312 is a grounded, student-led short film written and directed by Michael Rogowski, a senior at Loyola University Chicago. This film is his “Capstone” film, or his final project as a film student.

312 follows Ali, a recently paroled felon, and Amara, his supportive and dedicated partner. Together, they navigate the complexities of reintegrating into society with the label of “ex-con.” When Ali gets a knock on his door from an old friend, he is forced to confront his past and future, contemplating a choice that threatens to unravel all he has worked for, all within the confines of the titular apartment 312.

This film is an exploration of masculinity and morality in the face of institutional pressures, highlighting the struggles of marginalized individuals in a society that does not forgive or forget.

You do not need to be a felon to understand the power of labels. Labels act as tools, ones that have lasting ramifications for those who may be on their receiving end. They can detract from a person’s character or, inversely, put someone on a pedestal, both often undeservedly. The ways we interact and engage with these labels speak to their influence, a topic that 312 unwraps throughout the course of Ali’s journey. Even within the comfort of his own home, he must work hard to retain the semblance of normalcy that is denied him by these labels. Will they define him, or will he tell his own story?

To bring this film to life, we need your support! With the funds from this campaign, we can invest in a location that brings 312 to life, both the apartment itself and the production design that makes it a real, lived-in space. This includes decorations, furniture, and props — all necessary to create a home for Ali and Amara that encapsulates their life together.

Additionally, we will use these funds to provide our hardworking crew with meals during long shoot days spent creating the world of 312. Food and snacks are important! All of our cast and crew need to eat to stay happy and healthy. Snacks will be available at all times on set, and lunch will be provided.

Finally, we will submit 312 to film festivals alongside its screening at the Loyola University Chicago Illumination Film Festival. These submissions are pivotal to increasing 312’s reach.

Every film is only made possible by the contributions of the community around it, and 312 is no exception! With your help, we can tell Ali’s story the way it was always meant to be told.

Statement from Director:

As a double major in criminal justice and film, I have always admired the way that films can highlight societal issues that may be unbeknownst to the viewer. This film is, at its core, an interdisciplinary project that melds my passion for legal advocacy and filmmaking, one that draws from personal experiences and my studies alike.

Ali’s experiences are not singular. They are a snapshot of the problems faced by thousands of Chicagoans and millions of Americans. Film has the unique ability to confront the audience with these harsh truths through a visual medium. In a nation that leads the world in incarceration rates by a wide margin, the voices of the overlooked must be heard to create lasting change; film can give these communities the chance to tell their stories unencumbered by the assumptions and labels that had previously defined them.