A young man struggles to communicate with his stroke-afflicted father, and at the same time, stay true to himself.

Director Biography

George is a Chicago director, screenwriter, and producer most known for his award-winning experimental film, SWITCHIN' which was featured on NBC5 Chicago and is now streaming on OTV Open Television. His work has screened nationally and internationally at such film festivals as Athens International Film Festival, Chicago Black Harvest Film Festival, London International Web & Shorts Film Festival (UK), and many more. Currently pursuing his MFA from DePaul University with expected graduation in June 2023, his thesis film, “Cottage Grove”, was a finalist for the Camera Ambassador Community Grant (2022) and the BlueCat Screenplay Competition (2022). George is driven to explore the oft-ignored narratives of minorities and romanticize the black experience to spark healing.

Director Statement

Cottage Grove merges my love for experimental and narrative film. It is rooted in Chicago, in Bronzeville, a rapidly changing South Side community that is, itself, a character in the script and short. But in stark contrast to this place and all its complexity is the simple beauty of a father-son reconciliation found unintentionally through halting words, meaningful looks, flights of fantasy, and, ultimately, love. My desire for Cottage Grove is to facilitate healthy conversations between parents and their children at any stage of life. The story's core is healing starts with parents' compassion, understanding, and acknowledgment of their children's hurt.