Ullin, IL – (February 7, 2025) – Shawnee Community College is set to host an inspiring Documentary Film Festival on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the college’s Educational Center in Ullin, Illinois. This thought-provoking festival, facilitated by Legacy Training, Inc., collaborates with the Illinois Humanities Council and Foreground Rural Southern Hub. The event is dedicated to showcasing compelling non-fiction films that inform, inspire, and engage audiences through the power of storytelling.
Attendees will experience a carefully curated selection of diverse documentaries covering social issues, politics, art, human rights, culture, and more. Through real-life stories and unique perspectives, this festival aims to highlight underreported topics and foster meaningful community discussions.
A key event highlight will be local filmmakers engaging directly with audiences to share insights into their creative processes, the stories behind their films, and the broader societal issues their work addresses. Documentary films do more than entertain—they serve as catalysts for education, awareness, and action.
Featured Films:
- I, Too, Dream American (10 min) – Tomas Cortez – A moving short documentary on the impact of DACA’s ending on two Southern Illinois University students.
- Footprints in the Sky (39 min) – Daniel Rodriguez – An exploration of the first group of Purepecha families that arrived in Cobden, Illinois, from Cherán, Michoacán, Mexico.
- On the Battlefield (16 min) – P. Sniadecki – A tribute to Cairo, Illinois, and its historical significance in the fight for racial justice.
- Kathryn and Her Daughters (45 min) – Sandra Pfeifer – A compelling look at a Southern Illinois rural homemaker who raised 7 children in a traditional rural lifestyle in the 1950s and whose life exemplifies the history of the changing role of women in rural America.
- Walk with Me: The Story of Judge Damon J. Keith (103 min) – Jesse Nesser – A powerful film on the life and legacy of the civil rights judge.
- The Adventures of Robert Russell’s Blues (47 min) – Dan Johnson – The combination of stories and songs examines the Southern Illinois musician’s travels and experiences.
- Juneteenth: A Long Walk to Freedom (30 min) – Abby Asher – A deep dive into the history and significance of Juneteenth.
- Against All the Odds: A Story of Courage, Community, and Spirit in East St. Louis (60 min) – Sandra Pfeifer – A powerful narrative of resilience and community strength. This film is a commentary on how racial discrimination in a once rising Industrial city eventually produced the only all Black city in America.
This festival is an opportunity for Southern Illinois residents and beyond to connect, learn, and celebrate the art of documentary filmmaking. Admission is free, and all community members, students, and film enthusiasts are encouraged to attend.