The South Side-focused Blueprint is one of many Chicago-focused films playing at the Chicago International Film Festival.

Directed by Daryl Wein from a screenplay that was co-written with Jerod Haynes, the film spotlights the Chicago Southside.

Chicago’s Southside is one that does not have a great reputation because of the gang violence that overwhelms the news day in and day out.

Haynes stars as Jerod, a daycare teacher.  He loses a close friend and from there, Jerod needs to decide how he’s going to face all the violence.  At the same time, Jerod and his girlfriend, who have two children together, are going through some trying times.

Wein isn’t a Chicagoan so at first glance, he doesn’t seem like he should be the director to tell this story but this film is just as much Haynes’ film as it is his.

Blueprint is screening under the categories of Black Perspectives, City & State, and U.S. Indies at the Chicago International Film Festival.  The first two screenings took place on October 13-14 with a third screening to follow on Wednesday, October 18, at 1:30 PM.  Actors Jerod Haynes, Edgar Sanchez, Tai Davis, Shanesia Davis, and Sandra Adams-Monegain are expected to be on hand for the final screening.