We’re pleased to present a number of panels throughout the 52nd Chicago International Film Festival that are open to the public. We welcome you to join us and participate in these necessary and compelling conversations.
Sunday, October 16 | 4p.m.
Black Lives Matter and the Media
Responding to the harrowing police shootings of unarmed African Americans and wider racial injustices in America, Black Lives Matter has become one of the defining social movements of our times. How important is media to their message, and how can filmmakers best tell the stories of contemporary civil rights struggles int he black community? We check in with filmmakers and activists on the front lines of the conflict. Co-produced with Chicago Media Project. Panelists: Anton Seals, Jr. (moderator), Damon Davis (“Whose Streets?”), Aemilia Scot (“Shot”), Charles Alexander Preston (Church on the 9), William Calloway (journalist/activist)
Black Cinema House (@ Stony Island Arts Bank, 6760 S. Stony Island) FREE
Tuesday, October 18 | 3p.m.
New Directors Panel: The Political and the Personal
Politics, especially in today’s contentious climate, proves powerful inspiration for the movies. But how do filmmakers balance social critique with creating relatable characters and engaging narratives? Join us for an illuminating discussion about the delicate lines between storytelling and making a statement, with several of this year’s emerging directors.
Columbia College Chicago (1104 S. Wabash St., Room 402) FREE
Saturday, October 22 | 2p.m.
Black Cinema, Then and Now: 25 Years After the Black New Wave
In 1991, African American filmmakers launched several influential films: Boyz in the Hood (John Singleton), New Jack City (Mario Van Peebles), A Rage in Harlem (Bill Duke), Jungle Fever (Spike Lee), Daughters of the Dust (Julie Dash). Twenty-five years later, where is black cinema now and how much more needs to be done to foster African-American filmmaking and stories? Join Julie Dash, Sam Pollard and other filmmakers for this essential conversation.
AMC River East (322 E. Illinois St. theater 3) Learn More
Wednesday: October 26 | 3p.m.
Panel: Religious Intolerance and Global Responsibility
Religious persecution remains widespread across the world. With extremist groups such as ISIS and Boko Haram ranking amongst the most egregious abusers of religious freedom, how should we respond to such violence and fanaticism, and in ways that do not further engender hate, racisim and xenophobia? After a screening of the documentary Faithkeepers, join experts to discuss religious intolerance and our responsibility as citizens of the world.
AMC River East (322 E. Illinois St. theater 4) Learn More
212 W Van Buren St., Suite 400
