Embarking on a triumphant journey through the film festival circuit, the critically acclaimed “Mixtape Trilogy: Stories of the Power of Music” is set to captivate Chicago audiences in a one-time-only screening at The Davis Theater (4614 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625) on Sunday, Nov. 12. This compelling music documentary unveils the extraordinary and intense connection between music artists and their devoted fans.

Featuring renowned musicians such as the Indigo Girls, Talib Kweli, and Vijay Iyer, alongside visionaries like Michael Ford, founder of the Hip Hop Architecture Camps, and activist Dylan Yellowlees, Mixtape Trilogy delves into the profound impact of music from both the artist’s perspective and the recipient of that art. The film, directed, written, and produced by Kathleen Ermitage, with executive producers Alan Cogen, Dave Harding, and Emmy®, Grammy®, and Writers Guild Award nominee John Scheinfeld, sparks a conversation on how music shapes lives, nurtures empathy, and inspires social justice.

Director Kathleen Ermitage remarked, “Most people don’t have the opportunity to meet the musicians and songwriters who profoundly influence and often change their lives. It felt crucial to cast a different light on these relationships and explore how music unites people amidst turbulent societal shifts.”

The public screening kicks off at 4 p.m. and concludes with a thought-provoking panel hosted by esteemed film critic Richard Roeper. Joining the discussion are filmmakers Cogen and Ermitage, along with Garnette Cadogan, a film subject and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The panel will delve into the immersive production process and the musical inspirations that fueled the creation of the film.

All proceeds from the screening directly benefit The People’s Music School, a Chicago-based organization committed to the belief that music is transformative and empowering for families and communities. The organization ensures access to high-quality, tuition-free music education for those who aspire to embrace it.

Ermitage expressed her excitement, saying, “I’m thrilled to bring Mixtape Trilogy back to the city where my musical roots were first planted—Chicago. It’s even more empowering that we can collaborate with an organization like The People’s Music School, embodying our documentary’s mission to inspire social awareness and create music and arts access for all.”

Notably, Mixtape Trilogy was honored with the Artistic Vision Award at the 2022 Richmond International Film Festival and featured in prestigious events such as Sound Unseen, San Francisco Frozen Film Festival, Cinequest Film & VR Festival, Bentonville Film Festival, Sonoma International Film Festival, Sarasota Film Festival, and Cleveland International Film Festival.

To learn more about the film or view the trailer, visit Mixtape Trilogy’s official website. Secure your tickets for the screening on Eventbrite and be part of this unique cinematic experience.

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