Girls Women On Film
By Scott Smith in Arts & Entertainment on Mar 16, 2005 3:08PM
“Admission is free.”
Is there a more delightful phrase in the English language? Chicagoist doesn’t think so. But we don’t usually expect to see it juxtaposed with a description of the largest and longest-running women’s film and video festival. Yet the Women In the Director’s Chair festival
is just that: largest, longest-running and free as a bird.
A mixture of film, video and art installations, the WIDC showcases media by women, girls and transgendered people that express a diversity of issues and experiences. In addition to the stories about life on the other side of the world, WIDC also features films that present an alternative point of view on Amelia Earhart, the Apollo 11 moon landing, and, of course, relationships.
Tonight’s kickoff party includes a not-so-free dinner reception but also a free program hosted by Roger Ebert featuring Sundance darling Miranda July whose film Me and You and Everyone We Know screens on Saturday the 19th. All events take place at the Chicago Cultural Center. Download the full schedule (pdf file) here.
In addition, The Music Box is running the original Deep Throat—a film with a slightly different take on female empowerment—as a midnight movie this weekend. Just tell people you’re going because you think “porn is funny” and no one will think you’re a perv, Mr. Hipster. We’re just wondering if anyone’s going to catch Deep Throat on Saturday night then make it back on Sunday afternoon for the Palm Sunday showing of King of Kings.
The Music Box has a newly released 35 mm print of Throat, which doesn’t make the film itself any better but hey it’s a visual medium, right? It should also put you in the mood for The Chicagoist Inside Deep Throat Contest! You did send in your entry, didn’t you? Click the link for full details. One clarification: entries will be accepted until 11:59 PM on Monday, March 21st. The whole question of “when is midnight?” confused some people. We’re touched by your concern.