The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, and in association with the Queer Film Society, the Center on Halsted, Chicago Filmmakers ( the presenting organization of Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival ) , and The Legacy Project present Cinema Q II, the second annual film series celebrating outstanding LGBT movies. The free screenings will take place on four Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2012 in the Claudia Cassidy Theater at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. All screenings will feature a discussion and Q&A following the film. DVDs for some of the films will be available for sale in the lobby. This series contains films with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised. Media sponsors for the Cinema Q film series are Windy City Times, Time Out Chicago, and the Chicago Reader.
But I'm a Cheerleader
Wednesday, March 7, 2012, at 6:30 pm
Chicago Cultural Center, Claudia Cassidy Theater
Lesbian director Jamie Babbit's hilarious queer centric, comedic satire of a controversial "ex gay" camp for "confused" teenagers. Natasha Lyonne, Clea DuVall, RuPaul, Michelle Williams, Melanie Lynskey, and Cathy Moriarty head the cast. ( Directed by Jamie Babbit; 1999, 85 minutes ) .
Blue Citrus Hearts
Wednesday, March 14, 2012, at 6:30 pm
Chicago Cultural Center, Claudia Cassidy Theater
Out writer-director Morgan Jon Fox's gritty, moving coming out, coming of age story of teenagers Sam and Julien won kudos on the fest circuit, including Best Feature when it screened at Reeling in 2003. This screening generously underwritten by Ariztical Entertainment. ( Directed by Morgan Jon Fox; 2003, 91 minutes ) .
I Killed My Mother
Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at 6:30 pm
Chicago Cultural Center, Claudia Cassidy Theater
Out French Canadian auteur Xavier Dolan stars in this critically hailed dramedy of a gay 16 year-old enfant terrible and the daily battles with his single mother. Unseen in Chicago since 2010. In French with subtitles. This screening generously underwritten by the Quebec Government Office in Chicago. ( Directed by Xavier Dolan; 2009, 100 minutes )
Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin
Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at 6:30 pm
Chicago Cultural Center, Claudia Cassidy Theater
Out writer-director-producer Bennett Singer will attend this screening of his acclaimed documentary portrait of the openly gay Civil Rights activist ( in honor of the 100th anniversary of Rustin's birth date ) followed by a complimentary dessert reception in the G.A.R. Rotunda ( courtesy of Ann Sather ) . This screening co-sponsored by Affinity Community Services. Travel arrangements courtesy of Orbitz.
For more information on Cinema Q and other film programs at the Chicago Cultural Center, please visit www.ChicagoCulturalCenter.org . Further information about the Queer Film Society at www.QueerFilmSociety.org .
THE QUEER FILM SOCIETY
The Queer Film Society ( QFS ) is a consortium of LGBT film critics, historians, artists, and scholars dedicated to the exploration and celebration of queer images in world cinema. Recognizing the diversity of identities and perspectives that comprise its membership, QFS is committed to showcasing vital films from equally vital, and sometimes widely varied, vantage points. From mainstream to underground and from artist to audience, a distinct and communal sensibility informs the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered ( LGBT ) cinema experience.
CENTER ON HALSTED
As the most comprehensive LGBT community center in the Midwest, the Center on Halsted serves as a catalyst for the LGBT community that links and provides community resources and enriches life experiences in a safe, inviting and nurturing environment. Center on Halsted has become an exciting and highly visible symbol for the LGBT community of Chicago, serving diverse social, recreational, cultural, and social service needs of youth and adults.
CHICAGO FILMMAKERS
Chicago Filmmakers is a 38 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. Chicago Filmmakers is the presenting organization of Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival. The mission of Reeling is to recognize the important artistic contributions that lesbian, gay and transgender filmmakers have made to our culture; to educate the general population and sensitize them to lesbian, gay and transgender issues; to investigate the history of LGBT film, including the stereotyping that has been a major part of this history; and to counteract this stereotyping with valid, meaningful and diverse portrayals of those in the LGBT community.
THE LEGACY PROJECT
The Legacy Project is a non-profit corporation committed to celebrating the contributions Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender ( GLBT ) people have made to history and culture. On October 11, 2012 we will dedicate "The Legacy Walk" an outdoor museum recognizing the accomplishments of extraordinary people whose lives have been selectively edited - or removed entirely - from nearly every textbook used to educate the average person. The Legacy Walk will feature a series of bronze plaques mounted on each of the "Rainbow Pylons" that adorn the half-mile of the North Halsted Street corridor in Chicago's "Boystown." Each plaque will honor an inductee with a bas-relief likeness and a paragraph commemorating their life and accomplishments. Upon its dedication The Legacy Walk will be the only exhibit of its kind in the world.
CHICAGO CULTURAL CENTER
Originally built in 1897 as Chicago's first central public library, the Chicago Cultural Center was established in 1991 as the nation's first and most comprehensive free municipal cultural venue. Drawn by its beauty and abundant free public events, hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the Chicago Cultural Center every year, making it one of the most visited attractions in Chicago. This stunning landmark building is home to two magnificent stained glass domes, as well as free music, dance and theater events, films, lectures, art exhibitions and family events. For more information, visit chicagoculturalcenter.org .
CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events ( DCASE ) is dedicated to promoting and supporting Chicago's arts and culture sector. This includes, but is not limited to: fostering the development of Chicago's nonprofit arts sector, independent working artists, and for-profit arts businesses; presenting high-quality, free or low-fee cultural programs accessible to residents and visitors; and marketing the City's cultural assets to local, regional, and global audiences. DCASE produces nearly 2,000 public programs, events and support services annually, generating millions in economic benefits for the City of Chicago.
CHICAGO OFFICE OF TOURISM AND CULTURE
The Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture markets Chicago as a premier cultural destination to domestic and international leisure travelers; provides innovative visitor programs and services; and familiarizes visitors and residents with the city's vibrant neighborhoods, cultural attractions and creative industries. The Chicago visitor industry serves 40 million visitors annually, generates $11 billion in direct spending and $616 million in taxes, and sustains 124,000 jobs. For more information, visit www.ExploreChicago.org .