FACETS and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) will celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Chicago-made holiday classic Home Alone (1990) with a special free screening and reunion panel on Saturday, December 13 at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.
Presented as part of the Chicago Cultural Center’s Open House programming, the event begins at 2:00 p.m. and will feature several local crew members who worked on the iconic production. Seating is first-come, first-served, and RSVPs do not guarantee entry.
A Chicago Film Legacy
Few could have predicted the enduring impact of Home Alone. Written and produced by Chicago filmmaking legend John Hughes and directed by Chris Columbus, the film held the title of “highest-grossing live-action comedy” for 27 years to follow. Beyond its record-breaking box office success, Home Alone added a major commercial success to Chicago’s already thriving production scene and thirty-five years later, remains a beloved holiday staple, cherished by audiences across generations.
Special Anniversary Program
As part of FACETS’ Chicago on Screen 50th Anniversary series, this event reunites key members of the original Chicago crew for a panel discussion. Attendees will hear behind-the-scenes stories about the making of the film, including insights into Kevin McCallister’s now-legendary booby traps, on-set experiences, and reflections on the legacy of John Hughes. The panel will be moderated by Rich Moskal, former Director of the Chicago Film Office and current FACETS Board Co-Chair.
Event Schedule
2:00 p.m. – Screening of Home Alone
3:45 p.m. – Chicago crew panel
Home Alone Reunion Panelists
Jim Giovannetti – A veteran 1st Assistant Director and Producer with more than 50 film and television credits, including Chicago Fire (NBC), Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (Paramount), Barbershop (MGM), and The Breakfast Club (Universal). He served as 2nd Assistant Director on Home Alone and later became Executive Producer at Hughes Entertainment.
Dan Clancy – Production designer and longtime art department leader whose credits include Proven Innocent (FOX), The Informant! (Warner Bros), Tropic Thunder (DreamWorks), and Road to Perdition (DreamWorks). He was Set Decorator on Home Alone.
Rick LeFevour – A stuntman and actor with more than 40 years of experience and over 250 film and television credits. Currently stunt coordinator for Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, and The Bear, he has contributed stunts to many of Chicago’s most iconic films including The Dark Knight, The Untouchables, High Fidelity, Backdraft, and Home Alone.
Jacolyn Bucksbaum – Before becoming a civic leader and philanthropist, Bucksbaum worked as a location manager and assistant director on several John Hughes classics, including Uncle Buck, Only the Lonely, Dennis the Menace, Home Alone, and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
Chicago on Screen
Home Alone is featured as part of FACETS’ Chicago on Screen 50th Anniversary series, which showcases landmark Chicago films, filmmakers, and the crews who brought them to life. The series is made possible through the support of Lead 50th Anniversary Sponsor Liz Stiffel.
More information, including full program descriptions, trailers, and ticketing details, is available on the FACETS website.
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