Tessa Films

01/28/2025

When we began our work with and .films on the “HIV and the Journey Toward Zero” docuseries, we couldn’t have imagined how much we’d learn together.

Helping promote the series, which focuses on the HIV epidemic through a uniquely Chicago lens, challenged us to capture human authenticity, vibrance and vulnerability. We’re proud to have been part of the films’ launch and legacy.

Check out the 🔗 in bio for our updated case study to learn more.

And visit journeytowardzero.com to stream all three installments. 🎥

12/03/2024

Another successful AICP Chicago event in the books. Thank you AICP Midwest for a fabulous evening!

06/21/2024

As part of the Skittles® Pride campaign, Chan C. Smith is being featured both behind & in front of the camera! Chan and crew traveled to three cities to capture how members of the q***r community find individuality through coming together. Happy Pride Month from everyone at Tessa 🏳️‍🌈

05/09/2024

03/01/2024

Happy Women's History Month from everyone at Tessa. Showcasing one of our newer directors, Jeana Khoury, and her vivid, empowering spot for First For Women.

03/01/2024

The AICP MW Chiditarod team is almost ready to race... get your food and cash donations in by EOD Friday!! See link below!
https://linktr.ee/chiditarod_aicpmidwest

The Midwest Chapter of AICP is taking to the streets with its first-ever sponsorship of a team in the 2024 edition of Chiditarod.

10/23/2023

With the 59th Chicago International Film Festival coming to a close, we are so thrilled to say that our film, written and directed by McKenzie Chinn, "A Real One" has been awarded the Gold Hugo in the Live Action Short Film Competition - the highest award in its category! This honor makes the film eligible for consideration in the Academy Awards short film category.

"This short accomplishes a difficult storytelling feat: it convincingly interweaves accessible, laugh-out-loud comedy with stark dramatic realism. The direction impresses and fosters trust while exploring a disturbing scenario. The short is well produced with strong cinematography, a clever plot, brilliant acting, and compelling thematic content. "A Real One" shows us things we might miss in worlds we might not know, and resonates in our memory."

Thank you to the editors at rogerebert.com for the write up.

10/20/2023

A big thank you to all that came out to the screening of HIV & The Journey Toward Zero Part 2: The Legacy! Chan C. Smith poured her heart into this film, as did this exceptional cast and crew.

Part 2 captures the epidemic through the eyes of today's patients and public health officials, highlighting the intersection of HIV and public health. The audience was moved by the cast's vulnerability, humility, and perseverance during the after-screening panel.

It was a special night made even better, thanks to the planning of Bigmouth Creative and Chicago Department of Public Health. We look forward to showing this spectacular documentary again. Stay tuned for future screenings!

Special thanks to our tireless producers, Alexis Jaworski and Lisa Masseur

10/06/2023

Send an email to [email protected] if you know of anything!

10/05/2023

Chicago area friends, please join us next week for the screenings of two powerful, Tessa-produced films!

HIV & The Journey Toward Zero Part 2: The Legacy
Directed by Chan C. Smith
Tuesday Oct 10th | 5 PM | The Harris Theater
Free tickets here: https://lnkd.in/gSYgVc9r

A Real One
Written & directed by McKenzie Chinn
Saturday Oct 14th | 1:30 PM | Chicago History Museum
An official selection of the Chicago International Film Festival!
Purchase tickets here: https://lnkd.in/g7PxDA3A

See you there!

09/27/2023

Jeana Khoury's work is defined by distinct visuals and establishing impactful storylines in quick, emotive performances. Her recent spot for First National Bank shows just that. For more of Jeana's work, watch her reel here: https://tinyurl.com/mzsmf7nu