Manual Cinema is a renowned brand that offers a unique blend of performance art, design, and film production. Founded in 2010 and based in Chicago, this Emmy Award-winning collective combines shadow puppetry, cinematic techniques, and innovative sound and music to create captivating stories for both stage and screen. With the use of vintage overhead projectors, multiple screens, puppets, actors, live feed cameras, and a live music ensemble, Manual Cinema delivers an immersive and theatrical experience that redefines the traditional cinema experience.

Their exceptional talents have earned them numerous accolades, including an Emmy in 2017 and recognition as Chicago Artists of the Year in 2018. Their shadow puppet animations have even been featured in the widely acclaimed film Candyman. With their recent premieres and adaptations of beloved children's books, Manual Cinema continues to push the boundaries of storytelling and captivate audiences with their imaginative creations