Chicago Film "I Agree With You" Wins Best Feature at The Lake Michigan Film Festival

PHOTO ATTACHED ABOVE - From Left to Right: Executive Producer John Otterbacher, Director Jake VanKersen, Writer/Actor/Producer Ross Compton, Producer Scott Cupper and Producer Tyler Core. Photo courtesy of Tyler Core.

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“I Agree With You,” the debut film of the Chicago-based production company Fortified Films LLC, was named “Best Feature” this weekend at the Lake Michigan Film Festival. The film kicked off the weekend for the film festival, which began on Friday, February 28th. The filmmakers were in attendance for the screening and participated in a Q&A afterwards. 

“To have our film not only be welcomed in this incredible film festival, but also to be given this award is truly something special. I’m deeply grateful,” said Jake VanKersen, the film’s director.

“I Agree With You” features Stevie Shale and Ross Compton, is directed by Jake VanKersen, written by Ross Compton, produced by Tyler Core, Scott Cupper, Compton, and VanKersen. John Otterbacher is the Executive Producer. 

The Lake Michigan Film Festival marked the first out-of-state festival appearance for the film. Previously, it had been screened locally as part of Professor O’s Producing Festival at the Music Box Theater. The focus for that screening was producing an ultra-low-budget feature, which “I Agree With You” certainly is, as it had a production budget of $20,000.

Chicago had a strong showing at the Lake Michigan Film Festival, with the narrative awards being swept by Chicago-based filmmakers. The Best Short Film went to “Nau∂r” from director Connor Ryan. Best Student Film went to “Check Please” from recent Northwestern graduate Shane Chung. Chicago-based filmmaker Jared Isaac also presented his feature film, “My Autumn Summer”.

These films played in the festival alongside “The Tales of Harsh Gruder” from Chicago-based directors John Otterbacher and  J. Paul Preseault, and features Bobby Rafferty. The short film, written by Presault and Rafferty, played as part of the short films block. 

“I Agree With You” will next be screened at The Broad Street Film Festival on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 4:00 p.m.

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All press inquiries can be accessed through director Jake VanKersen (jakevankersen@fortified-films.com) or producer Tyler Core (tylercore@fortified-films.com)