The Wise Kids

Join us for a free screening of Stephen Cone's 2011 independent film, “The Wise Kids.” Winner of the Grand Jury Award for screenwriting and dramatic feature at LA's OutFest, it is a film that is rich with layers and explores complex issues in a beautiful, subtle way. “The Wise Kids” is the moving story of three southern teens as they finish high school and grapple with the open questions of their future and is a nuanced coming-of-age tale about coming-out, friendship, and faith.

It has been highlighted in four "Best of 2011" lists, including the Chicago Tribune (Michael Philips) and Chicago Reader (J.R. Jones). Writing about the movie in the Chicago Reader, J.R. Jones calls the movie "lovely" and notes that, "Given the ongoing friction between gay rights and Christian fundamentalism, what really distinguishes “The Wise Kids” from most gay films—in fact, most films, period—is how evidently Cone respects religious devotion."

According to Robert Koehler of Variety, “The Wise Kids” is: “Acutely conceived… An unusual example of what can be termed a "gay Christian" film, Cone's feature is among the best of a recent spate of dramas observing American Christian life. ...A brilliant cast of young actors.”

"The Wise Kids" recently debuted in New York City. Stephen Holden of The New York Times said, “In its unassuming way, this tiny, low-budget film is a universal reflection on issues of personal identity and choice for which there are no easy answers.”

The film will be screened at the Evanston Public Library on Thursday, March 29 at 7 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room.

Writer and Director Stephen Cone as well as Tyler Ross, one of the film's three stars, will be present for a discussion immediately following the film. This event is open to teens and adults only.

Special thanks to Cone Arts.