2000 Terrorists Spotted At The Siskel Center

By Scott Smith in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 14, 2005 2:50PM

Why do you suppose the Chicago Palestine Film Festival isn’t listed on the main page of The Gene’s website? Or in the navigation bar on their calendar page? It only appears there when you click on one of the films featured in the fest. We contacted The Gene offices and the genetleman there said he had "no idea" why it wasn't there. When we pressed further he said they probably just ran out of room--a reasonable answer. Yet there's space enough on the main page to promote the European Union Film Festival which wrapped up three weeks ago and room in the navbar for the Michael Mann tribute which has been over for two weeks.

So for now we’re going to be optimistic and chalk this up to a web design error. But if you’re not going to promote the film fest you’re hosting then why bother having it? It would be a shame if the Gene’s reticence caused anyone to miss this world-class showcase; the audience is certainly there for it. An article in this week’s Time Out Chicago points out that “there are more Palestinians in Chicago than in any place in the outside of the Arab world.”

If the films presented here were a collection of also-rans then the lack of self-publicity would make sense. But the first week alone features Arafat, My Brother--making its world premiere here--as well as three short films that have their North American debuts here (including 2000 Terrorists, a documentary on the genocide in Palestinian refugee camps in 1982). Special guests include director Miguel Littin who will present his films A Palestinian Chronicle and The Last Moon; Shady Srour, director of Sense of Need, and Buthina Canaan Khoury, director of Women In Struggle. Lots to brag about there. Tickets are $9 for each film or $5 if you’re a member of The Gene.

The CPFF continues in its second week out in the ‘burbs at St. Xavier University in Orland Park. If you don’t mind spending money on gas, all the screenings there are free. Check the CPFF site for the St. Xav’s schedule and The Gene site for the prestige films and special guests that are right here in your backyard. Just make sure to bookmark those links above so you can find the information when you need it.