Ines Sommer is a Chicago-based filmmaker, curator, media arts advocate, and educator, whose genre-crossing projects have explored topics ranging from the environment to the arts, feminism, history, and politics. She has directed character-driven documentaries and experimental shorts along with essay films, installations, and a hybrid fiction/doc feature.
Ines' recent award-winning documentary Seasons of Change on Henry's Farm follows Midwest organic farmer Henry Brockman as he grapples with the impact of a changing climate on his family farm. Her exploration of environmental issues continues with The Hills, her work-in-progress about the toxic legacy of the steel industry. Previous long-form documentaries include the MacArthur Foundation-funded Count Me In, which aired on PBS stations across the nation in 2016; and the human rights documentary Beneath the Blindfold. Ines' company Sommer Filmworks LLC produces original documentaries alongside commissioned projects.
Ines' recent award-winning documentary Seasons of Change on Henry's Farm follows Midwest organic farmer Henry Brockman as he grapples with the impact of a changing climate on his family farm. Her exploration of environmental issues continues with The Hills, her work-in-progress about the toxic legacy of the steel industry. Previous long-form documentaries include the MacArthur Foundation-funded Count Me In, which aired on PBS stations across the nation in 2016; and the human rights documentary Beneath the Blindfold. Ines' company Sommer Filmworks LLC produces original documentaries alongside commissioned projects.
Ines has frequently collaborated with other filmmakers as a cinematographer and her camerawork has been featured in numerous award-winning documentaries, including several projects for Chicago-based Kartemquin Films (Terra Incognita: Mapping Stem Cell Research; In the Family; Hard Earned; and other titles) and The Kindling Group (No Small Matter; @home; The Calling; A Doula Story). A partial list of camera credits can be found at Ines' IMDb listing.
Besides making films, Ines has a longstanding interest in engaging audiences with independent cinema and has worked extensively as film programmer, festival director, and arts administrator. She co-founded and directs Percolator Films, a 501(c)3 non-profit media arts organization that presents film events, series, and festivals.
Ines served on the Board of Directors of Chicago Filmmakers and IFP Chicago for many years and is deeply involved in the regional media arts community, advocating for and supporting Midwest filmmakers.
Besides making films, Ines has a longstanding interest in engaging audiences with independent cinema and has worked extensively as film programmer, festival director, and arts administrator. She co-founded and directs Percolator Films, a 501(c)3 non-profit media arts organization that presents film events, series, and festivals.
Ines served on the Board of Directors of Chicago Filmmakers and IFP Chicago for many years and is deeply involved in the regional media arts community, advocating for and supporting Midwest filmmakers.
In 2019, Ines founded Doc Chicago, a mini-conference that brings regional documentary filmmakers together to learn, connect, and exchange ideas. Starting in 2021, Doc Chicago has been co-presented with the Chicago Film Office and takes place at the historic Chicago Cultural Center.
Chicago's alt-weekly New City has included Ines three times on the annual Film 50 list that highlights "50 individuals who shape Chicago's film scene." Ines is full-time faculty at Northwestern University, where she serves as the Associate Director of the MFA in Documentary Media program.
Chicago's alt-weekly New City has included Ines three times on the annual Film 50 list that highlights "50 individuals who shape Chicago's film scene." Ines is full-time faculty at Northwestern University, where she serves as the Associate Director of the MFA in Documentary Media program.
