Special Events
Sneak preview!
Ken Vandermark and Daniel Kraus in person!
MUSICIAN
2007, Daniel Kraus, USA, 60 min.
In this second documentary in Kraus’s Work Series, inspired by the writings of Studs Terkel, avant-garde jazz musician Ken Vandermark does seem like an ordinary guy absorbed with arranging the logistics of his non-stop tours--until he picks up a saxophone, that is. Then the legendary Chicago artist with more than 100 recordings to his credit, recipient of a MacArthur Foundation “genius” grant, holds the screen with unassuming but undeniable star power. MUSICIAN focuses on rehearsals and ensemble work before cutting loose with the electrifying solo that concludes an intimate public performance. Mini-DV video. (BS)
Ken Vandermark will perform a solo set before the screening. Vandermark and director Daniel Kraus will be present for audience discussion. No free passes or blue tickets will be valid for this special screening.
Friday, August 24, 8:15 pm
THE REAL DIRT ON FARMER JOHN
2005, Taggart Siegel, USA, 82 min.
“A loving, moving, inspiring, quirky documentary.”--Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
One man’s desperate quest to save the family farm turns into a bumpy, funny, heart-rending 30-year saga that takes him from experimental hippie-commune days to the grandest experiment of all: organic farming for a disparate horde of big-city shareholders who crave the authentic green stuff. Along the way, farmer John’s suspicious northern-Illinois neighbors have called him a devil worshipper and a drug dealer, and have had to avert their eyes from performance art involving a certain pink feather boa. Filmmaker Siegel transforms this project of a lifetime into an irresistible portrait of the American dream in all its pioneer glory being born and reborn over three decades. Winner of more than 30 film festival awards. 35mm. (BS)
Saturday, August 4, 3:30 pm
Sunday, August 12, 3:00 pm
Saturday, August 18, 3:30 pm
Back by popular demand!
IN SEARCH OF MOZART
2006, Phil Grabsky, Britain, 128 min.
“A far more accurate, complete and endearingly human portrait of Mozart than any documentary has ever painted.”--John von Rhein, Chicago Tribune
Returning after successful runs in April and June, IN SEARCH OF MOZART is easily the most comprehensive and credible film ever made about the composer. Narration (by Juliet Stevenson), illustrations, present-day locales, excerpts from letters, and commentary from a host of historians (but no reenactments!) fluidly illuminate every aspect of Mozart’s life, including his stormy relationship with his father, his ardent marriage, his financial worries, his political infighting, and much more. At the same time, the biography is seamlessly interwoven with the music, brought to life through a constant flow of selections from over 70 works performed by distinguished orchestras, ensembles, and opera companies. DigiBeta video. (MR)
Sunday, August 5, 2:45 pm
Sunday, August 19, 2:45 pm
Chicago premiere!
Alice Elliott in person!
BODY & SOUL: DIANA & KATHY
2007, Alice Elliott, USA, 40 min.
Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Elliott explores a rare relationship between two people with disabilities: Diana, who has Down Syndrome; and Kathy, who has cerebral palsy. It’s an intimate look at the private world of two people who slipped out of the system and helped each other to lead meaningful, independent lives. Official site: www.dianaandkathy.com HD video.
Director Alice Elliott will be present for audience discussion.