Watch film about homelessness at Naperville Independent Film Festival

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Ayden, filmed in Florida, is another subject in Dianne Nilan’s award-winning documentary titled “on the edge.” | Submitted by Diane Nilan

At a Glance

What: “on the edge” will be screened as part of the fourth annual Naperville Independent Film Festival. Representatives from both Bridge Communities and HEAR US will be on hand to answer questions. Diane Nilan and Laura Vazquez will do a brief question-and-answer session after the film.

When: 8:20 p.m. Sept. 19

Where: Ogden 6 Theaters, 1227 E. Ogden Ave., Naperville

Cost: $5

On the web: www.hearus.us

Article Extras

Updated: November 30, 2011 12:22AM

Diane Nilan was so passionate about the plight of the homeless in the United States that she sold her Fox Valley house, car and possessions, bought a motor home and traveled around the country to chronicle their stories. Some of what she has seen and heard is revealed in the award-winning documentary titled “on the edge,” which tells seven women’s stories of homelessness.

“The stories that these women share, so articulately, and so powerfully,” said Nilan, 61, “are the stories of a great number of homeless families that are out there.”

Nilan, 61, has worked for the last 25 years with homeless families, including associate director for Aurora’s Hesed House. She also started the Naperville-based national nonprofit HEAR US, an organization dedicated to giving voice and visibility to homeless children and youth.

Although she had no filmmaking background, six years ago Nilan wanted to make one to shine a spotlight on the issue of homelessness. After she had shot footage, she was introduced to Laura Vazquez, associate professor in the department of communication at Northern Illinois University. Vazquez helped put together Nilan’s first film and then wanted to work with her on a documentary about homeless women.

Shattering stereotypes

The seven women featured in the film, who represent places from Arizona to Pennsylvania, allowed Nilan and Vazquez to follow and document their daily lives. According to Nilan, this candidness allows viewers to gain a sense of the world these women live.

“As an advocate and activist for homeless families and youth,” Nilan said. “I see this as a tremendous tool to foster ... understanding.”

Nilan says that, before a screening, she frequently asks the audience what their image of a homeless person is. More often than not they picture the homeless man standing on the street, begging for money.

“That’s the stereotype that I think keeps us from addressing the causes of homelessness and poverty,” Nilan said. “Because they don’t understand the underlying causes and who’s affected by homelessness.”

Joining forces

Bridge Communities, a nonprofit organization that assists homeless families in DuPage County, has a long history with Nilan and her work as a homeless advocate. As such, Bridge Communities has teamed with her to promote the film.

“Why (the film) resonates with us is because it’s such a good way for people to understand this is homelessness,” said Jennie Gates, special event manager for Bridge Communities. “They look like you. They look like me. They look like my next-door neighbors. And this is what (Nilan’s) been able to capture so well.”

Bridge Communities also hopes that the film will be a launching pad for their annual fundraiser, Sleep Out Saturday. By sleeping in tents, cars and boxes Nov. 5, participants raise awareness and funds for the families in the Bridge program.

“We hope people will view the movie and really feel touched by it and say it’s not enough to know about homelessness, but what can I do about it,” Gates said.

As for Nilan, she plans to continue traveling the country in her motor home, promoting “on the edge” at colleges and conferences.

“It’s in my heart,” Nilan said. “It’s not hard to do for me. I’ve been gifted so much. (The homeless) have given me so much. It’s their stories that need to be told. If I can be the instrument for that, so much the better for my life.”