If the Chicago Park District can find underwriting, we could see a revival of the Outdoor Movie Festival in Grant Park next summer. That's what Parks Department Superintendent Tim Mitchell said today during a discussion over the Park District's proposed budget for next year. more ›

The water bottles and beer cans have all been cleaned up from Hutchinson Field so Grant Park is ready for the continuation of the Chicago Outdoor Movie Festival with another of Roger Ebert’s favorites: John Ford’s My Darling Clementine. Ebert highlighted this film in one of his Great Movies commentaries. It tells a story (though perhaps not the story) of the events in Tombstone that led to the legendary gunfight at the OK Corral. Its strength lies in its ability to flesh out the relationship between Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday and is “more about everyday things--haircuts, romance, friendship, poker and illness.” more ›

In the world of independent film, one encounters plenty of obstacles not faced by the big studios. While money—or lack of it—is a common complaint, the challenge of degenerative illness rarely enters the picture. But for director and Chicago theater actor Ben Byer, dealing with ALS (commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) was not just an obstacle but also the impetus to get behind the camera in the first place to film Indestructible: A Story of Survival. more ›

It’s a big day for Roger Ebert tomorrow as one of Chicagoist’s favorite summertime activities begins with the Chicago Outdoor Movie Festival in Grant Park’s Butler Field. After receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last month, Ebert receives his own plaque under the Chicago Theatre marquee Tuesday as part of Roger Ebert Day. Festivities also include a fete at the Chicago Cultural Center and a luncheon. Ebert also chose all of the... more ›