Jack McCoy, the 28-year-old founder of Sweet Void Cinema, a microcinema in Humboldt Park, has a passion for creating a space for accessible cinema in Chicago. Originally from the suburbs of Detroit, Jack moved to Chicago in 2014 to study cinema at Columbia College Chicago. Since then, he has been dedicated to producing and showcasing films that resonate with everyday Chicagoans.
Sweet Void Cinema began as a collaboration between Jack and three others in 2020. Aliya Haq came up with the name, and after a feature fell through in 2021, they had the opportunity to create a space that would eventually become a theater. With the dedication of Jack and his team, the microcinema side of Sweet Void Cinema began to flourish, showcasing experimental cinema and providing a platform for filmmakers of all levels of professionalism to screen their work.
Jack’s day-to-day work at Sweet Void is diverse, from quality-checking films to coordinating film festivals and running a screenwriting workshop. He is particularly proud of the workshop, which has brought together aspiring writers and filmmakers to create new and exciting projects. Jack’s love of film stems from a variety of influences, from blockbusters to arthouse films, and he is dedicated to balancing his passion for cinema with real-world issues.
In light of the pandemic, Jack has been vigilant about maintaining COVID protocols at Sweet Void Cinema, prioritizing the safety of his team and patrons. Despite the challenges, he remains committed to providing a space for filmmakers to thrive in Chicago. Jack envisions Sweet Void as a hub for emerging filmmakers, offering opportunities for those who may not have access to traditional avenues of film production.
With Chicago’s favorable rental prices, accessibility to permits, and the state’s generous tax incentives for filmmakers, Jack sees the city as a perfect place for cultural innovation in the film industry. He hopes that Sweet Void Cinema can continue to grow and inspire a new generation of filmmakers in Chicago, signaling to investors the potential for impactful film projects to emerge from the city.
As Jack looks to the future, he remains hopeful that Sweet Void Cinema will play a significant role in fostering creativity and diversity in the Chicago film scene. By providing a platform for emerging talent and prioritizing accessibility, Jack aims to create a space where all filmmakers, regardless of background or experience, can find a home for their work.
