Beyond Closure, Documentary On 2013 CPS School Closings, Comes To Bronzeville, Englewood

The documentary “Beyond Closure,” which investigates the impact of the 2013 closure of 50 Chicago Public Schools, will be screened in Englewood and Bronzeville this week. Premiering in December to a sold-out crowd, the film by Borderless Studios and On The Real Film has gained traction in discussions about urban redevelopment. Filmmaker Paola Aguirre seeks to reach policymakers, pointing out the district's ongoing struggles with closed school sites. She noted that 26 of the 46 buildings that housed the closed schools remain vacant, highlighting a significant issue in urban planning. Aguirre aims to foster community engagement, as seen in the redevelopment efforts for Woods Elementary into affordable housing and a community center.

The screenings will feature a panel discussion to further explore policy ideas and community needs. Aguirre emphasized the urgency of addressing these challenges, stating, “The community knows what they want, but it’s not what they’re getting. ” She continues to seek a distributor for her documentary to broaden its reach and impact.