinematic experience.
Source: https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/michael-phillips/ct-ent-chicago-film-festival-opener-cabrini-green-0826-20210825-g5fv3ushdva3bgaw7ow4hb7k2i-story.html
