Genre
Synopsis
Idlewild was founded in 1912. It was created as a haven for Black families seeking relaxation and safety within its lush forest. A nationally-recognized resort town, it drew the likes of W.E.B. Dubois, Louis Armstrong, and Madam CJ Walker—functioning as an organizing hotbed for Civil Rights and a frequent stop for Black performers. As one of the few places in the US where Black people could buy prime lakefront property, its population swelled in the warm glow of summertime. Then came the late 60s, and with desegregation Idlewild began to struggle. Black tourists who could once only go there could now go anywhere, and the famous clubs and surrounding businesses closed one by one. Though Idlewild was never deserted, it hibernated for decades.
Now nearly 60 years after its decline, a new generation of residents are working to reclaim Idlewild as a safe haven once more. UNTITLED IDLEWILD PROJECT presents a tapestry of a historic Black town in transition as they reimagine their future.
Director Identity
Bio
Amber Love (she/her) is a filmmaker and documentary editor based in Chicago, IL whose films explore intimate bonds and how we build futures together. Her work has been supported by PBS, HBO, IF/Then, The Gotham, NeXt Doc, and Short of the Week as well as screened at festivals including Doc 10 and Camden International Film Festival. Her most recent short film, “Lifetimes,” was funded by Firelight Films' Homegrown: Future Visions initiative and is available through PBS Digital. She has been a 2023 HBO/Gotham Diversity Development Fellow and a 2020 Sundance Art of Editing Fellow. Her debut feature documentary, One Another, premiered at SXSW 2026.
Credits
Producer - Flor de oro Tejada
Executive Producer - Geeta Gandbhir
