With the advent of Labor Day, when white shoes are tucked in the back of the closet, and sunlight vanishes all-too-early, a pent-up avalanche of non-theatrical films descends upon Chicago.
There’s something for everyone, as hundreds and hundreds of indie films will screen in more than 75 movie events to date at familiar and new venues, now through December.
In the mix are comedy shorts, Split Pillow collaborations, horror marathons, ethnic festivals, a four-part “War and Peace,” Columbia College student films, a look-back at experimental films of the ?60s, the Chicago, Children’s and Lesbian & Gay International Film Festivals and so much more.
Many screenings will be enhanced by interviews with the distinguished and mostly Chicago filmmakers, who are achieving the recognition and celebration they deserve.
The number of screenings includes the weekly and monthly fare offered by such enduring venues as Facets Multimedia, Chicago Filmmakers, the U of C Doc Festival?America’s oldest film society at 75 years?Gene Siskel Film Center, IFP/Chicago and Midwest International Film Festival.
September’s offerings alone are a cornucopia of film experiences, some shown in unexpected settings to add to the fun. Some examples:
Sept. 7: The Fig Show is a multimedia party/movie happening where guests play a part in the movie being shot. At 1116 W. Granville. See www.figgy.net.
Sept. 8/9: The Chicago Short Film Brigade at the 11th Annual Hideout Block Party will screen its entire year of programming. At 1354 W. Wabansia. See www.hideoutchicago.com.
Sept. 8/9: The Chicago Big Damn Film Festival will show every movie submitted. At the Wyndham O’Hare in Rosemont, 6810 N. Mannheim. See www.bigdamnfilmfest.com.
Sept. 12: Split Pillow’s 6th season as a production and media literacy education company launches with the collaborative “The Disappearance of Daniel Dodger,” a suspense-thriller about identical twins. At the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division. See www.splitpillow.com.
Sept. 13: You’ll have a chance to meet Tom Palazzolo, Chicago’s first and famous experimental filmmakers, when seven preserved prints of his work 1967-1976 will premiere, followed by an interview with Palazzolo. At Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State.
