There is a particular kind of magic that only exists in the rough, flickering grain of celluloid. In an era where digital perfection dominates the multiplex and the streaming algorithm rules the living room, a small, silent short film is arriving to remind us why we fell in love with the moving image in the first place. THIS IS WHERE I WANT TO BE is not a blockbuster. It is not a star vehicle. It is, according to the filmmakers, a love letter - and it is coming to OTT Stories.
This two-minute short, shot on 16mm Kodak T200 film, represents a throwback to the tactile, physical roots of cinema. It is a project born out of the Chicago Film Society's Intro to 16mm class, an endeavor that speaks to the preservation and celebration of analog formats. The result is a silent, visual tapestry that captures the heartbeat of a major American city through the lens of a mechanical camera, offering viewers a raw, unedited scan of the original print. It is a brief, fleeting glance at the world, but one that promises to linger long after the projector stops.
Release Date & Where to Watch
As of today, October 11, 2026, specifics regarding the streaming debut of THIS IS WHERE I WANT TO BE remain under wraps. While the film has been confirmed for the OTT Stories platform, a precise release date has yet to be announced by the distributors. Given the niche, artistic nature of the project, we can expect a rollout that likely caters to film festivals, arthouse circuits, and specialized streaming curation rather than a wide, simultaneous global drop.
The lack of a confirmed release date adds a layer of mystique to the project. For cinephiles who thrive on the hunt, this is part of the appeal. It suggests that the film is being handled with care, likely positioned as a special event or a featured short rather than mere filler content. We will continue to monitor the situation, but for now, audiences should keep their eyes peeled on OTT Stories for an announcement regarding when this two-minute slice of Chicago life will become available.
Cast & Crew
In terms of traditional star power, THIS IS WHERE I WANT TO BE operates in a different stratosphere. The verified metadata lists no cast members and no director. This absence of credited names is not an oversight; rather, it reinforces the film's focus on place and atmosphere over personality. Without actors reciting dialogue, the "cast" is effectively the city of Chicago itself, and the "crew" is the collective of students and filmmakers who banded together under the guidance of the Chicago Film Society.
The film was made possible by the Society's Intro to 16mm class, highlighting an educational and communal approach to filmmaking. This background suggests a collaborative effort, where the technical skill of loading, shooting, and developing 16mm film was the true star of the production. While we do not have a name to attach to the director's chair, the credit belongs to the instructors and students who navigated the complexities of analog film stock to bring this vision to life. It is a reminder that cinema is a craft, and this project is a testament to the hands-on learning process.
Story & What to Expect
Do not expect a traditional narrative arc with a beginning, middle, and end. THIS IS WHERE I WANT TO BE is described as a silent short film featuring over 30 locations across the city of Chicago. At just two minutes long, the film acts as a rapid-fire montage, a cinematic poem composed of fleeting moments captured in black and white.
Because it was shot on Kodak T200 - a high-speed black-and-white film stock - viewers should expect a specific aesthetic. This stock is known for its grain and contrast, giving the imagery a gritty, timeless quality that digital cameras often struggle to replicate authentically. The film is also an "unedited scan of the only, original print." This implies that what we will see is the raw footage exactly as it was developed, without the polish of digital post-production. The result will likely be a lo-fi, impressionistic journey through Chicago's neighborhoods, parks, and streets.
Without dialogue or sound, the film relies entirely on its visual language. It opens a window onto the city, presenting a series of postcards from the Midwest. The title itself - THIS IS WHERE I WANT TO BE - implies a sense of belonging and contentment. Whether it focuses on architecture, street corners, or the people within them, the film aims to evoke a feeling of place. It is a meditation on environment, inviting the audience to simply exist within these 30-plus locations for a brief, precious moment.
Why It's Worth Watching
In a saturated market of streaming content, a two-minute silent short might seem like an anomaly. However, it is precisely this brevity and distinctiveness that make it essential viewing for anyone who appreciates the art form. THIS IS WHERE I WANT TO BE is an experiment in preservation. It champions the physical medium of 16mm at a time when film stock is becoming increasingly rare and expensive. By watching it, audiences are participating in the survival of analog cinema.
Furthermore, the film serves as a showcase for the Chicago Film Society's educational initiatives. It is a tangible result of a community coming together to learn and create. The TMDb rating currently sits at 0/10, but that is merely a reflection of its obscurity and lack of votes rather than its quality. This is a film that exists outside the standard metrics of success.
It is a piece of art made "with a lot of love," according to the official overview. That sentiment permeates every frame of this project. For those who are tired of CGI spectacles and formulaic scripts, this short offers a palate cleanser. It is a chance to see Chicago through the eyes of students wielding vintage equipment, capturing the light and shadow of a city that has long been a muse for storytellers. Keep an eye on OTT Stories; this is a short journey worth taking.
