Our first of two stops on the East Coast was the Phoenixville Film Festival. Now in its second year, we weren’t sure what to expect, but it quickly became one of our favorite festival experiences yet. Located just outside Philadelphia, Phoenixville is a charming small town that has seen a revival over the last 20 years, with much of the buzz centered on the historic Colonial Theatre. Made famous by the 1958 classic The Blob, the Colonial is a wonderful place to screen a film.

From the moment we arrived, the Phoenixville festival team made us feel right at home. They also thoughtfully programmed our film alongside HIVE, a short documentary directed by firefighter Ryan Rust. Our screening drew an enthusiastic crowd, and the subsequent Q&A session sparked some truly thought-provoking conversation.

​After wrapping up in Phoenixville, we headed south to the University of Maryland for a screening hosted by the Society of Professional Journalists and Merrill College. We were greeted by a packed house of students and faculty. After the film, Professor and filmmaker Josh Davidsburg led another lively and insightful Q&A.

A special shout-out goes to our East Coast friends—both old and new—who came out to support us at these events. Thank you for making our trip such a success!

Four years of hard work led us to this moment—the public premiere of our little film that could at the Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival. Despite friends, family, and an entire college class having already seen countless edits of the film, presenting it to strangers for the first time was a nail-biting experience. We simply had no way of knowing if they would connect with our story. Thankfully, our nerves quickly turned into excitement!

We couldn’t have asked for a better debut: two sold-out screenings on a gorgeous May weekend at Chicago Filmmakers—housed in a historic, converted Chicago fire station. It was an unforgettable experience, and we’re thrilled to invite you to relive it through our photo gallery below.

Here’s to an incredible start to Fire Department, Inc.’s festival run!

Step into the heart of North Riverside, Illinois, and witness the story of a group of firefighters who refused to let budget cuts compromise safety. We're elated to roll out the red carpet for the world premiere of the documentary Fire Department, Inc. at the Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival!
​
We hope you’ll join us in person for a screening followed by a Q&A with the director, producer and interview subjects.

Premiere Details:

• When: Saturday, May 4th, 2024, at 7pm
• Where: Chicago Filmmakers (1326 W Hollywood Ave Chicago, IL 60660)
• Cost: Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here

​Adding an extra layer of excitement to the evening, the premiere will take place at the historic Chicago Filmmakers Theater in Edgewater.  We are honored to screen in this wonderful venue that was once a Chicago firehouse!
​
Built in the 1920s, it was home to The Chicago Fire Department's Truck Company No. 47 and later Engine Company 59. We couldn’t ask for a better venue for a night that pays homage to the brave souls who risk their lives to protect Chicagoland.

With limited seating at the historic Chicago Filmmakers Theater and high anticipation for Fire Department, Inc., early ticket purchase is highly recommended.
​
Let's come together to celebrate the power of documentary filmmaking and the indomitable spirit of those who serve and protect us. See you at the movies!

We are incredibly proud to have been named as a spring 2021 Hot Film in the Making by From The Heart Productions! These are projects highly supported by From The Heart Productions and include many other excellent films currently being produced. You can view the entire list here.

We are incredibly excited to announce we have been invited to pitch at the 10th annual American Documentary and Animation Film Festival Fund! As one of the premiere documentary film festivals, Am Docs selecting us as one of 10 finalists for the fund is an incomprehensible honor! We look forward to pitching our film and meeting fellow documentary film makers in the process!

​If you'd like to make a donation to help us compete the film, please click the button below. It will redirect you to our official Film Independent donation page.