The annual film festival has returned to College of Lake County March 13-23, marking its 16th anniversary with a new lineup of films.
The event brings independent filmmakers from around the world to campus, giving audiences a chance to see films they likely wouldn’t find anywhere else. Screenings run throughout the week, with a mix of genres and formats including feature films, documentaries and shorts.
The festival is organized by Nat Dykeman, who curated the lineup of films. Some screenings also include live Q&A sessions with visiting directors, giving attendees a chance to hear directly from the people behind the work.
The Festival takes place across three locations: CLC Grayslake campus, Antioch Theater, and Gordon Theater in Lake Forest.
Here are a few top picks to consider catching this week:
1. Second Nature: Gender And Sexuality In The Animal World
Written, produced, and directed by Drew Denny, “Second Nature” presents a bold and thought-provoking look at the roles of sex and gender in the animal kingdom, challenging the simplistic idea that nature is limited to strictly male and female categories. The work highlights how many species display far more complex and fluid patterns of sex, behavior, and reproductive roles than commonly acknowledged. By bringing attention to overlooked biological diversity, it invites readers to reconsider long-held assumptions about how life organizes itself.
The narrative also examines the tension between scientific discovery and social influence. It highlights how researchers across different generations are connected through this area of study, with Dr. Joan Roughgarden, author of “Evolution’s Rainbow,” laying important groundwork that inspired many scientists who followed. The film traces how research on sexual diversity in animals was often dismissed or suppressed by institutions that favored interpretations aligned with cultural or religious norms. Through these stories, “Second Nature” reveals how gatekeeping within the scientific community can delay the acceptance of new ideas, even as supporting evidence continues to grow.
The visuals are vivid and immersive, highlighted by a creative use of animation that makes complex biological concepts feel engaging and easy to grasp. The animation effectively pairs clear narration with simple, easy-to-follow visuals, helping to tell a cohesive story while breaking down complicated ideas. This approach offers a fresh and visually compelling perspective that sets it apart from more traditional documentaries.
While some of the material may be familiar to viewers, such as species like seahorses, where males carry the offspring, the film expands on these ideas by revealing similar patterns across a wider range of animals. This broader presentation challenges conventional assumptions and encourages a deeper reconsideration of how biological roles are understood.
The documentary also prompts reflection on how biology has historically been taught, particularly given that much of scientific knowledge has been shaped by a relatively narrow group of researchers. As the field becomes more diverse, emerging perspectives and discoveries like those presented here are gaining greater visibility and significance.
Overall, the film succeeds in sparking curiosity and critical thinking, inviting audiences to question established ideas — an essential aspect of scientific exploration.
Directed by Ian Bell, “WTO ’99” revisits the protests surrounding the World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle, giving a gripping look at the clash between globalization and grassroots resistance. The film shows how demonstrators raised concerns about labor exploitation, corporate power, and the human cost of global capitalism. As peaceful protests turn into confrontations with police, the documentary reveals the risks of challenging powerful institutions.
What makes “WTO ’99” especially powerful is how relevant it still feels. The same issues, corporations holding huge influence, governments prioritizing economic interests, and communities organizing for justice, persist today. By showing both the courage of the protestors and the harsh response they faced, the film reminds viewers that the fight for economic fairness and social justice is ongoing.
The documentary presents a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of media framing and public perception. It highlights how peaceful protests were often portrayed as aggressive or anarchic, with coverage focusing on isolated incidents and a small subset of participants rather than the much larger, peaceful crowd. This selective portrayal underscores the powerful role media plays in shaping public understanding. The editing further reinforces this point, particularly through the contrast between official statements and real footage, revealing clear discrepancies between narrative and reality.
The film also provides valuable historical context, connecting these events to ongoing economic and social issues. At the same time, it exposes the extent to which officials attempted to restrict protest activity through curfews, bans on gas masks, and limitations on where demonstrations could take place. These measures raise serious concerns about the infringement of constitutional rights, regardless of differing opinions about the event itself.
Given the long history of police aggression and excessive force, the closing remarks from the former police chief of the 1999 Norm Stamper protests stand out. His reflection, “the streets are for the people, the police are for the people,” underscores accountability, while also prompting deeper consideration of how much progress has truly been made since then.
Written and directed by Chandler Chavez, “American Stream” delivers a raw and unsettling portrayal of the darker side of online culture, exploring themes of power, manipulation, and the real-world consequences of digital interaction. The film delves into cycles of control, the pressures placed on younger users, and the blurred line between connection and exploitation, creating moments that are deeply uncomfortable yet impossible to ignore.
More than a cautionary tale, “American Stream” emphasizes the human impact behind every screen, prompting viewers to question who holds control and how quickly the boundary between performer and victim can dissolve. The performances of Benjamin Ashby as Kyle and Kayla Dewees as Annie are compelling, balancing empathy and tension while sustaining a constant sense of looming danger. Carrying a film in this format is a demanding task, yet both actors deliver powerful portrayals that fully engage the audience throughout.
The film stands out for its innovative approach, with the story unfolding entirely through Kyle’s desktop, transforming his screen into the central stage for the narrative. This method captures the chaotic, always-online nature of digital life and creates a highly immersive viewing experience. The inclusion of real streamers reacting to the viral clip adds a “full-circle” element, subtly highlighting the cyclical nature of media and exploring a deeper commentary on how digital content can turn even personal struggles into entertainment.
Attention to detail enhances the film’s authenticity, particularly the precise timestamps on messages and the use of live chat, which make it feel as though the audience is experiencing events alongside Kyle in real time. Combined with the weighty themes it addresses, these choices give “American Stream” a distinctive impact, offering a powerful snapshot of contemporary online culture.
4. Gunman
Directed by Cris Tapia Marchiori and co-written with Clara Ambroson, “Gunman” delivers an exhilarating experience from beginning to end. It blends high-intensity action with impressive craftsmanship and strong world-building, creating a gritty universe that feels both immersive and authentic. The performances are compelling, drawing the audience deeply into the characters’ world, while the sound design and grounded special effects give every gunshot and footstep a sense of realism and impact. Filmed to appear as a single continuous take, the cinematography is exceptional, adding a seamless fluidity that sustains tension throughout.
The pacing is gritty, suspenseful, and emotionally charged, delivering an electrifying energy reminiscent of an Argentine take on “John Wick.” Despite the intensity of the action, the film maintains a strong emotional core, allowing quieter moments to resonate and making the overall experience more impactful.
“Gunman” demonstrates how technical precision and raw adrenaline can work together to create a cinematic experience that lingers. Sergio Podeley delivers a compelling performance as El Galgo, showcasing a wide range of action and emotion that makes his character stand out. The scene with Susana Varela as Nilda is particularly striking – their performances carry a strong emotional intensity, conveying a deeper, unspoken story through a brief but powerful exchange.
The film is captivating and deeply moving, drawing viewers in with its immersive storytelling. The decision to present the movie as what feels like one continuous “cutscene” creates a unique, grounded atmosphere that places the audience directly within the experience. The cinematography is exceptional, seamlessly shifting between intense action and emotional moments. The driving sequences, in particular, evoke the sensation of being inside a video game, adding to the film’s dynamic energy.
The narrative is filled with unexpected turns that maintain a strong sense of momentum and excitement throughout. Overall, it delivers a compelling story supported by an outstanding cast, with the skill and vision behind the production clearly evident in every aspect.
Visit LakeCountyFilmFestival.org to view the full schedule of films and showtimes for March 19 – 23.
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