Today we’d like to introduce you to John Davies.
Thanks for sharing your story with us John. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started Sinema Obscura as a way to watch weird movies that you don’t normally get to see with friends in public (i.e., Paprika, Manborg) and pairing those movies with something produced in Chicago by local independent filmmakers. (i.e., Jake Myers, Emily Esperanza). But ended up focusing on the independent films as I was nervous about getting rights to screen the big budget films. Over the last year or so, we have evolved into more of a filmmaker matchmaker, focused on bringing an audience of filmmakers to filmmakers. Adding live music, trivia, costume contests, and games to spice up some of the events. We’ve even hosted a couple of Art-Fairs where local artists set up shop while we screen films. We host in various venues in the Logan Square/Humboldt Park neighborhoods. Places like: HQ, Township, Comfort Station, Que 4 Radio, Antique Taco, The VCR, Logan Bar, The Logan Theatre, Star Lounge, Charm School, Hostel Earphoria, Atomix Coffee Shop, and Agitator Gallery. Their support has allowed me to share the trailers, animation, music videos, web-series’, short/feature films, documentaries, etc. that these filmmakers’ all worked so hard to develop. For most of the filmmakers, filmmaking is their side gig, not their bread and butter. Once they finish one film, they shelve it or post it online in hopes that someone, somewhere might see it. That’s where Sinema Obscura comes in. We take those gems off the shelf, off the internet and screen them in front of an audience. Which is usually full of the filmmakers/creators/crew from the films we’re screening. I really love bringing like-minded people together. That’s easily my favorite part of the whole thing.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
Figuring out what people would actually want to watch was probably the most challenging. Plus, it’s been rough covering the monetary portion of this thing mostly by myself. The screen, the projector, the merchandise, the transportation costs have definitely set me back. But, it’s something that I really believe in and the overall payback has been phenomenal. Being introduced to so many amazing people is easily at the top of the list. Some of which, I have had the pleasure of working with. Both, behind and in front of the camera. It’s been a great ride so far. I have met so many great people, it’s kind of unreal. I can’t wait to see where this thing leads.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Sinema Obscura story. Tell us more about the collective.
Sinema Obscura is a filmmaker collective designed to get an audience of filmmakers for filmmakers. Although we’re based in Chicago, we share films from all over the country, Canada, and Mexico.
Specializing in making art accessible to as wide an audience as possible.
I think I’m most proud of the fact that we don’t charge fees for either film submissions or events. Everything we do is free. Or as free as possible.
I believe our inclusiveness would set us apart from other companies like ours (if there are any). We screen everything. Trailers, animation, documentaries, short & feature films, web series’, music videos, etc. Everything!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’d say bad luck kicked me in the ass more than once. Having a venue close without notice and being forced to cancel two long-planned events seemed like a setback at the time. I was given time to focus on Sinema Obscura and either put everything into it or just let it die. I decided the former and pretty much everything that has happened since has been amazing. We’re taking steps in the next few weeks to get our filmmakers an even bigger audience…so, Stay Tuned!!!
Contact Info:
- Email: SinemaObscuraChicago@gmail.com
- Instagram: sinema.obscura
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SinemaObscura/
Image Credit:
B/W hand-drawn pictures: William Smith (aka doodlefuq on Instagram)
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
