Several Chicago-based movies were featured during the 16th Black Harvest International Festival of Film and Video at the Gene Siskel Center. The film festival boasts tons of movies that explore issues like gang activity, racism and relationships.
Chicagoan Keith Purvis chose to make a movie which takes a different look at online dating in his nine-minute short. In “ONLINE,” actors Kelley Moseley and Damion Thompson meet, fall in love, get married and get divorced in a matter of nine minutes. He said that “ONLINE,” a mirror of what is happening with tons of singles, explores dating in a totally digital world. But how much can one really say in nine minutes?
“The film is very visual and is somewhat [of] a throwback to the classic silent film era. I always wanted to do something that harkened back to those times while still talking about some of those technological issues,” Purvis said.
Purvis’ love story was part of the “Sex African-American Style” series which featured several other shorts. He added that being part of the Chicago filmmaker circle has helped to create a sense of community outside of New York and L.A. 
“The Black Harvest Film Festival, as part of the Gene Siskel, center means a lot because in a way it brings me full circle. Also, the films featured at Black Harvest are some of the most original films by black filmmakers in the country, so being featured as one of them on opening night was an honor,” Purvis said.
Much like Purvis, director Beverly Price appreciates the festival’s intention to foster homegrown talent. The Washington, D.C. native added that the fest has also helped create new relationships for directors.
Her documentary, “India of K-Town” takes a look at how a west side teen connects with celebrity fashion designer, Barbara Bates. India’s hard life begins to take a positive turn when Bates decides to design her prom dress.
“I was interested in a good documentary story with a subject that had faced challenging odds and beat them with determination and fortitude,” Price said. “Plus, I am very interested in stories about transformation.”
Nearly 40 percent of the 42 festival movies had a Chicago connection. During the opening ceremony Chicagoan and Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Common was honored. The festival ends on September 2.
