At the Movies: What's New In Independent Films
Ashleigh Martinez
First Posted: 03/22/11 01:21 PM ET Updated: 05/25/11 07:40 PM ET
share this story
As our stubborn winter weather leaves us a bit reluctant to spend time outdoors, why not check out some great films being shown at our local theaters? Here are a few great places to see documentaries as well as independent and foreign films this week.
Gene Siskel Film Center: Located in the heart of Chicago's Theater District, the Gene Siskel Film Center is currently screening films from the 14th Annual European Union Film Festival through the end of March. The festival, featuring 64 films from 24 nations, is North America's largest showcase of cinema from European Union nations. If you missed opening night, you still have the chance to check out screenings of "Zaches" from Bulgaria (3/24) and "La Pivellina" from Austria (3/26), not to mention the closing night screening of "The Trip" followed by a reception on March 31. 164 N. State St.; 312-846-2600
Chicago History Museum: You are invited to join The Chicago History Museum for their "Project Sunday" documentary film screenings on select Sundays. Upcoming events include the screening of "Love and Valor: The Intimate Civil War Letters" on April 3 at 1:30 pm. The film follows the story of a couple sharing their difficulties and experiences of the Civil War on both the battlefield and home front through their correspondence. The film was written and directed by the couple's great-great-grandson Charles Larimer and is narrated by Tony Award winner Brian Dennehy. Free with Museum admission. 1601 N. Clark St.; 312-642-4600
Music Box Theatre: For more than twenty years, the Music Box Theatre has been Chicago's dominant venue showcasing independent and foreign films. Just last week, Vidal Sassoon stopped by the Lakeview neighborhood theater for the premier of "Vidal Sassoon: The Movie" and participated in a Q&A after. The documentary, showing through March 24, profiles Sassoon and explores how the world-renowned stylist influenced the beauty industry. 3733 N. Southport Ave.; 773-871-6604
Landmark's Century Centre Cinema: Serving as the city's "First All Stadium-Seating Cinema Dedicated to Independent and Foreign Language Films," the Landmark's Century Centre Cinema has been hailed as the best of its kind time and time again. They are currently showing several independent films including "happythankyoumoreplease," which was written and directed by "How I Met Your Mother's" Josh Radnor, who also plays a significant role in the film. The Midwest Independent Film Festival also plans to screen "BallHawks," a baseball documentary narrated by Bill Murray, at the theater Tuesday, April 5 at 6 pm. 2828 N. Clark St.; 773-509-4949
Loading comments… 
