“Looking Back is Looking Forward,” Naper Settlement’s introductory film, was awarded a Gold Telly in History and a Silver Telly in Not-for-profit from the Telly Awards as well as a Platinum Award from AVA Digital Awards. The Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television across all screens. AVA Digital Awards is an international competition that recognizes excellence by creative professionals responsible for the planning, concept, direction, design, and production of digital communication.
Within the Birck Family Innovation Gateway, the 4-minute orientation film transports visitors through the history of Naperville across a 36′ x 11′ immersive projection. Narrated by Emmy-Award winner Bill Kurtis, stories of Naperville’s transformation, tragedy, triumph, and resilience fill the space with astounding historical photography, animations, and soundbites that inspire visitors to make their mark on the community’s history.
“We are incredibly honored that our film has been recognized by both the Telly Awards and AVA Digital Awards,” said Harriet Pistorio, chief operating officer at Naper Settlement. “Our hope for this film was to share the history of Naperville in an immersive way while also inspiring individuals to reflect upon their own story and how they contribute to our community and beyond.”
To view the film, please visit: https://www.tellyawards.com/winners/2025/non-broadcast/general-history/looking-back-is-looking-forward-naper-settlement-museum-visitor-introductory-film/332554/
To learn more about Naper Settlement, please visit: https://napersettlement.org