Ines Sommer
Introduction (2-3 lines)
Ines Sommer is an award-winning filmmaker drawn to stories about humans and nature, rural life, public rituals, grassroots politics, and history. Often working solo, her films are characterized by an observational and intimate storytelling approach. She has directed character-driven and observational documentaries alongside essay films that have aired on public television and screened at festivals, theaters and community settings. Learn more about her work at www.inessommer.com
Ines Sommer is a Chicago-based filmmaker, film programmer, and educator, who is drawn to stories about humans and nature, public rituals, politics, rural life, and history. Her films range from observational and character-driven documentaries to essay films, experimental projects, and installations. Her long-form directing credits include the human rights documentary Beneath the Blindfold (2012); Count Me In (2016), a MacArthur Foundation-supported grassroots democracy documentary that aired on PBS stations across the U.S.; and the award-winning Seasons of Change on Henry's Farm (2019), which follows Midwest farmer Henry Brockman as he tackles the impact of climate change on his sustainable family farm. The Hills (2023) looks at the steel industry's toxic legacy in Chicago and aired on WTTW, Chicago's PBS station. Ines' interest in rural stories continues with The Fair (2025), which is set in a conservative rural community and looks at the spectacle and rituals of an annual county fair. In addition to making films, Ines has long been involved in advocating for regional independent filmmakers and in curating and organizing public programs, including film series, festivals and the Doc Chicago conference, which she founded in 2019. Ines was included in Newcity magazine's annual Film 50: Chicago's Screen Gems list multiple times for being "one of 50 individuals who shape Chicago's film scene." Ines teaches fulltime at Northwestern University.
