Special Events
World premiere!
Daniel J. Pico in person!
FAREWELL DARKNESS
2008, Daniel J. Pico, USA, 96 min.
With Keith Compton, BriAnna Weaver
After a harrowing tour of duty in Iraq, a young Marine returns to his Chicago neighborhood with a powder-keg temper, a relationship to rekindle with his uneasy girlfriend, a debt to collect from his buddies, and a score to settle with his abusive father. Director Daniel J. Pico (a Columbia College graduate) and screenwriter Roy Maurer (a Columbia grad and Marine Corps veteran) craft an intense drama whose hair-trigger shifts from lyricism to brutality mirror the unpredictable contours of their hero’s psyche. Pico works visual wonders on a low budget; the impressive combat scenes (filmed in Arizona) put many a mainstream production to shame. DigiBeta video. (MR)
Director Daniel J. Pico will be present for audience discussion.
Friday, May 2, 8:00 pm
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Undergraduate and Graduate
Film, Video, and Audio Presentations
Join us for two days of presentations by graduating BFA and MFA students from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, highlighting the best and brightest emerging talents working in film, video, and audio. Productions in hand-drawn computer animation, 16mm film, and digital video plus a range of genres provide an exciting and provocative look into the hearts and minds of this year’s graduates. Program details and full schedule will be available at the Box Office.
Admission is free. Tickets may only be obtained through the box office during regular box office hours.
Friday, May 9, 4:00 pm-9:30 pm
Saturday, May 10, 10:00 am-2:00 pm
Chicago premiere!
Maria Tallchief in person!
MARIA TALLCHIEF
2007, Sandra Osawa, USA, 57 min.
The Film Center is honored to welcome living legend Maria Tallchief to this premiere screening. Sandra Osawa’s fascinating documentary traces Ms. Tallchief’s illustrious career from her Osage Nation heritage to her training under Mme. Nijinska, her early triumphs at the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, her personal and professional partnership with George Balanchine as prima ballerina of the New York City Ballet, her part in founding the Chicago City Ballet, and much more. The heart of the film is rare footage of legendary Tallchief performances such as Swan Lake, Pas de Dix, Le Baiser de la Fée, The Nutcracker, The Firebird, and The Black Swan. DigiBeta video. (MR)
Maria Tallchief will be present for audience discussion at the 3:00 screening. Also present will be director Sandra Osawa and Ms. Tallchief’s daughter, the noted poet Elise Paschen.
Saturday, May 10, 3:00 pm and 5:15 pm
Chicago premiere!
Fred Gardaphe in person!
BEYOND WISEGUYS:
ITALIAN AMERICANS & THE MOVIES
2008, Steven Fischler, USA, 60 min.
From LITTLE CAESAR to THE GODFATHER to “The Sopranos,” many of the most memorable screen depictions of Italian Americans have been gangsters. Executive-produced by John Turturro, BEYOND WISEGUYS takes a non-dogmatic stance toward the problematic but undeniably fascinating gangster image, while at the same demonstrating that there is so much more to Italian American contributions to the movies, both onscreen and behind the scenes. Chock-full of juicy clips and interviews, this entertaining and informative documentary gathers a spectacular array of guests, including Ben Gazzara, Marisa Tomei, David Chase, Spike Lee, Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Susan Sarandon, Isabella Rossellini, and many more. DVCAM video. (MR)
After the screening, a discussion will be led by Fred Gardaphe, Distinguished Professor of English at Queens College and a leading authority on Italian American Studies. Prof. Gardaphe will also conduct a book-signing of his latest publication, From Wiseguys to Wise Men: Masculinity and the Italian American Gangster.
Saturday, May 10, 5:15 pm
Chicago premiere!
Lee Feigon in person!
THE PASSION OF THE MAO
2006, Lee Feigon, USA, 90 min.
Narrated by Aaron Freeman
“Smart and smart-alecky, unlike any documentary ever made on a political figure...will expand your mind and tickle your funny bone to boot.”--Fernando F. Croce, Slant Magazine
Documentaries on China’s Mao Zedong are not usually described as zany, but THE PASSION OF THE MAO takes on the big guy’s life in a spirit of irreverence that makes this less a documentary and more of a quirky film essay. Through animation, humor, historical footage, and interviews, the film explores the multi-faceted Mao, including lesser-known facts about his sexual foibles and hygiene. Director Feigon, a bonafide expert on the subject, is a research associate at the University of Chicago, and author of books including Mao: A Reinterpretation and China Rising: The Meaning of Tiananmen. HDCAM video. (BS)
Director Lee Feigon will be present for audience discussion at all screenings.
Sunday, May 25, 7:30 pm
Monday, May 26, 5:00 pm
Thursday, May 29, 8:00 pm
New print!
IT ALWAYS RAINS ON SUNDAY
1947, Robert Hamer, UK, 92 min.
With Googie Withers, John McCallum
“***** [five stars]... Absolutely exhilarating.”--Stephen Garrett, Time Out New York
“A fascinating noirish look at life in London’s East End...The scenes between Withers and McCallum are stunningly erotic, and the movie ends with a spectacular chase through the London streets and rail yards.”--David Denby, The New Yorker
Recently re-released by Rialto Pictures in a sparkling new print, IT ALWAYS RAINS ON SUNDAY was hailed by New York critics as a rediscovered masterpiece. Although an escaped convict is the catalyst for the plot, the heart of the film is the vividly evoked atmosphere of its East End neighborhood, with a special sensitivity toward two groups: lower-class women and Jews, both represented in a nonstereotyped manner rarely encountered in Hollywood movies of the era. There are no heroes or villains in this mature, bittersweet blend of noir poetics and kitchen-sink realism, beautifully directed by Robert Hamer (KIND HEARTS AND CORONETS, THE LADYKILLERS). 35mm. (MR)
Friday, May 30, 6:00 pm
Sunday, June 1, 5:00 pm
Wednesday, June 4, 6:00 pm
ALAN ARKIN TO BE HONORED AT ANNUAL GALA
The Gene Siskel Film Center will honor Oscar® winner Alan Arkin with the Gene Siskel Film Center Renaissance Award at our Annual Gala on June 5 at The Four Seasons. Arkin won the 2007 Academy Award® for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Little Miss Sunshine. Arkin will appear in person to accept the Renaissance Award and will participate in a lively discussion hosted by Chicago’s own Richard Christiansen, former chief Arts and Entertainment critic for the Chicago Tribune.
Raffle prizes to this year’s Annual Gala:
Tango Argentina
Business class roundtrip airfare for two on American Airlines® to Buenos Aires. Two nights at the Four Seasons Hotel in the exclusive La Recoleta district of Buenos Aires and two nights at the Four Seasons Resort Camelo in Camelo, Uruguay. From the beautiful La Recoleta you will board a hydrofoil and an hour later arrive in Colonia. Approximate value: $8,500.
The Big Night
Use your $1,000 gift certificate from famed Chicago designer Maria Pinto to select a fabulous fashion item. Wear your finery to dinner for 8 prepared in your home by the noted Brazilian chef Jorgina Pereira from Sinha Elegant Cuisine (ingredients provided). You and a friend can then enjoy Second City Main Stage and e.t.c. performances, volumes 1-4 of SCTV box sets of DVDs and Second City merchandise. When you are next in Los Angeles and New York, you and a guest will be in the audience for the filming of a Dr. Phil and a Rachel Ray TV show. Relax with ten DVDs of films recommended by our honoree Alan Arkin. Approximate value: $2,200.
Luxury Goes Green
Feel glamorous wearing a socially responsible/conflict-free ring with multiple rows of diamonds (total 1⁄2 karat) set in an 18 karat white gold ring, valued at $2,800. Then enjoy a five-night stay for two at the luxurious eco-resort, The Lodge at Pico Bonito in the Honduras rainforest; package includes breakfast and a visit to a nearby butterfly farm. Approximate value: $4,000.
Call 312-846-2072 to purchase gala and/or raffle tickets and for more information.