Filmmaker Interview for “The Green Mill: A Real Chicago Joint”
2026 Spotlight Award Winner!
The Green Mill: A Real Chicago Joint
Director: Paul L Carr (USA)
The Green Mill is known as an old hangout for Al Capone and where Billie Holiday sang, and as a swinging jazz joint for generations of Chicagoans. For more than a century, this legendary nightclub was a melting pot of humanity and the music never stopped. In 2024, owner Dave Jemilo and five longtime employees gathered to talk about working till dawn, about playing the music, pouring the drinks, and living the nightlife. “The Green Mill: A Real Chicago Joint,” shares stories profane, profound, absurd, and often hilarious, as told by a group of people who are clearly reverent of the special place that brought them together.
Documentary
(57 minutes)
What drew you to create this film?
I created the film because The Green Mill is a place I truly love and I think the film reflected that.
What does filmmaking mean to you?
Filmmaking is my preferred venue for story telling. I’ve written books and stage plays but telling your story with film feels like the most direct way to reach someone’s soul.
What advice would you give students or beginners that want to make films?
Anyone making a film will soon realize that mishaps unexpectedly arise and you always have to expect the unexpected. Remain calm and keep your cast and crew calm and happy and able to produce quality work. Roll with the punches.
What films do you watch again and again?
There are literally hundreds of films I’ve watched dozens of times but let me start with my favorite director, John Huston. The Asphalt Jungle, Key Largo, Treasure of the Sierra Madre, The Maltese Falcon, The Misfits, The African Queen, The Man Who Would Be King etc etc.
OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION (6:30pm – 7:30pm)
Come out and celebrate the this film and all of the thers at the opening of the 2026 fest! Enjoy food, drinks, & music as our attendees arrive on the red carpet for their photo op!
AWARDS CEREMONY AND SPOTLIGHT FEATURE SCREENING (7:30pm – 9:00pm)
The Green Mill: A Real Chicago Joint will screen just after our awards announcements at 7:30pm!
