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**Nominee - Best Documentary | Global Impact Film Festival 2017**
**Official Selection | ChicagoMade Shorts 2017**
**Official Selection | Voiceless International Film Festival 2017**
**Official Selection | Steps International Film Festival 2017**
**Official Selection | Beloit International Film Festival 2017**
**Official Selection | ChicagoMade Shorts 2017**
**Official Selection | Voiceless International Film Festival 2017**
**Official Selection | Steps International Film Festival 2017**
**Official Selection | Beloit International Film Festival 2017**
About the Project
Calvin’s Story is a micro-documentary about Calvin Curtiss, one of the countless youths surviving homelessness in Chicago and across the nation. In his own words, he tells the story of how he came to experience homeless, his daily activities, and his dream of becoming a massage therapist, painting a true picture of a street-based youth through his own narrative.
The project was originally set up for Calvin to support his dream of transitioning from homelessness to professional healer by enrolling and completing massage therapy school through a GoFundMe campaign. The funds would allow him to sustain himself after he ages out of the youth homeless shelters/programs that aided him in housing and support at the time of shooting. Since then, Calvin has secured a housing opportunity and, upon completion of the campaign, decided to give the money back to the community and donated it to La Casa Norte, a non-profit that serves youth and families confronting homelessness. They provide access to stable housing and deliver comprehensive services that act as a catalyst to transform lives and communities. Their programs include life-skills and technology training, education support, employment-readiness, case management, therapy, food, clothing, and transportation assistance. This is Calvin's Story coming full circle.
The project was originally set up for Calvin to support his dream of transitioning from homelessness to professional healer by enrolling and completing massage therapy school through a GoFundMe campaign. The funds would allow him to sustain himself after he ages out of the youth homeless shelters/programs that aided him in housing and support at the time of shooting. Since then, Calvin has secured a housing opportunity and, upon completion of the campaign, decided to give the money back to the community and donated it to La Casa Norte, a non-profit that serves youth and families confronting homelessness. They provide access to stable housing and deliver comprehensive services that act as a catalyst to transform lives and communities. Their programs include life-skills and technology training, education support, employment-readiness, case management, therapy, food, clothing, and transportation assistance. This is Calvin's Story coming full circle.
Calvin
Calvin is a humble, compassionate, and caring guy. A mediator amongst his friends, he believes in helping others and following his passions. Mindful meditation, jiu-jitsu, attending church and journaling are all activities that bring Calvin joy. As with the Zen nature of meditation and the art of jiu-jitsu, Calvin is passionate about spreading that relaxed and calming aura into the world by way of massage therapy. He believes while relieving someone of physical pressure, he can talk with them, listen to them, get to know them, and ultimately help relieve them of mental, emotional, and spiritual stress as well.
Though Calvin has dealt with the many insecurities that come along with homelessness since moving to Chicago years ago, he has taken advantage of the resources at his disposal like attending Truman College as well as working several jobs. Additionally, his volunteering at Illinois Masonic Hospital and role as a go-to peer for others in similar situations are testaments to his giving spirit and genuine connection with humanity.
Though Calvin has dealt with the many insecurities that come along with homelessness since moving to Chicago years ago, he has taken advantage of the resources at his disposal like attending Truman College as well as working several jobs. Additionally, his volunteering at Illinois Masonic Hospital and role as a go-to peer for others in similar situations are testaments to his giving spirit and genuine connection with humanity.
Get Involved!
This project took a lot of work from professional in the film world, activist circles, non-profit sector and other allies who donated their time and expertise to contribute to a story that matters. If you would like to learn more about how to show up for street-based youth, please reach out to our partner organizations:
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Featuring: Calvin Curtiss, Rev. alli baker, Devin Redmond, Jaleel Cameron Carter, Jack Tutko, Donzel Bailey, Tyson, Nathan Huber
Written and Directed by Quinn Wilson Produced by Caullen Hudson and Quinn Wilson |
Cinematography by Sean Kelly
Edited by Garret Brubaker Sound Mixed by Mark Serletic Key Grip - Thomas P. Clune Production Assistants - Kelsey Bunner, Lorcan Miller, and Brian Vasquez |
