Special Events
Chicago premiere!
Director G.J. Echternkamp in person!
FRANK & CINDY
2007, G.J. Echternkamp, USA, 73 min.
“Every single thing about FRANK & CINDY seems new and fresh and alive.”--Ira Glass, This American Life
“Like LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE…aims to put the fun back in dysfunction.”--Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
Picture these parents: mom Cindy is a former glamour-puss groupie, an imperious diva one minute, a wacko harridan the next; step-dad Frank Garcia is a chubby alcoholic whose fifteen minutes of fame for his chart-topping song “Whirly Girl” have been up for more than twenty years. Frank lives in contentious exile in the basement. Picture them is exactly what director Echternkamp does, creating a wild, funny, poignant portrait of a family that revolves around faded glory, unlikely ambitions, and hand-to-hand combat. Portions of FRANK & CINDY were featured on Ira Glass’s “This American Life” series on Showtime. See it complete here. DigiBeta video. (BS)
Director G.J. Echternkamp will be present on Friday and Saturday for audience discussion.
Friday, July 4, 7:00 pm
Saturday, July 5, 7:45 pm
Tuesday, July 8, 8:00 pm
Chicago premiere!
Filmmakers in person!
WHAT’S YOUR POINT, HONEY?
2008, Amy Sewell and Susan Toffler, USA, 87 min.
Seven female college students plucked from obscurity by COSMOgirl! magazine are groomed to assume leadership of the United States in 2024. The filmmakers, part of the MAD HOT BALLROOM team, follow the progress of these 2007 contest winners over the course of intense internships with corporations including Merrill Lynch, and agencies including the U.N. and NFL, as each learns to think and act as a future CEO or decision-maker in a global sphere. A fresh and outspoken take on women’s empowerment comes to life through the stories of the seven candidates, including that of Illinois participant Patrice of Rockford. DigiBeta video. (BS)
Directors Amy Sewell and Susan Toffler will be present for audience discussion.
Thursday, July 10, 8:15 pm
Chicago premiere!
Frank V. Ross in person!
PRESENT COMPANY
2008, Frank V. Ross, USA, 86 min.
With Frank V. Ross, Tamara Fana
Living in her parents’ basement with their toddler son, a struggling young suburban couple hangs on to a relationship that’s circling the drain. Buddy, a responsibility-resistant plumber’s apprentice, is frequenting strip clubs and staying out all night. Christy gets along like a harried single mom with a guilty weakness for her high school ex. Chicago writer/director/actor Ross (HOHOKAM, QUIETLY ON BY), who plays Buddy with a chip on his shoulder and a thousand-mile glare, has an unerring eye and ear for the rhythms and emotional distances of a relationship.
Director Frank V. Ross will be present for discussion at both screenings.
Saturday, July 12, 8:00 pm
Tuesday, July 15, 8:30 pm
Filmmakers in person!
INDESTRUCTIBLE
2007, Ben Byer, USA, 118 min.
“An immersive, edifying journey of acceptance, setback, and strength.”--Eddie Cockrell, Variety
“An autobiographical tour de force.”--Harry van Versendaal, International Herald Tribune
The diagnosis of Chicago actor/playwright Ben Byer with ALS, aka Lou Gehrig’s Disease, in 2002 at age 31, puts an end to his theatrical career but begins an unanticipated new one as filmmaker, chronicler of his own struggle, and advocate worldwide for sufferers of the neurological disease that has thus far eluded a cure. INDESTRUCTIBLE covers three amazing years in Byer’s life, a combination of intimate video diary and record of his journeys to destinations including China in pursuit of an herbal remedy, and Jerusalem to rediscover his Judaism. Winner of the Cinequest Film Festival’s Maverick Spirit award. DVCAM video. (BS)
The Gene Siskel Film Center is most sorry to report that director Ben Byer died on July 3 of ALS--the disease that he grapples with so movingly in INDESTRUCTIBLE. Producer Rebeccah Rush (Ben’s sister) and editor Tim Baron will appear at all three screenings, as we pay tribute to this courageous and talented artist.