TAKE FIVE
Synopsis
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Chicago’s jazz scene, Take Five follows Karim, a gifted but struggling pianist balancing his artistic ambitions with mounting family pressure. Juggling late-night gigs and food delivery shifts, Karim dreams of securing a coveted residency at The Junction — a break that could change everything.
After facing rejection from the club and growing financial strain, Karim agrees to work as a driver for Rico, a charismatic money-launderer who opens the door to fast cash — and far greater danger. As Rico pulls him deeper into the city’s criminal underbelly, Karim finds himself entangled with a ruthless loan shark, forcing him to confront escalating debts, moral compromises, and the weight of family expectations.
Take Five is a tense, character-driven portrait of a young artist struggling to hold onto his music — and his soul — in a city that demands hard choices. Rooted in Chicago’s cultural heartbeat, the film explores the sacrifices behind creative pursuit, the complexity of immigrant identity, and the fragile line between survival and self-destruction.
Meet The Team
Project Status
We are currently in the early stages of pre-production for Take Five. Take Five has secured fiscal sponsorship through The Gotham Film & Media Institute and is actively finalizing private investment. The film will proudly donate 5% of all back-end profits to the Jazz Institute of Chicago, supporting the preservation of the city’s rich jazz heritage.
Take Five is a fiscally sponsored, micro-budget independent feature with a total budget of approximately $79,000. The film will be financed through a combination of private investment, targeted grants, and grassroots crowdfunding. With key partnerships, in-kind contributions, and an intentionally lean production approach, we are maximizing production value while controlling costs.
Private investment opportunities are currently available. For more information or to request investment materials, please contact us directly.
Take Five is being sponsored by
