(Graphic by Caitlin Meskill)A
s the lights dim and the excitement builds for the 60th Chicago International Film Festival, DePaul's School of Cinematic Arts shines brightly. Short films from faculty members James Choi, Chi Jang Yin, Erika Valenciana and alumnus Don Josephus Raphael Eblahan will be featured at the Academy Award-qualifying festival. Choi's “Resonancia" delves into the atmosphere of a small town and its connection to faith, while Eblahan's “Vox Humana" investigates the impact of shared language and the ways in which life's trials can either fortify or challenge relationships. Yin's “I Was There, Part II" reveals previously unseen archival footage from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, juxtaposed with contemporary scenes of the city. Lastly, Valenciana's “Broken Flight" highlights the environmental changes affecting urban ecosystems in Chicago.
"I want to express my gratitude to DePaul's School of Cinematic Arts, College of Computing and Digital Media and the university for nurturing an environment that fosters intellectual thinking, creativity and innovative endeavors," says Yin, associate professor of cinema production, directing and interactive media in the School of Cinematic Arts.
The festival will be held Oct. 16-27. More information is available online.