Annual Chagrin Documentary Film Festival

Join Us For The 15th Annual Chagrin Documentary Film Festival October 1st-6th, 2024

The Chagrin Documentary Film Festival is dedicated to educating audiences and empowering talented filmmakers to tell their stories.  The Festival is a five-day celebration of the art of documentary film, at venues in and around the century village of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. This inspiring event draws audiences from all over Northeast Ohio, the US, and the world to experience documentary films and the compelling art and culture they highlight.

Schedule of Events:

10:15 AM: Witness to Revolution: One Doctor's Story of the Xinhai Revolution - Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

Journey to early 20th century China throung the eyes of an intrepid medical missionary. As the Xinhai Revolution erupts, we see history unfold through his vivid diariesand stunning photographs. This gripping documentary captures a world on the brink of transformation, blending frontline battlefield images with intimate accounts of medical and spiritual work. Experience the twilight of imperialism and the birth of modern China through one man's extraordinary lens and pen. A riveting tale of compassion, courage, and change in a land awakening to a new era.

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11:00 AM: Broken Eyes - Federated Church

After laser correction eye surgery goes wrong and changes this filmmaker's life forever, she uses investigative journalism to reveal thousands of patients in a clandestine network that have been irreversibly affected with complications from LASIK surgery. Her personal journey challenges perceptions and raises important questions about medical ethics and patient safety for elective procedures.

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12:00pm: Farm-To-Table CVCC Lunch - Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

Join us for lunch in the River Room, featuring a delicious meal prepared with fresh ingredients from local farmers. Lunch is at 12:00pm followed by film and panel at 12:30pm will highlight the Rid-All Urban Farm and other farms having an impact. $25 individual ticket, included with membership Igniter and above.

12:00pm: International Stories - Triangle Park

A uniquely beautiful experimental animated documentary, TWO ONE TWO captures the experience of motherhood through shimmering clay on glass.

12:30pm: Regenerating Communities - Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

New life blossoms in a Cleveland neighborhood when four childhood friends transform their community through urban farming. Rid-All, their non-profit project, converts vacant lots into thriving greenhouses, showcasing the power of grassroots action. This real-life story of community rebirth proves that passion and perseverance can cultivate remarkable change. Rid-All is part of the Farmer Jones indoor farmers market, your fresh produce close to home!

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1:00pm: Spyral - Federated Church

Bipolar disorder affects more than 5 million Americans and their families. This powerful film is a raw look at the challenges and triumphs of living with this condition. Randy, a rising rock star, and Michelle, a gifted writer with a family legacy of addiction, navigate personal battles amidst growing success. Michelle continues to struggle with bipolar disorder and challenges Randy's unwavering commitment to protect their daughter. Filmgoers will witness an incredible story showcasing the enduring power of love.

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1:45pm: Finding Happy - Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

After losing her relationship, income, home, and her dog, a heartbroken woman saves an injured day-old sparrow not realizing how he would change her life. FINDING HAPPY takes us on a journey across oceans to explore the healing power of connection told through other unlikely human-animal bonds. This film is centered around one tiny sparrow, named Happy, and how his rescue story became a beacon of hope worldwide. This inspiring and heartfelt film is sure to leave you with a smile and a renewed connection to the world around us.

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3:00pm: Inheritance - Federated Church

The unfiltered truth about the opioid epidemic is filmed over 11 years in a southern Ohio community. The story follows the life of one boy and five generations of his extended family. The story focuses on 12-year-old Curtis. Like many others, he lives in a community affected by substance use, joblessness, poverty, and a deteriorating sense of belonging. Young Curtis speaks of hope and optimism, as his difficult story is played out.

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3:40pm: Letters From The Battlefield - Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

Jacqueline Lundquist, the wife of former Ohio Governor Richard Celeste, unveils a deeply personal odyssey of her father's Vietnam War experience. Hundreds of letters and tapes were created by her father, Donald C. Lundquist before his death. Jacqueline unearths these relics and begins a quest to understand her father by retracing his footsteps through Vietnam. Interviews with political figures make this documentary an interesting testament to the universal human experience within the chaos of war.

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4:00pm: Don't Look Away - CDFF on the Triangle

Imagine enduring more than 50 major surgeries. Take a glimpse into the world of Corey, a young man born with a rare facial deformity. Over a six-year time span, this film gives viewers an unflinching look into daily challenges Corey faces. Learn first-hand how the adversity of living with a facial difference can be used to inspire others. Corey shows the world that individuals with facial differences are much more than meets the eye.

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5:00pm: Everyone's A Critic - South Franklin Circle

Event moderators: Chad and Trish Salashour | Help choose CDFF's "Everyone's a Critic" award winner! Enjoy appetizers and cocktails while watching documentary shorts. Vote after each film. $25 individual ticket, included with membership Igniter and above.

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5:15pm: 7 Beats Per Minute - Chagrin Falls Intermediate School Theater

Imagine holding your breath for 6 minutes or more to become a world champion. Enter the visually stunning world of competitive free diving. This breathtaking documentary invites you to witness the courage and strength of renowned free diver, Jessea Lu, as she overcomes her doubts and personal struggles. Extraordinary underwater shots capture every heart-pounding moment of this diver's journey back to her beloved sport. Lu's triumph over fear powerfully showcases the strength of the human spirit.

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5:30pm: Student Shorts I - CDFF on the Triangle

A mother-daughter filmmaking duo with magic up their sleeves! As a seasoned filmmaker, this mother walks her talented elementary-age daughter through the filmmaking process, and together they create something truly special.

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5:30pm: 348 Songs - Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

348 is the amazing number of songs written by Fred Bruch, a 91-year-old songwriting legend from Nashville's golden era. Despite penning classics like "Tragedy," covered by Paul McCartney, Fred remains an unsung hero of music. His family and fellow musicians reveal the magic of 1960s Nashville and the creative process that shaped an era. Fred's contagious laugh and ability to tell a great story will touch your soul. You'll leave humming forgotten tunes created by this overlooked musical genius. SPECIAL EVENT

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5:30pm: Bourbon and Ballads - Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

Bid on rare bourbons while grooving to the legendary tunes of Fred Burch. Sip a craft cocktail on the patio afterward! $35 Individual ticket includes film and craft bourbon cocktail. Included in Igniter and above Membership.

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6:00pm: Sports Spotlight - Triangle Park

La Roche

Marc Rochat is one of the few elite slalom skiers in the world. After multiple losses and injuries due to his unconventional, often risky method of skiing, Rochat trains and rebuilds to take on the mountain once again.

6:45pm: The Animal Thing - South Franklin Circle

Most see the controversial life of Andrew Linzey, animal rights pioneer and maverick theologian, as a great success. Andrew, however, sees it much differently. In this intimate documentary crafted lovingly by Linzey's son, we follow Linzey's journey as he challenges the Anglican Church, Oxford University, and societal norms in his lifelong fight for animal welfare. This warm, thought-provoking film educates rather than preaches, offering a fresh perspective on faith, ethics, and our relationship with animals.

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7:15pm: Torn - CDFF on the Triangle

Experience the Israel-Gaza conflict like never before - on New York City streets. Watch as a controversial poster campaign ignites fierce debates and confrontations, mirroring the complexities of war thousands of miles away. This raw, balanced documentary offers rare insights into both sides of the struggle. From hostage families to Gaza civilians, witness the human stories behind the headlines. Featuring the Bandaid artist from a previous CDFF selection, this film connects local art to global politics in surprising ways.

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7:30pm: Eternal You - Chagrin Falls Intermediate School Theater

It's probably the biggest business idea of the digital age and possibly the most troubling. If you had the chance to see and talk to deceased loved ones, would you do it? ETERNAL YOU examines the AI technology which allows for uncanny digital replicants of people who have passed on. Following tech start-ups that use a wealth of data to develop "digital doppelgangers," which promise to immortalize people on earth, the film raises several questions, such as: Can a digital entity compensate for the loss of a loved one? How will human memory be affected? How far is too far when dealing with love, loss and eternity?

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7:30pm: The Donn of Tiki - Chagrin Valley Little Theatre

Ever wonder why you have an umbrella in your drink? Thank Donn Beach, the "Donn of Tiki" and visionary behind iconic tropical shirts and rum-based cocktails! Beach's legacy is a cultural phenomenon that influenced generations of tiki enthusiasts. His creativity transformed a simple concept into an enduring lifestyle. Donn Beach's innovations continue to resonate and shape modern culture. Hang onto your paper umbrellas as you enjoy learning about the Tiki cultural icon and the birth of tropical cool.