Black Harvest Closing Night: Solomon Northup’s Odyssey

About this event

November 15 | Adapted from Solomon Northup’s landmark 1853 autobiography Twelve Years a Slave , Gordon Parks’ powerful historical drama follows Northup, a free Black musician from Saratoga, New York, who is deceived, kidnapped, and sold into chattel slavery in 1841. Stripped of his freedom, family, and identity, Northup endures twelve years of unimaginable brutality while refusing to surrender his dignity, artistry, or hope. One of Parks’ most ambitious cinematic achievements, SOLOMON NORTHUP’S ODYSSEY stands as a vital work of Black film history and a profound meditation on survival, resistance, and the enduring pursuit of freedom. Film preservation organization IndieCollect scanned the original camera negative and did extensive color correction in consultation with DP Hiro Narita. Black Harvest is honored to present the film as the festival’s Closing Night presentation.

New 4K Restoration by IndieCollect

Ticket includes one free beer, wine, or non-alcoholic beverage.

General Admission – $15.50

Group Rate – $11.50 (Groups can save $4 off per ticket – minimum of 15 guests required)

Celebrating its 32nd year in 2026, the Black Harvest Film Festival is Chicago’s annual showcase for Black film across the diaspora. Born from an urgent need to celebrate the Black experience, the Black Harvest Film Festival unites filmmakers and audiences to showcase the power of Black cinema. This annual festival highlights emerging and established talents and historical narratives, enriching the landscape of Black culture. The festival curates both short and feature length films, proudly presenting influential auteurs and emerging filmmakers of color side by side.

The film festival will be held at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center November 6–15, 2026.

Festival passes and individual tickets are available for purchase.

Audiences additionally can choose from two Festival pass options:

Opening Night plus five screenings: $80 general public / $55 members

Six regular screenings: $60 general public / $36 members