WHO HE IS: Patrick Friel, since 1996 the program director of 34-year old Chicago Filmmakers.
WHAT HE DOES: He coordinates nine programs a year with his only co-worker, executive director and Chicago Filmmakers’ founder Brenda Webb.
Having just ended the 19th Annual Onion City Experimental Film Festival, he’s sending out a call for entries for the Nov. 8-18 27th annual Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival.
ABOUT CHICAGO FILMMAKERS: A non-profit organization spun off in 1976 from an experimental film coalition that had hosted film screenings since 1973.
Vestiges of their original objective?to support filmmaking outside of the mainstream marketplace?can still be found through regular screenings at Chicago Filmmakers, the Chicago Cultural Center, and Cinema Borealis.
They offer filmmaking classes, equipment rental and rental or sale of over 600 film titles.
HOW HE VIEWS HIS JOB: As a resource to Chicago’s indie film community, Friel provides interesting and innovative work that is difficult to find in Chicago, while also supporting the mission to spotlight achievements in experimental filmmaking.
PROS: “We’re a small non-profit, which allows me to do a lot of different things.”
CONS: Again?”We’re a small non-profit, which allows me to do a lot of different things.”
KEY TO SUCCESS: His love for sharing an interest in experimental film.
BACKSTORY: He earned a B.A. in comparative literature and film studies from Indiana University and an M.A. in radio/TV/film from Northwestern. He worked at the Indianapolis Museum of Art for two-and-a-half years before moving to Chicago and joining Filmmakers.
BIG BREAK: He created his own break by cold calling the special events coordinator of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The museum loved his idea of enhancing their programming with a film festival. The project thrived with Patrick at the helm as film programmer.
WORDS OF WISDOM: “Make the kind of work that stands up by trusting your own opinions. Make work for yourself.”
ON THE SIDE: He enjoys films of all kinds, especially from favorite directors Orson Wells and Robert Bresson. “My taste in film is different than most.”
A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION: “Seeing new and young filmmakers coming along to keep the experimental genre invigorated.”
ULTIMATE GOAL: “To continue presenting exciting work.”
Chicago Filmmakers is at 5243 N. Clark; phone,773/293-1447; Email programming@chicagofilmmakers.org. See www.chicagofilmmakers.org.
