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Updated Programming Coming To The Portage Theater

By Gina Provenzano in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 2, 2014 7:30PM

In an effort to attract a younger audience of moviegoers to the Six Corners, the Portage Theater will switch up its programing and begin screening newer indie films. The historic 1920s theater, which recently reopened in June after shuttering for nearly a year, has largely stuck to screening classic and silent films. In addition to newer flicks, the theater will continue hosting comedy nights and concerts.

According to a recent interview with DNAInfo, Alex Milcarek, the Portage’s newly hired movie programmer says of the new lineup changes "We want to show films you can't find anywhere else," and "We really want the Portage to have an indie spirit."

New programing begins this weekend with screenings of the music documentary Take Me to the River, profiling the Memphis Soul scene and featuring appearances by Snoop Dogg and William Bell. In addition to new titles coming to the iconic marquee, a big change may be coming to the projector booth. The theater is currently considering installation of a digital projector to accompany its 35-millimeter and 16-millimeter projectors. A Coen Brothers film festival is said to be in the works, along with an extensive Halloween schedule for October. Despite these programming changes, the movie house will remain the home of the Silent Film Society of Chicago.

For more updates and complete information on all films and events coming to the Portage, visit theportagetheater.com.

The Portage Theater is located at 4050 N Milwaukee Avenue