Be the first to experience In Our Nature at this special pre-release screening - a powerful new documentary featuring Southside Blooms, the nonprofit turning vacant lots into vibrant flower farms and creating life-changing opportunities for youth on Chicago’s South Side.

🎟 Tickets are limited - and 100% of proceeds go to Southside Blooms.

"Beautifully shot and emotionally powerful. Draws you in with lyrical storytelling and unforgettable characters." - Mitch Wietzner, CNBC Docs & 60 Minutes Producer

EVENT PROGRAM

The event will begin at 6:45pm and conclude following the Filmmaker Q&A.

Reception & Community Showcase Opens at 6:45pm
Welcome & Opening Remarks begin 7:30pm
Special Advanced Screening of In Our Nature
Live Q&A with filmmakers and Southside Blooms at 9pm
Thank you & Closing Remarks

The screening is taking place in-person at the Gene Siskel Film Center located in the heart of Chicago's theater district, across the street from the Chicago Theatre, at 164 North State Street.

Public Transit:
Steps from all major CTA train lines + multiple bus lines.

Validated Parking:
Available at InterPark Self-Park, 20 E. Randolph St.
(Limited metered parking also available after 6 PM nearby.)

ABOUT IN OUR NATURE

Filmed across the US, In Our Nature explores how nature - and those who teach with it - can be some of our most powerful forces for reconnection in a divided world. Three character-driven stories bring this to life: from sustainable, off-grid flower farms transforming South Side Chicago, to a bipartisan forest school in rural Kentucky, to a healing-in-nature program for grieving military families in San Antonio. The film reveals why nature belongs at the heart of what it means to be educated, and why environmental education is more essential than ever. Learn more at www.inournaturemovie.com.

"A moving tribute to our field..." - Judy Braus, Executive Director, NAAEE

Hosted in partnership with the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), this exclusive pre-release screening honors the communities and changemakers at the heart of the film. The evening includes a vibrant community showcase, reception with local leaders, a special advance screening of In Our Nature, and a live Q&A with the filmmakers - joined by Southside Blooms founder Quilen Blackwell and youth featured in the film.

100% of ticket proceeds support Southside Blooms.

This Chicago event will feature a special performance by students from the Chicago West Community Music Center - a nonprofit dedicated to using music as a powerful force for education, empowerment, and community transformation on the West Side of Chicago. Founded in 1999 by Darlene and Howard Sandifer, CWCMC has provided music instruction and mentorship to thousands of youth, helping them discover their voice and potential through the arts. Their talented young musicians will perform selections that celebrate the spirit of community, creativity, and resilience at the heart of In Our Nature. Learn more at cwcmc.org.

This event is made possible by the generous support of the Elizabeth G Maughan Charitable Foundation and UL Research Institutes.

"In Our Nature" Chicago Premiere Celebration

By Synchronous Pictures

"In Our Nature" Chicago Premiere Celebration

A powerful night of film, flowers, and community benefiting Southside Blooms