New independent movie filmed in Aurora

Local filmmaker and Aurora native Noah Way just wrapped filming on his second independent feature film in and around the Aurora area.

The movie is titled "Ekstasis" and is scheduled for release in late 2020.

Locations that were used in the film are a couple of Aurora's downtown hot-spots: Gillerson's Grubbery, 33 W. New York St., and Tredwell Coffee, 14 W. Downer Place. Filming took place during off-business hours and on the weekends.

"I'm beyond excited to be producing this movie in my hometown," said Noah Way, writer and director of the film. "I want to create something that shows a piece of the world that hasn't been seen or discovered on film before. As an artist, I believe drawing from my own experiences will make the film that much more personal, unique and authentic."

Local business owners are also enthusiastic about being featured in the movie. "We are thrilled Noah chose our restaurant as a filming location. It's a great way to give our local eatery national exposure," said Kerri Lee-Young, marketing director of Gillerson's Gubbery.

"Ekstasis" follows a recent college graduate and struggling artist searching for meaning and an experience to revive his art. He finds inspiration in an unlikely friendship with an aspiring actor, which triggers an unraveling in himself. The movie also features multiple actors and crew members from around the Fox Valley and Chicago area.

Noah Way's first feature film was the well-received comedy/drama "Rink", which also featured some of Aurora's most iconic locations including the Aurora Skate Center and Colonial Cafe. "Rink" is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Media and the public can get updates and follow the filmmaking process of "Ekstasis" by using the hashtag #EkstasisMovie or by following Dystopian Studios on social media.

"Ekstasis" is being produced by Dystopian Studios in association with Broken Road Media.

Noah Way is a director, filmmaker and performer whose work has appeared on stage and screen in Chicago and Los Angeles. He produced numerous short films including "Transgression" and "And Then There Was One" before directing his first feature film "Rink" which was released on Amazon Prime in early 2019. He studied directing at the graduate level in Los Angeles where he worked on many film and television productions. He has also been featured on the fifth season of "Chicago Fire" and most recently in the crime-sci-fi thriller "Captive State" starring John Goodman.