CHICAGO — A powerful new documentary titled Beyond Closure is spotlighting the lasting trauma and community consequences of the 2013 mass closure of 50 Chicago Public Schools. The film is screening this week in Bronzeville and Englewood, aiming to provoke fresh policy discussion and grassroots reflection on the city’s handling of shuttered school buildings.
Bronzeville, Englewood Host Screenings Of New Community-Focused Film
Beyond Closure, a collaboration between Borderless Studios and On The Real Film, had its premiere at the Chicago Cultural Center last December. For those who missed it, the documentary is showing again at two South Side venues:
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Wednesday at Kennedy-King College (740 W. 63rd St., Englewood) – Includes a 6 p.m. screening followed by a panel discussion.
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Friday at the Overton Center for Excellence (4927 S. Indiana Ave., Bronzeville) – An outdoor screening begins at 6:30 p.m.
Executive producer and urban designer Paola Aguirre, who helped repurpose Overton Elementary after its closure, hopes the film reaches more than just local residents.
“It’s like there are no lessons learned, and no one’s listening. Why are we still struggling?” Aguirre told Block Club Chicago.
A Call For Smarter, Fairer Redevelopment
The closures, carried out under former Mayor Rahm Emanuel, disproportionately affected communities on the South and West sides. Aguirre’s film focuses on the long-term impact of these decisions — from community displacement to underutilized public assets.
Despite setbacks, Overton Elementary is now a $17 million community hub, offering entrepreneurial and nonprofit space, with future plans for an audio/visual studio. Meanwhile, Englewood’s Woods Elementary is slated to become a $26.6 million affordable housing complex and health clinic, led by the Go Green on Racine coalition.
Still, Aguirre expressed frustration at how many buildings remain vacant or underused. A 2023 report cited 26 of the 46 shuttered school buildings remain closed, and 10 sold buildings have yet to be redeveloped.
“The community knows what they want, but it’s not what they’re getting,” she said.
Pushing Policymakers To Act
Aguirre urges city leaders — including Mayor Brandon Johnson — to bridge the disconnect between the planning department and school district. She hopes Beyond Closure spurs not just conversation but action.
“We need a process that looks funded and equitable… We shouldn’t be figuring [this] out on our own when these are publicly owned, publicly funded facilities.”
The filmmaker is now seeking distribution to bring the documentary to a broader audience and may continue organizing local screenings through the fall.
Were you or your neighborhood affected by the 2013 school closures in Chicago? How have those changes shaped your community today? Share your experiences with us at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
