2018

CHICAGO – The 2018-19 mayoral campaign in Chicago was a historic moment for the city, as the first woman of color (Lori Lightfoot) was elected. Director Steve James, of the legendary “Hoop Dreams,” takes on the events leading up to this history and beyond, in “City So Real.”

CHICAGO – One of the most influential documentary makers in film history is Chicagoan Steve James of Kartemquin Films. His lens has commented upon not only the seminal “Hoop Dreams” (1994), but “Stevie” (2002), “The Interrupters” (2011), the Roger Ebert bio doc “Life Itself” (2014) and the recent “America to Me.”

NEW YORK CITY – The 18th edition of the Tribeca Film Festival will open with a love letter to a New York City Harlem neighborhood icon. The legendary Apollo Theater will screen the Opening Night film, “The Apollo,” on April 24th, 2019. This documentary chronicles the unique history and contemporary legacy of this New York City landmark, and kicks off the two week festival, Wednesday, April 24th through Sunday, May 5th.

CHICAGO – Local Awards Season is coming up with the Best of the Midwest, honoring the 2018 film year of the Midwest Independent Film Festival. The Gala is on Thursday, January 17th, 2019, click here for tickets and information.

CHICAGO – 2018 was a killer year. I lost both my father and my childhood guitar idol|/mentor Ed King (of Lynyrd Skynyrd) within four days of each other. Both men played instrumental roles in starting and supporting my chosen photographic journey.

CHICAGO – It’s easy to bohemian rhapsodize about the best films in any particular year… it’s why we go to the movies. But what about those times when 1) everybody loves something, and you think, “huh?” or 2) the film is just plain “the worst”? Jon Lennon Espino, Spike Walters and Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com can relate.

CHICAGO – With 2018 in the rear view mirror (finally), it’s time in this first week of 2019 to reflect on what was, with the 10 BEST FILMS of 2018… as selected by Patrick McDonald, the Über-Critic of HollywoodChicago.com. The list includes docs, animated films and even superheroes, along with the snooty film critic fare that’s always ripe for the watching.

Previous | Image 1 of 7 | Next

Sean Astin of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy.

CHICAGO – The “Days of the Dead” convention is an annual event in Chicagoland and elsewhere, that brings together admirers of the horror film genre, cult movies enthusiasts, vendors and panel discussions related to it all. Several celebrities also attend the event, including Linda Blair (“The Exorcist”), Sherilynn Fenn/James Marshall/Dana Ashbrook (“Twin Peaks”), director Clive Barker (“Hellraiser,” “Candyman”) and rocker Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys). The 2018 convention will be held Friday, November 16th through Sunday the 18th at the Chicago Schaumburg Marriott in Schaumburg, Ill. (click link below).

CHICAGO – That’s a wrap. The 54th Chicago International Film Festival ended on Sunday October 21st, 2018, with a screening of “The Front Runner,” directed by Jason Reitman (who made an appearance). Also on Saturday, the Black Perspectives event was a career overview of Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter, who contributed to “Black Panther” and “Selma,” among many others.

CHICAGO – DAY ELEVEN of the 54th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) on Saturday, October 20th, 2018, is Black Perspectives Night, with a tribute to behind-the-scenes production leadership that is vital to the look of a film, through one of its best practitioners. And in the week before Halloween, the “After Dark” series goes spookily into the wee hours.