There are free events, premieres, and a chance to chat with director John McNaughton this week in Chicago. Even better, there's still time to help save the historic Portage Theater. Here's what's happening in Chicago film from March 30-April 4, 2012. Remember to check the show times before you go.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Delve into history with "In Search of Haydn," a documentary about the classical music composer by filmmaker Phil Grabsky, showing at 6:00 p.m. at the Gene Siskel Film Center. You can then discuss the film with Grabsky after the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday showings. Moviegoers with tickets for the 8:00 p.m. Saturday show can celebrate Hadyn's 280th birthday at a reception at 7:00 p.m.
The Expanded Narratives series also continues at the Siskel Film Center with "Tropical Malady," an interesting intermix of two stories, screening at 6:00 p.m. Click here for ticket information.
Experience a modern take on classic film noir with the premiere of "Stiletto" at the Portage Theater. The free event includes a red carpet and post-film discussion with director Kyle Thomas. Find out how you can help save the Portage Theater, and then head there to see what you're saving.
Check out the films that come in through the door at Chicago Filmmakers' Open Screening Night. Bring your own or just come to enjoy the work of local filmmakers; everyone who brings a film of up to 20 minutes will have their project screened. Free; starts at 8:00 p.m.
If you can't wait to see the newest installment in the "American Pie" series, "American Reunion," head over to Hollywood Chicago and register to win one of 50 pairs of tickets to an advance screening.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Monsters abound at the Portage with "Welcome to the Monster Party," a daylong event filled with film and memorabilia. Doors open at noon for browsing the collectibles, and the first film, "Abbot and Costello Meet Frankenstein," screens at 1:00 p.m. Admission for the day is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids.
Conversations at the Edge at the Siskel Film Center offers "Gravity Was Everywhere Back Then" at 12:30 p.m. It's a stop-motion film based on a true story featuring an unusual collection of puppets, drawings, and hand-built sets. Filmmaker Brent Green will appear in person.
Head to an advance screening of the film that explores what it takes for a lasting marriage, "Still Standing," at ICE Theaters. Tickets are $10.00, with a showtime of 7:30 p.m.
Get a dose of film education at Facets Multi-Media Cinémathèque with "A Light in the Darkness of Calcutta: The Bengali Detective" hosted by the Chicago Cinema Society's Neil Calderone. The movie screens at midnight; admission is $5.00.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
No fooling, Chicago Screenwriters Network will be hosting an evening with "Wild Things" director John McNaughton at the restaurant Porkchop. Get insider information from a director over chicken and waffles and, if you are so inclined, whiskey. Admission is $5.00. The evening starts at 6:00 p.m.
Fans of YouTube videos can do some good on Sunday with "Perfect Match: Benefit Concert" featuring JustKidding Films, Tiffany Alvord, Arden Cho, Lil Crazed, Michelle Martinez, and other Internet sensations. The charity event starts at 7:30 p.m. at Mandel Hall at the University of Chicago, and is intended to increase awareness of the need for Asian bone marrow donors. Tickets are $10.00; VIP tickets are $30.00.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
The Northwest Chicago Film Society will screen "Liebelei," German-Jewish director Max Ophuls's 1933 film that was stripped of his name and the name of Jewish playwright Arthur Schnitzler when it originally debuted in Nazi Germany. The Portage hosts the showing at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $5.00.
Venue Addresses and Contact Details:
Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., Chicago, IL - (312) 846-2800
Portage Theater, 4050 North Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL - (773) 736-4050
Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 North Clark St., Chicago, IL - (773) 293-1447
ICE Theaters, 210 West 87th St., Chicago, IL - (773) 892-3204
Facets Multi-Media Cinematheque, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. Chicago, IL - (773) 281-4114
Porkchop, 941 West Randolph St., Chicago, IL - (312) 733-9333
Mandel Hall at the University of Chicago, 1131 East 57th St., Chicago, IL
Find showtimes and tickets near you on Yahoo! Movies.