Premier of "Westside Stories: Paradise Lost"

Winner of Best Documentary at The Crown Point International Film Festival, "West Side Stories: Paradise Lost," takes an in-depth look at the iconic neighborhoods on Chicago's West Side that have been a significant part of the fabric of Chicago for more than 100 years. The film depicts the Black family structure that is disrupted by a series of intentional events, which escalates into broken homes, poverty, and crime-infested neighborhoods on the West side. 

Filmmaker Deontay Wilson was born and raised in North Lawndale. Wilson graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Political Science. He then attended the prestigious American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco, earning a Masters of Fine Arts in Acting. Wilson won the 2007 Wallace Alexander Gerbode Young California Playright's Award. He wrote, directed, and produced a pilot for Comedy Central two years later. His most recent film project is a docuseries called "West Side Stories" - which explores the history of problems confronting Chicago's West Side, and the everyday heroes fighting to solve those problems. 

There will be an on-stage conversation with filmmaker Deontay Wilson after the premiere and will feature his production partner, Fr. Larry Dowling. 

The evening will begin at 5:30pm with a free catered meal. The film will begin at 7:00pm. Shuttles are available to transport guests from a free parking lot at 5800 W. Madison St. to the Kehrein Center for the Arts.

Check out media coverage prior to event: 

Chicago Sun Times: Documentary Series About Chicago's West Planned 

CBS Chicago: West Side documentary filmmaker gives unvarnished look at the place he calls home

Austin Talks: Free tickets available to Thursday film premier in Austin