We street teamed on Sunday. We’re previewing tonight. The Junior Board is ready.
It’s nearly time for the 49th Chicago International Film Festival!
Some of the board, though everyone was there in spirit (see banner in the background)
While the movie hasn’t been getting all that great of reviews, our Great Gatsby night was a huge success! After getting all dolled up, everyone went to a screening in 3D then heading to PUBLIC Hotel for an after party in the library room. Napkins, shot glasses and movie posters awaited our partygoers while servers walked around with Stella and baby Moët bottles. And of course, the soundtrack played throughout the whole party.
Many thanks to our photographer Tim Sullivan for helping commemorate the night.
With a membership to Cinema/Chicago, every few weeks there’s another screening of an upcoming feature. Over the year, I’ve been able to see some stellar films and hear inspiring Q&As with directors, writers and actors. As these screenings usually take place during the week, it’s a nice way to unwind after a work day.
This past week, we screened The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It features an all-star, British cast and does not disappoint. It’s about a group of ex-pats seeking solace, meaning and a new hip in India. The film is rich with colors, sounds and moments that feel all too real. But the film wasn’t the only thing I got that night.
As this film skews to an older, mature demographic, there weren’t many young adults there, sans the staff of Cinema/Chicago. Didn’t bother me one bit, but if it weren’t for this film, I can assure you I would not have met a most fascinating person named Sandy. Sandy is probably somewhere over the age of 70, rents library books, quotes philosophers and has spent his years doing good in Africa, Europe and Asia. He’s basically the kind of person I want to become.
We had great talks before and after the film where he told me things about himself and just things in general. When he found out I was a writer, we spent a lot of the conversation discussing linguistics, which I can honestly say, I’ve never given much thought to. We went our separate ways with the promise of catching an art exhibit.
The one thing I took away from Sandy, was his comment when I told him that he’s had such an awe-inspiring life.
“The best is yet to come.”
And if we learned anything from The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, that’s exactly what’s to come.
Every year, the Junior Board for Cinema|Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival puts on a spring fundraiser. The night raises funds for the outreach education program, which gives Chicago Public School students the chance to see an independent/international film and meet with cast from the film. Last year we did the Film Noir event and this year, we’re raising the stakes.
We’re holding “The Reely Teeny Weeny Film Festival Spectacular” and asking anyone in the Chicago area to submit a 60-second film that either recreates a favorite scene or sums up the whole movie in the 60 seconds. Our Junior Board will select 15 films to screen and show at the event, allowing partygoers to vote on the winning entry. The event will take place atop the Dana Hotel at Vertigo Sky Lounge (so fingers crossed for unseasonably warm April weather).
The winning entry will be shown during the Junior Board Night at the 48th Chicago International Film Festival this October. Pique your interest? Know of someone who would be perfect for the event? Head here for more information.
I can’t remember the last time I was this excited for April.
I love how every new year packs so much optimism. It’s a shame it never really continues on throughout the year. Everyone is saying this is their year, their time and sets goals/resolutions to better themselves.
To keep my optimistic viewpoint throughout the year, I always create goals/resolutions on my birthday (July), this way, I make a checkpoint throughout the year to ensure I’m still being/becoming the person I want to be.
My big one for 2011? Join the board at either Cinema:Chicago or become a Team Leader for Chicago Cares. Both organizations are ones that have helped me get acclimated to Chicago while expanding my social circle, so it’s time to give back in a bigger way than just working a 4-hour volunteer shift.
“An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” –Bill Vaughn
Hanna (Non)Tana 