Jon Siskel

Poet of Death: Jack Unterweger

Jack Unterweger was an Austrian serial killer who murdered several women before committing suicide in 1994. In 1976 jailed for murder but became a literary sensation while in prison. Out on parole, he killed nine prostitutes before being caught once more.

102 Minutes That Changed America

The morning of September 11, 2001 is shown through multiple video cameras in and around New York City, from the moment the first WTC tower is hit until after both towers collapse.

Louder Than a Bomb

By turns hopeful and heartbreaking, Louder Than a Bomb follows the fortunes of four Chicago-area high school poetry teams as they prepare for and compete in the world’s largest youth slam.

The Here Now Project

An international diary of the impact of climate change is constructed from thousands of hours of in-the-moment footage. Through the process, we witness the deep human resilience, resourcefulness and courage necessary to confront the world’s most pressing challenge.

The Road Up

From the award-winning team behind the Chicago International Film Festival hit poetry slam documentary Louder than a Bomb comes this inspiring and emotional film following Jesse Teverbaugh, a charismatic leader at the job-training program Cara. With tough-love and dedication, Teverbaugh mentors four Chicagoans during their precarious journey from homelessness, addiction, and incarceration to stable employment. The Road Up powerfully chronicles not only America’s unforgiving economic and social structures, but also the essential role that community, connection, hope, and love play in overcoming adversity.