Indie premiere on rooftop under the stars tonight

Tonight, the premiere of a Chicago-produced indie films will screen under the stars on the rooftop of Whole Foods in Lincoln Park, presented by Susie and Eddie Linker’s Elevated Films.

Queen of Earth,” a psychological thriller starring Elizabeth Moss (“Mad Men”) and Katherine Waterston (“Boardwalk Empire”), was directed by Alex Ross Perry (“Listen Up Philip”).  It opens theatrically Sept. 4 at the Music Box.

The story is about two women who grew up and discover as adults their relationship had changed when they reunite at a lake house together.

The husband-and-wife team are finance professionals who got into the film business last year to produce low-budget indies.  They co-founded Forager Films, with feature filmmakers Joe Swanberg and Peter Gilbert, who also served as EPs on “Queen of Earth.”

Forager Films has produced two of Joe Swanberg films and Kris Swanberg’s acclaimed “The Unexpected.”

Film producers Eddie and Susie LinkerThis is Elevated Films’ second screening atop Whole Foods’ 78,000-sq. ft. rooftop, where about 400 moviegoers are expected tonight. 

The idea for a Chicago was inspired by Rooftop Films, a Brooklyn series, where a few of the Linkers’ films have screened.

“Eddie thought this was a terrific idea and felt Chicago would embrace it,” Susie Linker says.  “People like to get out in the summertime and this way, we felt, we could raise the awareness and accessibility of independent films.”

All profits are turned back to community arts programs, such as Chicago’s After School Matters and New York’s Scenario, USA.

Next year, they plan to expand the rooftop venues to other neighborhoods throughout the city. 

Tickets are $15 for an evening of entertainment under the stars, starting at 7 p.m.  Local band Lili K performs at 7:30 p.m., followed by a short film written by a teen member of Scenario USA.

“Queen of Earth” starts at sunset, around 8:15. 

Whole Foods is providing the snacks; tastings from the Koval Distillery and beer from local Revolution Brews.

See the movie trailer here.