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11th Annual European Union Film Festival

The Gene Siskel Film Center welcomes you to the 11th Annual European Union Film Festival, the largest showcase for the cinema of the European Union nations in North America. This is our largest festival yet, with 61 feature films, all Chicago premieres, representing 26 nations. From the most prominent of upcoming European releases to new discoveries, the festival provides a veritable “European vacation” in our two theaters over the next four weeks, all for the price of movie admission.

The festival opening celebration each year is presided over by the nation currently holding the presidency of the European Union. On Friday, March 7, our honorary host Dr. Zvone Zigon, Consul General of Slovenia, will introduce the opening night film ESTRELLITA, an affecting story of healing and renewal centered on a 12-year-old boy and a priceless violin. Slovenia’s presidency is additionally celebrated by its official Oscar entry SHORT CIRCUITS, a slyly humorous compendium of three tales triggered by an abandoned baby.

The festival is packed with sneak previews of films acclaimed at world-class festivals including Cannes, Berlin, Venice, Sundance, and Toronto, and many of these films will open for U.S. runs later this year. Be the first to see award-winners and critical sensations including IMPORT EXPORT, THE MONASTERY: MR. VIG AND THE NUN, A GIRL CUT IN TWO, ROMAN DE GARE, TELL NO ONE, THE EDGE OF HEAVEN, TO THE LIMIT, THE TIGER’S TAIL, THE UNKNOWN WOMAN, TIMECRIMES, IT’S A FREE WORLD…, and BATTLE FOR HADITHA.

Rare treats include: MONKEYS IN WINTER, a stunning, prize-winning debut from Bulgaria; AKAMAS, the EU Film Festival’s first feature from Cyprus; THE CLASS, a gripping, Lord of the Flies-like tale from Estonia; TIME TO DIE, a spirited, superbly acted film from Poland’s Dorota Kedzierzawska; and two haunting companion pieces by Spain’s rising master José Luis Guerín, IN THE CITY OF SYLVIA and SOME PHOTOS IN THE CITY OF SYLVIA. The red-hot Romanian cinema is represented by THE WAY I SPENT THE END OF THE WORLD and THE REST IS SILENCE. Our closing night film on Thursday, April 3, is KINGS, the first major motion picture in Irish Gaelic, with an outstanding cast headed by Colm Meaney.

Hungary’s acclaimed actor-director Róbert Koltai appears in person on Saturday, March 29, and Monday, March 31 with his raucous comedy TRAIN KEEPS A ROLLIN’. On Friday, March 28, Czech screenwriter-novelist Jan Pelc will present his wild look-back at the hippie era, IT’S GONNA GET WORSE. A panel discussion will follow the screening of the provocative German drama AND ALONG COME TOURISTS on Sunday, March 30.

Check our website at www.siskelfilmcenter.org often for updates on guest appearances and added special events in association with screenings.

The Gene Siskel Film Center thanks the consulates, the consuls general, and the cultural institutes of the European Union in Chicago, and their embassies in Washington, D.C. for their enthusiastic participation. We especially salute the efforts of all those who served on the festival planning committee. For additional assistance we thank Culture Ireland.

-- Barbara Scharres and Martin Rubin

Opening Night Film!

Slovenia
ESTRELLITA
2007, Metod Pevec, Slovenia, 90 min.
With Silva Cusin, Tadej Troha

Following the death of a famous violinist, his devoted wife is shocked to discover that her husband had long led a double life. In anger she makes a gift of the priceless violin he fondly named “Little Star” to the 12-year-old son of penniless Bosnian immigrants. The boy’s prodigious talent shines through the rare instrument, but Julian, son of the dead man, intends to claim his inheritance. ESTRELLITA soars with soulful music, fine performances, and an affecting story of healing and renewal. In Slovenian with English subtitles. 35mm print courtesy of the Ministry of Public Affairs, Republic of Slovenia. (BS)

Note: No free passes or blue tickets will be valid for the opening night screening on Friday.

Friday, March 7, 7:00 pm
Sunday, March 9, 3:15 pm

Closing Night Film!

Ireland
KINGS
2007, Tom Collins, Ireland/UK, 88 min.
With Colm Meaney, Donal O’Kelly

The first major motion picture shot largely in Irish Gaelic, KINGS is adapted from Jimmy Murphy’s play The Kings of Kilburn Road. Five long-estranged boyhood friends meet in a London pub for a boozy tribute to a sixth, Jackie, recently dead. Bonded through blood and friendship when they left Ireland in the ‘70s, all have failed in life except for Joe (Meaney), whose success is built on betrayal. Tour-de-force performances by a remarkable crew of actors fluidly alternating Gaelic and English make this a gripping and eloquent look at the aftermath of dreams. In Irish Gaelic and English with English subtitles. Preview courtesy of Panorama Entertainment. 35mm. (BS)

Note: No free passes or blue tickets will be valid for the closing night screening.

Immediately following the screening, the audience is invited to a closing night reception hosted by Whole Foods Market.

Thursday, April 3, 6:30 pm

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