For every feature film made, there are thousands of shorts created. Filmmaker and short-film lover Xan Aranda began the Chicago Short Film Brigade as a way to celebrate the gems of the genre. I am lucky to get to sift and winnow the goodies from the glop as a jury member for the Brigade. Screenings happen in Chicago at The Hideout and in other fine cities across the midwest.

Photo by Jennifer Brandel

Brigade Board pictured here left to right: Aaron Wickenden, Vanessa Roanhorse, Liz Tapp, Xan Aranda, Andrew Bird