Category Archives: Film
Cat Film Festival in Chicago September 10
For those who love cats, a special film program, The Cat Film Festival, will be at the Century Centre 7 and Highland Park theaters on Tuesday Sept. 10. Showtime and programs are listed below.
The festival celebrates our love for cats, illustrated through film. Unlike Internet video festivals, these programs are works of art, thoughtfully curated by pet wellness expert and champion, Tracie Hotchner.
The Cat Film Festival is an exploration through film of the fascinating felines who share our lives, creating a shared audience experience that inspires, educates and entertains. For far too long, cats have been the “invisible” part of the human-animal bond and it’s time to shine the spotlight on these magnificent creatures and the humans devoted to them. The Cat Film Festival enhances our appreciation and understanding of how cats share our world, while benefiting cat welfare nationwide.
Tuesday, September 10, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
A portion of every ticket benefits local animal welfare organizations Treehouse Humane and Save a Pet.To purchase tickets or for more information: www.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS:
The Cat Film Festival 2019 (2 Hours)
[The films are free of physical or verbal abuse toward people or animals. The only tears you might shed would be tears of joy for happy endings. The programs are designed for adult audiences but can be enjoyed by all members of the family, including mature children.]
The Pet Effect (2:00) Prescription: cat; Little Works of Art (13:00) Kim Best’s look at Harold “Cat Man” Sims and his self-styled American Museum of the House Cat in Sylva, NC, which houses over 10,000 cat-related objects and honors cats as “little works of art”; Art’s Automotive (6:00 )Erik Dumas’ animated tale of an orphaned kitten who bonds with an automotive repair robot in the future; Akamatsu the Cat (10:00) Ian Christopher Goodman’s documentary about life with a disabled kitty cat, Akamatsu, who was paralyzed but went on to live another 4 vibrant years with the use of a wheelchair; Pure Fluff (4:00) Sean Skelton’s documentary sketch of a professional cat groomer in New York City, who shows how to tackle this combative challenge; Winter Break (5:00) Rick Hamilton’s look at the thoughts of a school teacher who has only her cat for company during winter break; Guardians of Recoleta (21:00) Blake & Adrienne Kuhre (who run their own non-profit cat rescue in Los Angeles) examine the community cats living in the iconic Buenos Aires Recoleta cemetery, and what became of some kitties removed by well-meaning American rescuers; Scaredy, the Cat (8:00) Markie Hancock’s heartwarming documentary about a very shy cat who was adopted at the tennis courts in NYC’s Riverside park but avoids everyone except for a few choice people whom she eagerly greets; Marnie: The Cat Guru (2:00) Anca Vlasan’s philosophical tabby cat expounds on the meaning of life and happiness; Cat Nation: A Film About Japan’s Crazy Cat Culture (26:00) Tim Delmastro’s documentary about Japan’s extraordinary love of kitty cats; Instagram Cat Mom (5:00) Jess Spawn’s mockumentary takes us behind the scenes on the lengths people might go to for the purrfect photo to post online; Samantha and the Rock Cats (11:00) Jacob Feiring’s documentary follows a woman who travels the country with her cat show; Mittens from Kittens (4:00) Kim Best’s documentary shows how one woman was inspired by the nuisance of cat hair into spinning and knitting it into useful item; Beth Is Not a Cat (3:00) Beth is not a cat, but looks like one, which perplexes her orange tabby.
*Program subject to change without notice
About the Festival Founder
In 2015 the first NY Dog Film Festival™ premiered in New York City to a sold out theater. In 2017 the first annual NY Cat Film Festival™ followed suit, both events growing out of Tracie Hotchner’s desire as a pet wellness advocate to expand her Radio Pet Lady™ Network’s outreach to educate the public about adoption, health issues and philosophical aspects of pets in our lives. Today, both festivals travel the country, delighting pet lovers everywhere.
Hotchner is a nationally acclaimed pet wellness advocate, who wrote THE CAT BIBLE: Everything Your Cat Expects You to Know as well as THE DOG BIBLE: Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know. She is recognized as a thought leader in improving the lives of companion animals and is the premiere voice for pets and their people on pet talk radio.
She produced and hosted her own live, call-in show CAT CHAT® for over 7 years on the Martha Stewart channel of Sirius/XM until the channel was canceled. Tracie then created her own Radio Pet Lady™ Network, where she still produces and co-hosts CAT CHAT® along with 10 other pet talk radio podcasts with top veterinarians and pet experts.
Tracie continues to produce and host her own Gracie® Award winning NPR show DOG TALK® (and Kitties, Too!) from Peconic Public Broadcasting in the Hamptons after more than 12 consecutive years and 575 shows.
Short film Lakeshore Drive September 23
Neo-noir short film Lakeshore Drive
premieres in Chicago
FCHC Productions is hosting a free screening of the neo-noir short film Lakeshore Drive at The 400 Theater on September 23, 2017.
Lakeshore Drive is a powerful Chicago story that deals with marginalized citizens and abuse of power. During a routine rideshare experience, the driver discovers his passenger is a transgender acquaintance from high school who is escaping the dark world of prostitution. When her pimp – a crooked cop – demands to know her whereabouts, the driver is forced to choose between her life or his own.
According to the Human Rights Campaign, 16 transgender people in the United States have been killed in 2017, many of them women of color. This follows 22 deaths in 2016, the highest ever recorded. Lakeshore Drive explores the intersection of sexual and racial violence, and how it impacts the minority community in Chicago.
The screening at The 400 Theater is the first public screening of Lakeshore Drive before reaching the festival circuit. It is free and open to the public. The film stars Darren Smith, Francis Kondorf, and Lila Star, and is directed by Peter Bowse.
Screening Date: September 23, 2017
Screening Time: 2:00 PM
Screening Location: 6746 N Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60626
This event is free and open to the public.
Paul Taylor Dance May 13
Moraine Valley to host Paul Taylor dance documentary AND performance
Dance enthusiasts are invited to Moraine Valley Community College for a documentary and a performance, both featuring Paul Taylor, a modern dance artist who is among the most acclaimed choreographers in American history.
The documentary, entitled “Paul Taylor: Creative Domain,” will be shown Tuesday, May 9, at 6 p.m., in the Dorothy Menker Theater in the Fine and Performing Arts Center, 9000 W. College Pkwy., Palos Hills. The 82-minute presentation is free and open to the public, and is made possible in part with funding from Arts Midwest. “Creative Domain” is a rare, in-depth documentation through the lens of award-winning cinematographer Tom Hurwitz of how Taylor creates a single dance. It is directed by Kate Geis and produced by Robert Aberlin.
The Paul Taylor Dance Company will perform Saturday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m., in the Dorothy Menker Theater. The show features dances that show cogent observations on life’s complexities and society’s thorniest issues. A virtuoso dancer himself for 20 years, Taylor turned exclusively to choreography in 1974.
Tickets for the May 13 performance are $30; $25 for students and senior citizens and are available online at morainevalley.edu/fpac or at the Box Office, located in Building F. For more information, call the Box Office at (708) 974-5500.
Free Screening FEUD: BETTE AND JOAN Feb 23
FEUD: Bette and Joan
Premieres Sunday, March 5th on FX
FREE SNEAK PEAK IN CHICAGO THURSDAY Feb. 23rd
The screening is on Thursday, February 2/23 at 7pm at Landmark Century Centre, and then we are having a fun after party immediately following at Sidetrack Chicago with complimentary drinks and drag performances. First come, first served. Click the image below –
Synopsis: FEUD: Bette and Joan, the first installment of the new FX anthology series from Ryan Murphy, tells the story of the legendary rivalry between Joan Crawford (Jessica Lange) and Bette Davis (Susan Sarandon) during their collaboration on the Academy Award®-nominated thriller What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, and well after the cameras stopped rolling. The series explores how the two women endured ageism, sexism, and misogyny while struggling to hang on to success and fame in the twilight of their careers.
In addition to Academy Award® winners Lange and Sarandon, the cast includes Alfred Molina as the film’s director Robert Aldrich, Stanley Tucci as studio titan Jack Warner, Judy Davis as gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, Jackie Hoffman as Crawford’s housekeeper Mamacita, and Alison Wright as Aldrich’s assistant Pauline.
Notable guest stars include Dominic Burgess as Crawford and Davis’ co-star Victor Buono, Catherine Zeta-Jones as film star Olivia de Havilland, Sarah Paulson as Geraldine Page, Kathy Bates as Joan Blondell and Kiernan Shipka as B.D., Bette Davis’ daughter.
Ryan Murphy serves as Executive Producer along with Executive Producers Dede Gardner of Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment, Tim Minear and Alexis Martin Woodall. The series is produced by Fox 21 Television Studios
Cast: Jessica Lange “Joan Crawford”, Susan Sarandon “Bette Davis”, Stanley Tucci “Jack Warner”, Alfred Molina “Robert Aldrich”, Judy Davis “Hedda Hopper”, Jackie Hoffman “Mamacita”, Alison Wright “Pauline”
Directed by: Ryan Murphy, Tim Minear
Written by: Ryan Murphy, Tim Minear
Official site: http://www.fxnetworks.com/shows/feud
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeudFX/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FeudFX
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feudfx/
From Chicago to Mexico…
OFFICIAL FILM TRAILER RELEASED for “EN ALGUN LUGAR”
The official video trailer has been released by Iconoclast for the motion picture “En Algun Lugar” (A Place to Be), which stars Nelson Rodriguez (Pride Films and Plays, Easy Abby) as Abel, and Andrew Saenz (Chicago PD, Sirens) as Diego, and written and directed by award winning filmmaker Tadeo Garcia (On the Downlow, Under Covers).
“En Algun Lugar” follows the relationship between Abel & Diego, from Chicago to Mexico.
When tragedy strikes and Diego’s undocumented immigration status is revealed, their love and sacrifice is put to the test through uncertain times that will affect their relationship. Set against the foundation of a broken U.S. immigration system, “En Algun Lugar” sheds light on the mantra of love overcomes all and love knows no borders.
Alongside Nelson Rodriguez and Andrew Saenz the cast includes Jessie Prez as Braulio, Ian Tranberg as Stephen, Sandra Marquez as Lilly, Charin Alvarez as Rita and Erica Cruz Hernandez as Carolina. Other cast include J.J. Romero, Caitlin Jackson, Blaine Thomas Childers, Enrique Guzman, Juan Martinez, Artemio Gonzalez, Carolyn Hoerdemann, Mickey O’Sullivan, Nick Mikula, Zach Livingston, Will Clinger, Diego Sanchez, Michael J. Sanow, Ayssette Munoz, Chris Acevedo, Matt Nikkila, Carmen Cenko, Daniel Hansen, Cole Reed, Frank Menolascino, Davon Suttles, Jon Jackson, Alex Knoll, Mike Hynek, Richard Cotovsky, Rudy Galvan, Diego Colon, Lane Flores, Cole McMillan and Caitlin Boho.
Tadeo Garcia’s provocative and intimate tale of love and fear of the unknown comes to life in a never before seen cinematic perspective produced by Aric S. Jackson (www.aricjackson.com) and Michael J. Sanow (Under Covers, Blood Brothers). Featuring the people, culture, dynamic geography and architecture of both Jalpa, Zacatecas; MEX and Chicago, Illinois; USA, the wonder of Tadeo Garcia’s story has captivated those involved both in front and behind the camera. The producers stress this would not be possible without the talents of cinematographer Charlie Garcia, production designer Pablo Ponce, casting director Stephanie Diaz, costume designer Freddy Rocha, makeup artists Lilien Harvey and Ruby Ortiz, and music from Los Pecados and The Pinto Bean.
The producers of the film also announce the release of “behind-the-scenes” photos and video clips via the film’s official website at www.enalgunlugarmovie.com and its social media profiles (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) showing the cast and crew during the production of “En Algun Lugar.”
En Algun Lugar aims for a mid-2017 release.
The new trailer can be viewed at www.enalgunlugarmovie.com/trailer .
TRANS film Festival Nov. 17-18
LOCATION
Hoover-Leppen Theatre, Center on Halsted
The 2nd Annual Transfluential Film Festival places the journeys and stories of trans communities into the spotlight. Films were solicited from around the world, and the finalists will be screened over two evenings at Center on Halsted.
Join us as we watch and discuss the films, their characters, and the themes they illuminate.
*Full schedule of films and programs will be released in early November.
PRICE
$5 suggested donation
*Inability to pay should not act as a deterrent to attending
Upstairs Inferno September 25th
NEW ORLEANS GAY MASS MURDER DOCUMENTARY, UPSTAIRS INFERNO, REELING FILM FESTIVAL CENTERPIECE DOCUMENTARY
From award winning director, Robert L. Camina and Executive Producers behind “Back on Board: Greg Louganis”, “Kiss Me, Kill Me”, “Beautiful Something”, “Raid of the Rainbow Lounge” and “Southern Baptist Sissies”, comes UPSTAIRS INFERNO, a poignant and timely documentary chronicling the deadly 1973 New Orleans gay bar arson: an event that remained the Largest Gay Mass Murder in U.S. History for 43 years.
Camina Entertainment is honored to announce that UPSTAIRS INFERNO will have its Chicago Premiere as the CENTERPIECE DOCUMENTARY during Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival, on Sunday, September 25th at 7:00pm at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema (2828 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL, 60657)! For tickets and more information, please visit: http://reelingfilmfestival.org.
On June 24, 1973, an arsonist set fire to the Up Stairs Lounge, a gay bar located on the edge of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana. For 43 years, it was the deadliest single event to affect the gay community in U.S. history. Despite the staggering historical significance, few people know about the tragedy. Thirty-two people were killed and some bodies were never identified. One-third of the New Orleans chapter of the Metropolitan Community Church were killed in the blaze, including two clergy. The primary suspect was never charged with the crime. The tragedy did not stop at the loss of lives. There were also the delayed injuries: lost jobs, fear, public ridicule and severed families. The devastation was compounded by the homophobic reactions and utter lack of concern by the general public, government and religious leaders. The fire permanently altered lives and was the root of many lifelong struggles.
UPSTAIRS INFERNO (96 minutes) is the most comprehensive and authoritative film about the fire and its aftermath. However, UPSTAIRS INFERNO isn’t simply a stagnant exposition of facts. UPSTAIRS INFERNO brings humanity to the headlines by shining a light on the very painful effect the tragedy had on survivors, witnesses and loved ones. Their interviews are gut wrenching, yet insightful. Some of the people interviewed in the film haven’t publicly discussed the fire until now, especially on camera. The film is narrated by New Orleans’ own New York Times Best Selling Author, CHRISTOPHER RICE.
Audiences should expect to see a balance between investigative reporting and very intimate profiles of people lost or affected by the tragedy. The victims are more than statistics, more then names in a newspaper clipping or even names on a plaque. These were unfinished lives, tragically cut short by a senseless act. The victims and their families and friends left to cope with the aftermath deserved better treatment than what they got.
This is a gruesome story, there is no way around it and in light of the recent mass shooting at the gay nightclub in Florida, the parallels strike a painful chord. Hopefully, now, more than ever, audiences walk away from the film with a renewed call for compassion: Compassion for those unlike us. Compassion for those who are hurting. Compassion for those in need. Because there definitely wasn’t a lot of compassion when the deadly arson occurred. In addition, I hope the film acts as a stark reminder that we need to seize the day. We need to make sure we tell our loved ones every day that we love them, because we don’t know what lies ahead. Life is fickle and unpredictable. Today may be our last chance.
UPSTAIRS INFERNO recently received the JURY AWARD: HONORABLE MENTION at Frameline: the San Francisco International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, citing its “Special Contribution to Queer History”, the JURY AWARD: BEST MEN’S DOCUMENTARY FEATURE and AUDIENCE AWARD: BEST MEN’S FEATURE at the North Carolina Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, the BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE AWARD at the Long Beach QFilm Festival, the JURY AWARD: BEST DOCUMENTARY FILM at the Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, the AUDIENCE AWARD: FAVORITE DOCUMENTARY at the North Louisiana Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and the JURY & AUDIENCE AWARDS: BEST DOCUMENTARY at FilmOut San Diego.
This is an incredibly important story in LGBT history and U.S. history. While we never imagined there would be another LGBT mass murder in the United States, we MUST UNITE as a community AND a country and NEVER allow this to happen again. Especially in the wake of the Orlando tragedy, we must continue to educate and enlighten people. “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” UPSTAIRS INFERNO can open the door to a cathartic and constructive conversation.
Some of the images in UPSTAIRS INFERNO are graphic in nature and may be disturbing to some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
OFFICIAL TRAILER: https://vimeo.com/94900386 or www.UpstairsInferno.com
Chicago House Trans Event August 29
TransReelization: An Evening of Film at Kinowerks Studio will again take place at Kinowerks Studio, founded by the Wachowski Siblings, Creators of The Matrix Trilogy.
The 2nd annual TransReelization film fest, features a selection of films highlighting Transgender characters and stories. This evening of cocktails, celebrities and film supports the critical work of the Chicago House – TransLife Center, which continues to deliver the nation’s most comprehensive programming to Chicago’s transgender community.
This years honoree is COL (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), who is being honored for her continued advocacy and support of the Transgender community. Read her full bio here.
VIP Guests will meet and mingle with stars from Netflix’s new hit show, “Sense8,” receive a private tour of Kinowerks Studio led by movie writer, producer and director, Lana Wachowski, watch an exclusive behind the scenes film about the making of “Sense8,” with live commentary by Lana Wachowski, and receive a gift bag of swag from some of Netflix’s top shows.
All guests will enjoy an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and be able to bid on unique silent auction items. Guests will also have an exclusive opportunity to enjoy the 20,000-square foot movie production studio. Renowned for its “cleverly sustainable design elements and the best of green technology,” the studio is a museum of Wachowski artifacts, trophies and memorabilia from their films.
MORE INFO HERE
Gal Uchovsky Event May 11th
Over the past few decades, there has been an incredible change in the visibility and portrayal of LGBT people in Israeli media.
LGBQ programs at CIMMfest 2015
2015 CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL MOVIES & MUSIC FESTIVAL
CIMMfest No. 7 TO ROLL OUT LGBQ PROGRAMMING
APRIL 16 – 19, 2015
The 7th Chicago International Movies & Music Festival (CIMMfest), the annual four-day showcase celebrating the inseparable connection between music and movies, is proud to announce the festival’s LGBQ programming include films The Dicks from Texas, Cakes da Killa: No Homo and a special video and music event Cruising TRACKS: a Radical Queer Video. For a complete lineup of confirmed films, musical acts and live scoring events for CIMMfest No. 7, visit http://cimmfest.org/.
CIMMfest’s queer film screenings and music event present documentaries, video art, short fictions and music videos. These presentations touch a wide array of topics: stretching notions of gender identity; kinship and sexuality; proper bodies and their organized functions while dealing with other social and political struggles such as the fight against HIV/AIDS, sexism, confinement, racism, and mental illness.
Thursday, April 16th The Dicks from Texas (pictured)
The Dicks from Texas tells the story of the men, the myth and the music behind the band that defined Texas hardcore punk. Long before Austin made weirdness a civic virtue, The Dicks made it a cause. Three rawboned Marlboro Man types fronted by Gary Floyd, a fat queer with a penchant for fright wigs, this self-described “commie faggot band” helped put the Texas capital on the punk map in the early ’80s with anthems like “Dicks Hate the Police” and “Wheelchair Epidemic.”
7:00pm @ The Society for Arts, 1112 N Milwaukee Ave
A la carte tickets are $12
Friday, April 17th
CIMMfest’s Cruising Tracks – Radical Queer Video Program includes:
· Queer Video Screening, videos & event curated by Rebecca Lavoie.
· Live performance by Donzelle, Montreal’s Sassiest Rapper and her dancers; Douce Angoisse, provocative electronic musician backed by hypnotic disco/darkwave melodies.
· Slo ‘Mo dance party: A throwback to old-school R&B, Slo ‘Mo seeks to unite people of all identities, bodies and expressions through soul music. Including the sounds of Anita Baker, Frank Ocean, Janet Jackson and more, Slo ‘Mo Dance Party is hosted by Kristen Kava with grooves by DJ Tess and Audio Jack of Slo ‘Mo.
8:00pm @ The Hideout Inn, 354 West Wabansia
Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door and $5 for the dance party only
Saturday, April 18th
Cakes da Killa: No Homo (short doc) playing with feature documentary The Hip-Hop Fellow
The short doc follows Cakes Da Killa (born Rashard Bradshaw), a 22 year-old up and coming rapper who also happens to be an out and proud gay man. With provocative lyrics that explore sexuality and gender politics, he’s not your run of the mill rapper, but he just might be your new favorite.
9:00pm @ The Society for Arts, 1112 N Milwaukee Ave
A la carte tickets are $12
CIMMfest No. 7 takes place April 16-19, 2015 along the Milwaukee Avenue corridor – from Wicker Park to Logan Square – with satellite events in the West Loop, Pilsen and beyond. Four-day festival passes, which include admission to An Evening of Music, Film & Wine with Spike Lee, are currently available for $110 at CIMMfest.org. Additional (non-Spike) CIMMfest passes – $75 (basic) and VIP ($100) – are also available now.
McTucky Fried High Tackles LGBT Issues
McTucky Fried High is the brainchild of filmmaker, illustrator and activist, Robert-Carnilius, who was named one of NewCity’s Film 50 and was a 2014 Student Academy Awards® Finalist.
It is also one of twelve projects funded by the Chicago Digital Media Production Fund from Chicago Filmmakers and the Voqal Fund.
Using comedy and a host of diverse characters, McTucky Fried High tackles subjects absent in mainstream cartoons. While foregrounding LGBTQ characters, it focuses on issues teens face. Across five episodes, the web series will explore coming out, extreme diets, being genderqueer, bullying, and sexting.
Each episode will be released bi-weekly starting January 26, 2015 on www.McTuckyFriedHigh.com where people can sign up for the Mctucky Bites newsletter for exclusive content and sneak peek privileges.
McTucky Fried High “All Food is Not Created Equal”
WATCH TRAILER
The Homestretch – Homeless Youth
“The Homestretch”
follows three homeless teens, one of them LGBTQ, as they fight to stay in school, graduate, and build a future.
Each of these smart, ambitious teenagers – Roque, Kasey and Anthony – will surprise, inspire, and challenge audiences to rethink stereotypes of homelessness as they work to complete their education while facing the trauma of being alone and abandoned at an early age.
As their stories unfold, the film connects us deeply with larger issues of poverty, race, juvenile justice, immigration, foster care, and LGBTQ rights.
Watch the trailer here: www.homestretchdoc.com/
A free-will offering to benefit The Night Ministries will follow the screening, which is co-sponsored by Berry United Methodist Church and the Gay Liberation Network. The film is a co-production between Spargel Productions and Kartemquin Films.
The free screening of this new film will take place at 7 PM, Thursday, November 13
at Berry United Methodist Church, 4754 N Leavitt St, Chicago.
LGBTQ Short Films in Chicago
Pride Films and Plays’ Queer Bits Fall Film Festival
Announces Short Films to Receive Chicago Premieres
Pride Films and Plays announces ten short films from the USA, Denmark, and Spain receiving their Chicago premieres during Queer Bits Fall Film Festival at the Public House Theatre (3914 N Clark) on November 10th, 2014.
Pride Films and Plays’ Queer Bits Fall Film Festival will include a sexy romp about a young man with an international taste in men, a poignant drama about an elderly woman revisiting an intense memory, two very different and festive animated films, a touching documentary about a gay couple living in the Deep South, a powerful lesbian drama about a dangerous crush, a fascinating examination of LGBT youth in America, a sweet coming-out tale set in high school, a smart look at two men trying to reconcile their dissimilar faiths, and a fun look at a relationship which one of the partners wants to make more open.
The screening commences at 7:30PM and will be followed by a brief talkback with some of the filmmakers. The Public House Theater bar will be open beginning at 6:30PM. Please come early and have a drink with us!
Warning: some of the short films contain adult themes, language, and brief nudity. You are going to love them!
Tickets are $10. VIP Tickets are available for $15 and include prime table seating. Student and Senior tickets are also available for $5. Tickets can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com or by calling 1.800.838.3006.
Queer Bits Fall Film Festival Program (in alphabetical order)
A Mississippi Love Story
Director: Robbie Fisher (USA, 13 minutes)
A Mississippi Love Story: a story set against the backdrop of legal battles about same-sex marriage, featuring Eddie Outlaw and Justin Outlaw of Jackson, Mississippi.
Freja and Sofie
Director/Writer: Søren Lundvall Danielsen (Denmark, 15 minutes)
Sofie plans to humiliate the lonely girl of the class Freja who is secretly in love with her.
Heavenly Peace
Director/Writer/Animator: Andreas Wessel-Therhorn (USA, 5 minutes)
An estranged gay couple is visited by a mischievously manipulative cupid just in time for Christmas – based on a comic by Ralf König.
International Male
Director/Writer: Heath Daniels (US, 7 minutes)
A financially strapped man, yearning for global adventure, invites over an international cast of men for a series of romantic escapades.
KARA FISTIK
Director/Animator: Nesli Erten (US, 4 minutes)
KARA FISTIK is a love letter to the freedom of female body parts.
The Miles Were Many
Director/Writer: Ashley “Smash” Wright (US, 5 minutes)
40% of America’s homeless youth are LGBTQ. Nancy was one of them. At
14 she came out, at which point her life became a journey, and “The miles
were many”.
Open Relationship
Director/Writer: Carlos Ocho (Spain, 14 minutes)
Oscar and Sergio have been in a relationship for 5 years and one of them has decided to ask for an open relationship.
Out Again
Directors: Emma McKittrick, Greg Chu, Tai Payne (US, 5 minutes)
Sixteen-year-old Sam attempts coming out to his crush Jordan. He travels through time to fix his mistakes until he can get the “perfect” coming out.
Scotty and Josh Get Enlightened
Director/Writer: Dan Pal (US, 14 minutes)
After a passionate night, Scotty and Josh discover they are on opposite ends of the believer/non-believer spectrum. Can their relationship survive?
Violet
Directors/Writers: Daniel Mena and Carlos Farró (Spain, 15 minutes)
An elderly woman is fighting against Alzheimer’s. Before the disease kills her memories, she decides to look back at a buried memory.
About Queer Bits Film Festival
Queer Bits Film Festival is Pride Films and Plays’ recently re-titled Film Festival is now in its third year and prides itself in providing the best LGBT short films with their Chicago premieres.
The first screening and incarnation of Queer Bits occurred in November 2012 in Center on Halsted’s Hoover-Leppen Theatre. In November 2013, five short films received their Chicago-premieres in the same venue during Pride Films and Plays’ annual Gay Film Weekend. In June 2014, Pride Films and Plays presented Queer Bits Film Festival, a sold-out 90 minute program of short films and webisodes, which was followed in September 2014 by the Women’s Words Film Festival, a very successful program of short films and webisodes with lesbian characters and themes which were written and/or directed by women.
About Pride Films and Plays
Founded in 2010, Pride Films and Plays is a leading player in the development of GLBT plays and musicals, screenplays and films. Under A Rainbow Flag won Jeff Awards in 2013 for Best New Work and Best Musical, and The Children’s Hour won for Best Supporting Actor (Nora Lise Ulrey) in 2014. Our current season began with the Jeff Recommended Chicago premieres of Some Men by Terrence McNally and The Submission by Jeff Talbott.
The season continues with the highly anticipated world premiere of The Book of Merman by Leo Schwartz – Jeff Award Winner for Under A Rainbow Flag – opening in January at Mary’s Attic. It will be a followed by Topher Payne’s comedy Angry Fags which is included in the spring Garage Rep at Steppenwolf.
For more information visit www.pridefilmsandplays.com.
Call me Kuchu Sept. 12th
Film About Ugandan LGBTs at Broadway United Methodist September 12th.
“Call me Kuchu,” a film about Ugandan LGBTs’ fight for freedom, and the tragic assassination of their foremost leader, David Kato will be shown at 6:30 PM, Friday, September 12, at the Broadway United Methodist Church, 3338 N. Broadway, Chicago.
The New York Times calls the film “inspiring.” The LA Weekly, “heart wrenching.” “Impassioned,” says Entertainment Weekly. “Excellent,” says NPR.
“Kuchu” is a Ugandan term for LGBTs. Recently Uganda’s “jail the gays” bill was repealed on a technicality. Supporters of it are vowing to bring it back. Meanwhile, anti-LGBT forces in Kenya are pushing a similar bill, and other “jail the gays” bills have passed in Nigeria and Russia.
The film showing is a fundraiser for the Chicago LGBT Asylum Project (CLASP). There will be a free will offering – no one turned away for lack of funds. Event sponsored by the Gay Liberation Network. For more information, email LGBTliberation@aol.com
George Takei: “TO BE TAKEI” in Chicago
CHICAGO THEATRICAL PREMIERE!
ONE WEEK ONLY!
TO BE TAKEI
As Sulu on TV’s Star Trek, he boldly went where no man had gone before, and now, George Takei is on a new mission. Years after becoming one of the first Asian-American actors to appear on primetime television, Takei is the subject of Jennifer Kroot’s documentary, which follows the actor and his husband, Brad, who are the poster couple for marriage equality, as they fight for and promote rights for everyone. As a child forced into Japanese-American internment camps, the actor-turned-activist reveals the ways that racism affected him well into his early acting career, where he played stereotypical Asian stock characters in film and television shows.
But To Be Takei also explores George Takei as the social media icon and after leading the starship Enterprise, he now guides over five million Facebook fans in his rally for equality. Firmly believing homosexuality to be an “orientation” (as opposed to a “lifestyle”) in his civil rights advocacy, Takei graces cyberspace with his quirky humor and abundance of heart, in his signature voice. To Be Takei is a funny and moving film about how a beloved actor has taken advantage of his celebrity to fight for the liberty and love that matters to so many of us. George Takei’s sharp eye, coupled with his wicked sense of humor, continues to challenge the status quo well into the 21st century.
Directed by Jennifer Kroot, U.S.A., 2014, 90 mins.
SHOWTIMES
Fri., Aug. 29 at 7 & 9 pm
Sat., Aug. 30 at 3, 5, 7 & 9 pm
Sun., Aug. 31 at 1, 3, 5 & 7 pm
Mon.-Thurs., Sept. 1-4 at 7 & 9 pm
Chicago House Film Night for TransLife Center Aug. 2nd
CHICAGO HOUSE has a new and exciting benefit night they are launching! This is going to a very special event!!
AWARD-WINNING HOLLYWOOD DIRECTORS/PRODUCERS ANDY AND LANA WACHOWSKI TO OPEN UP PRIVATE STUDIO FOR “TRANSREELIZATION” ON AUGUST 2
The Matrix series. V for Vendetta. Cloud Atlas. For years, Andy and Lana Wachowski, the award-winning directors and producers of these films, have kept their Hollywood secrets hidden from the general public. But on Saturday, Aug. 2, the sibling duo is thrilled to offer an exclusive opportunity to join them at their private, 20,000-square foot industrial movie production studio in Edgewater – all to benefit Chicago House’s TransLife Center.
The inaugural event, TransReelization: An Evening of Film at Kinowerks Studio, will give attendees the chance to enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and a selection of films at the Wachowskis’ studio at 5645 N Ravenswood Avenue.
Kinowerks Studio is renowned for its “cleverly sustainable design elements and the best of green technology,” and is lined with Wachowski artifacts, trophies and memorabilia from their films.
“We are delighted to host this event supporting the TransLife Center,” Lana Wachowski said, “for a cause that’s near and dear to our hearts.”
Lana herself identifies as transgender, and over recent years she’s accepted numerous awards for her work pertaining to trans issues, including the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Visibility Award in 2012.
“Invisibility is indivisible from visibility,” Wachowski said in her HRC acceptance speech. “For the transgender community this is not simply a philosophical conundrum – it can be the difference between life and death.”
VIP guests will have the opportunity for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the studio guided by Lana prior to the start of the event.
All guests will get a comprehensive look into trans* issues with a full selection of short films that address gender-related topics set to play beginning at 7 p.m. The films include I Am A Girl!, I’m Yours, Gender Games, Sisterhood, a trailer for MAJOR!, and an exclusive sneak preview of Black is Blue.
The TransLife Center, Chicago House’s newest initiative, which opened its doors in July 2013, provides comprehensive programming and support to transgender individuals that seek housing, health, legal and employment services.
Support the life changing work of Chicago House’s TransLife Center today, and buy your tickets for TransReelization online at www.chicagohouse.org.
Gay Best Friend GBF Party at Scarlet January 18th with DJ MIKEY MOSCOW
It’s time to get a brand new GBF and celebrate it!
GBF, new teen comedy from genre darling Darren Stein (‘Jawbreaker’), opens at Chicago’s Facets Cinematheque on January 17th. Story centers on the social warfare that erupts when two gay high school boys realize they must become GBFs to the most popular girls in school to improve their social status.
To celebrate the release of this colorful cautionary tale (named ‘a new Clueless’ by Young Adult Magazine!) , we’re inviting you to Scarlet bar this Saturday, January 18th, for an evening full of fun, dancing and hot music by DJ Mikey Moscow (all the way from Moscow!).
The fun begins at 9pm JAN. 18th!!!
Scarlet bar, 3320 N. Halsted
Free entry!
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BRIDEGROOM Screening at Center on Halsted January 12
The MUST SEE movie of the year! Whether your gay, single, partnered or heterosexual – this movie will explain the need for marriage equality!
BRIDEGROOM is a documentary directed by Linda Bloodworth-Thomason that tells the emotional journey of Shane and Tom, two young men in a loving and committed relationship — a relationship that was cut tragically short by a misstep off the side of a roof. The story of what happened after this accidental death– of how people without the legal protections of marriage can find themselves completely shut out and ostracized– is poignant, enraging and opens a window onto the issue of marriage equality like no speech or lecture ever will.
Dallas Buyers Club at ShowPlace ICON Theater
An imperfect man fights for survival during an uncertain time in
America. Inspired by true events, Ron Woodroof’s story of strength is
told in Dallas Buyers Club, directed by Jean-Marc
Vallée from an original screenplay by Craig Borten & Melisa
Wallack. Spirit Award winner Matthew McConaughey portrays the real-life
character, whose self-interest is galvanized into something much more.
A son of Texas, Ron Woodroof is an electrician and rodeo cowboy. In
1985, he is well into an unexamined existence with a devil-may-care
lifestyle. Suddenly, Ron is blindsided by being diagnosed as
H.I.V.-positive and given 30 days to live. Yet he will not, and does
not, accept a death sentence.
