2025 Filmmaker Bios

George Ellzey, Jr.

George is a Chicago director, screenwriter, and producer most known for his award-winning experimental film, SWITCHIN' which was featured on NBC5 Chicago and is now streaming on OTV Open Television. His work has screened nationally and internationally at such film festivals as Athens International Film Festival, Chicago Black Harvest Film Festival, London International Web & Shorts Film Festival (UK), and many more. Currently pursuing his MFA from DePaul University with expected graduation in June 2023, his thesis film, “Cottage Grove”, was a finalist for the Camera Ambassador Community Grant (2022) and the BlueCat Screenplay Competition (2022). George is driven to explore the oft-ignored narratives of minorities and romanticize the black experience to spark healing.

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