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Chicago Filmmakers is a 35 year-old media arts organization that fosters the creation, appreciation and understanding of film and video as media for artistic and personal expression, as well as media of important social and community impact. Our mission is to provide an opportunity for artists to make films outside the mainstream marketplace, to distribute and exhibit this work, as well as to build audiences and to increase media attention for it. Recognizing the impact of mass media in contemporary society, it is additionally our goal to provide culturally diverse audiences with alternative images to those reflected in mainstream media and to broaden access to media education to include those typically left out of the process. |
| History |
| In 1973 a group of experimental filmmakers formed an artist-run weekly screening series in response to the lack of an exhibition space to show their own work and the work of other new and emerging filmmakers. This Saturday night screening program, started under the auspices of N.A.M.E. Gallery, was called Filmgroup at N.A.M.E. In 1976, Filmgroup separated from the gallery and incorporated as Chicago Filmmakers. Filmgroup was retained as the informal name for the exhibition program until 1994, when it was renamed Kino-Eye Cinema. The exhibition program is now one of the longest-running showcases in the country for American and foreign independent film and video. Meanwhile, Chicago Filmmakers has evolved into more than a venue for screening films; it is now a diverse media arts center with programs in adult and youth education, equipment access and membership services, film distribution, and community outreach, as well as film and video exhibition. |
|
For
over 30 years, Chicago Filmmakers has been dedicated to providing
a showcase for the work of innovative independent film and video
makers and to developing new audiences and increased media attention
for their work. Chicago Filmmakers's exhibition program fosters
public awareness and appreciation of film and video as media for
artistic personal expression, as well as media of social/political
impact, and seeks to provide culturally diverse audiences with alternative
images to those reflected in mainstream media. C.F. Screenings usually
presents weekly programs in a variety of formats, such as thematic
series, festivals, juried shows, open screenings, regional shows,
traveling tours, one-person shows, retrospectives, and multimedia
programs. C.F. Screenings is one of the few exhibitors in the city
that regularly features short films and tapes, and maintains a tradition
of presenting artists in person as often as possible to discuss
their work with the audience. Now entering its 28th year, this is the second-oldest lesbian and gay film festival in the world, and has become one of the most significant cultural events for the gay and lesbian communities in Chicago. Approximately 125 to 140 films and videos are shown each year, including features, documentaries, experimental shorts, and animation. Screenings take place at the Landmark Theatre among other venues. The mission of Reeling is to celebrate and increase the awareness of lesbian and gay culture by providing an affirmative showcase for the work of lesbian and gay film and video makers. The Festival contributes to a sense of community and facilitates the exchange of ideas about evolving issues of importance to gay and lesbian culture. The lesbian and gay media arts culture is quickly growing into a flourishing alternative voice in the independent film and video world.
The Community Screening Project has brought free screenings to community centers, parks, public housing, and other locations throughout Chicago. This program has served to reach new audiences with independent films and videos while bringing members of local communities together to discuss important issues. Past screenings and series have taken place at the Apna Ghar Shelter for Battered Asian Women, The Cambodian Association Center, the Beverly Arts Center, the Field Museum, The Center for Inner City Studies, The Tranquility Center at Cabrini Green, Robert Taylor Homes, the Bernard Horwich Jewish Community Center, and on the grounds of the DuSable Museum, Palmer Square Park and Wicker Park. The Community Screening Project was developed with the direct involvement of members of several communities through focus groups, surveys, and extensive meetings. In the process, CF has built alliances with community service organizations, and has worked closely with the site host groups in selecting and presenting programs. The Co-op is the equipment access, information/resource, education and membership services project of Chicago Filmmakers. The Co-op provides low-cost access to 16mm and digital video production and post-production equipment, conducts film classes and workshops and holds informal members' screenings. The Co-op offers its members discounts at labs and sound studios, on filmmaking supplies and publications, and reduced rates for CF classes and workshops. Membership is $50 per year and is open to any filmmaker working on an independent, non-commercial project. The Co-op allows filmmakers who cannot pay rental fees to pay in volunteer labor. The Young Independent Filmmakers Project The Young Independent Filmmakers Project is an outreach program CF established in 1991, offering free classes in various aspects of filmmaking and media arts education to grammar and high-school age students. This program has offered students both hands-on experience in filmmaking and opportunities to develop critical faculties as viewers. Classes have included workshops in animation and Super-8 film production. The YIFP has traveled to area community centers and schools to reach a culturally diverse range of students. Programs have taken place at the Boys and Girls Clubs/Lathrop Unit, the Black on Black Love Art Center at the Robert Taylor Homes, Beacon St. Gallery, Jane Adams Hull House, the Chicago Children's Museum, Burley, Burnham and Stockton public schools, and at twelve Chicago Park District facilities. Currently Chicago Filmmakers offers Summer DIgital Moviemaking Camps for youth ages 10-17 The Distribution Project of Chicago Filmmakers The Distribution Project of Chicago Filmmakers is one of the few outlets in the country for the distribution of short films. The collection includes over 600 titles of independent films and videos that are distributed to universities, museums, cinemas and other venues throughout the country and abroad. The collection is particularly recognized for its award-winning animated films; it is also strong in experimental work, including films by many well know avant-garde artists. Some of the artists with work in the collection include: Gus van Sant, Sally Cruikshank, Karen Aqua, Ralph Arlyck, Scott Bartlett, Lisze Bechtold, Rose Bond, Robert Breer, James Broughton, Tony Buba, Maxi Cohen, Ed Emshwiller, Paul Glabicki, George Griffin, Emily Hubley, Al Jarnow, Owen Land, Gunvor Nelson, Pat ONeill, Pat Oleszko, Sara Petty, Dennis Pies, Mark Rappaport, Kathy Rose, Maya Deren and Michael Wallin. In 1993, Chicago Filmmakers expanded the collection with new acquisitions that reflect Chicago Filmmakers commitment to diversity, including work by women, lesbians and gays, and artists of color. |
| Web Credits |
|
Website
Coordination - Mark
Hubert Internet Host:
|
| Board of Directors |
| Mark
Hubert, President
|
| Staff |
|
Brenda
Webb - Executive Director
|
| Current Funders |
|
The
John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
|
| Contact Information |
|
Address:
5243 N. Clark Street, Chicago IL 60640 |