It’s cheap, it’s audacious, it’s got a good message and it’s going to be huge. Fifteen performers and 31 short films will bombard Chicago’s Congress Theater on Friday, March 1, as part of the Undershorts Film Festival to promote the idea that “No War = Good.”

“(The goal is) to show people what it means, as an underground independent filmmaker, to have control of your creative output,” explains festival organizer Rusty Nails. “To be outrageous and ridiculous, all without pandering to people.”

Look for the festival to deliver on the outrageous front. In addition to a wide variety of films, the latest Undershorts incarnation will feature “live bands, puppet shows, Capoera dancing, ridiculous fashion shows, DJs, VJs, bands, fiction readers, sideshows and a live circus,” says Nails. “It’s more entertainment than you can buy anywhere in the whole city for $7.”

Nails’ logic is that such a spectrum of acts at such a low price will hold enough appeal to fill the historic 2,890-seat Congress Theater.

Conceived in 1999 as a film, performance art and music extravaganza, the Undershorts Film Festival was the brainchild of Nails and Chicago filmmakers Trevor Arnholt and Usama Alshaibi. As the festival enters its third year, Gym Jones has taken Alshaibi’s place in the leadership.

Featured films in this year’s incarnation include works by Jem Cohen, Chuck Przybyl, Art Jones and Matt Marsden.

“I hope this will be a night that will be a positive memory for people for a long time after the show,” Nails said. “We’re putting a huge amount of work into the show because the audience deserves it.” nyou