THE RADIO HALL OF FAME induction of controversial conservative broadcaster Dr. James Dobson of “Focus on the Family” stays, regardless of protests to the contrary by gay and other anti-bigotry groups.
Bruce DuMont, president/founder of the Museum of Broadcast Communications, Radio Hall of Fame sponsor, defended Dr. Dobson’s nomination by the RHOF steering committee. “Radio is an industry predicated on free speech — Dr. Dobson and Howard Stern, who were nominated in the same category don’t see the world in the same way,” DuMont said.
Dobson and seven others broadcasters will be inducted into the 15th annual Radio Hall of Fame at a ceremony Nov. 8 at the Renaissance Hotel.
CIFF OUTDID ITSELF this year, with an outstanding assortment of worldwide movies, lots of acclaimed actors to fill the glamour vacuum and 70 directors!
One of those actors is Vigo Mortensen (“Eastern Promises”), who will receive the Career Achievement Award on Oct. 29, followed by the U.S. Premiere of his new movie, “Good,” at the Harris Theatre. He will be accompanied by the director, Vicente Amorim and fellow actor Jason Issacs.
OTHER SPECIAL APPEARANCES: Director Gregory Nava will present a restored print of his “El Norte” Oct. 26 at the Music Box.
On Oct. 28, Actress Jada Pinkett Smith will present her directorial debut, “The Human Contract,” accompanied by actor Jason Clarke at the AMC River East Theatre.
To top it off, on closing night, Oct. 29 Vigo Mortensen will receive a Lifetime Achievement award, followed by the premiere of his starring role in “Good,” at the Harris Theatre. Director Vicente Amorim and actor Jason Issacs will also walk the red carpet.
A SURFEIT OF ADVERTISING RICHES comes to Chicago in November. The winners’ reel of two New York international commercial competitions will screen here a scant five days apart, and at two totally opposite venues.
The Nov. 20 AICP Show in Chicago is trendy, dressy affair at the History Museum, whereas the Nov. 25 One Show is a no-frills, no charge screening at Columbia College, the One Show’s Chicago sponsor. See details about both annual events in Screenings & Events.
ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT, “The Dark Knight,” Jerry Vasilatos’ fan film based on the blockbuster movie, will air over Ch. 19 at 9:30 p.m. with an encore Nov. 2 at 4:30.
“THE DARK FRIGHT” is the theme of producer Ari Golan’s 23rd annual Halloween party Nov, 1, at Golan/Atomic Studios. The $65 “per corps” ticket provides all-inclusive food and drink, music by five bands, a mystery guest and DJ Rockstar.
APPLAUSE FOR STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY for being tapped to receive $1.075 million over 5 years to create programs aimed at younger audiences and create models for other arts groups to follow. The largesse came from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
Steppenwolf was the only Illinois arts group out of ten being honored.
FUND-RAISING EVENTS paid off handsomely for Split Pillow, which raised $35,000 from its elegant penthouse gala that attracted 120 supporters, and IFP, whose second annual gala netted $30,000 from the support of 300 guests.
