BEYOND CLOSURE
A FILM BY ON THE REAL FILM + BORDERLESS
What happened since Chicago closed 50 public schools in 2013?
This documentary retraces the history of the largest mass school closures in the U.S. history highlighting the intertwined issues of inequity, racism, and injustice. Three closed schools showcase a new pathway - the one of community self-determination. Through the voices of community members leading the repurposing of Emmet, Woods, and Overton schools, this film reflects on community impact, their setbacks and wins towards redevelopment.
WATCH THE TRAILER
FILM TEAM
Paola Aguirre Serrano
Creator and Executive Producer
Paola is a native of the US-Mexico border, urban designer, educator and partner at Borderless Studio, architecture and urban design practice with presence in Chicago and San Antonio invested in spatial justice and equitable design through collaborative approaches. Paola leads Creative Grounds, initiative focused on Chicago's closed public schools.
Erin Babbin
Co-Director and Editor
On The Real Film's co-founder, is a Chicago-born director, editor, and producer with a deep commitment to social justice and art centered work. Inspired by her family's artistic legacy, Erin's documentary work is a testament to her belief in the power of real people telling their own stories, making visible those often overlooked by mainstream narratives.
Michael Sullivan
Co-Director and Cinematographer
Michael is a Chicago based artist working in film and photography. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, he studied photography, painting, and printmaking at the University of Texas, Austin. In 2011 he co-founded the documentary film and photo production company On The Real Film with partner Erin Babbin.
FEATURING
Quiwana Bell
Former COO, Westside Health Authority; Assistant Secretary Designate, Illinois Department of Human Services
Niketa Brar
Co-founder and former Executive Director, Chicago United for Equity; Director of Policy, Sustainable Cities, Policy Link
Asiaha Butler
Co-founder and CEO, RAGE (Residents Association of Greater Englewood)
Cecile De Mello
Executive Director, Teamwork Englewood
Sarah Karp
Education Reporter, Chicago Public Media/WBEZ
Alden Loury
Data Projects Editor, Chicago Public Media/WBEZ
Deon Lucas
Co-founder, E.G. Woode; Director, Beehyyve
Ghian Foreman
Managing Partner, Washington Park Development Group
Jacqueline Reed
Founder and former CEO, Westside Health Authority
Morris Reed
CEO, Westside Health Authority
Sana Sayed
Chief Growth and Strategy Director, Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN)
Darnell Shields
Executive Director, Austin Coming Together
Norman Teague
Artist and Designer, Norman Teague Design Studios