The Illinois Parables

Overview

From dreamy aerial opening shots, we are sent on an expedition through the storied land of our fifth most populous state, Illinois, often called a miniature version of America. Deborah Stratman’s experimental documentary explores how physical landscapes and human politics can each re-interpret historical events. Eleven parables relay histories of settlement, removal, technological breakthrough, violence, messianism, and resistance. Who gets to write history—physical monuments, official news accounts, or personal spoken-word memories?

Top Cast

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C. Felton Jennings II

Himself

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Anna Toborg

Herself

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Joshua Frieman

Himself

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José Oubrerie

Himself

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Daniel Verdier

Himself

David Gatten

Himself