See The Florida Project First with Elevated Films

Next week, Chicago's Elevated Films presents their last summer screening, and it's a doozie. The non-profit that presents new films on rooftops around the city brings Chicago its first screening of The Florida Project, Sean Baker's highly anticipated follow up to 2015's breakout hit Tangerine. The Florida Project premiered earlier this year at Cannes Film Festival to roundly positive reviews. The story of a precocious six-year-old's adventurous summer juxtaposed with her parents' struggles to get by, Film Journal International says, "Sean Baker once again pulls us into a world we never thought we could fall in love with." Which, if you've seen Tangerine (and if you haven't, what are you waiting for?), is both high praise and totally accurate. Willem Defoe stars alongside newcomer Brooklynn Prince. Elevated Films has scored quite the coup for Chicago cinephiles itching to see this festival favorite, presenting it for free on Tuesday, September 19 on top of the Ace Hotel (311 N. Morgan St. in the West Loop). What's more, Baker himself will be at the event for a post-film Q&A moderated by Chicago-based filmmaker Spencer Parsons. The film won't open locally until mid-October, so if you're anxious to knock this one off your To See list, here's your chance. Tickets to the screening are free but limited; register for yours here. A non-profit organization that supports local youth film and arts programs throughout the city, the event may be free but donations are always welcome. Check out the trailer for The Florida Project below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwQ-NH1rRT4
Lisa Trifone