Lotta Film Stuff (and a TV Thing Too)

By Rob Christopher in Arts & Entertainment on May 9, 2007 1:00PM

We usually hate to just throw up a bunch of stuff in list form, but we’ve gotten wind of so many cool things that we just had to share 'em all. The kicker? They’re all free. No matter what your taste in celluloid or pixel, you’re bound to find something here to whet your whistle:

• Chicago indie flick The Minx is having a free screening on Saturday at Schubas, 3159 N. Southport Ave. Director Michael Smith and cast member Mia Park will be on hand at 2:00 p.m. for the show. The low-budget action-comedy centers on a mysterious Robin Hood-like figure known only as the Minx who robs major corporations. Could the Minx actually be mild-mannered tobacconist Linnea? The film has already gotten a distribution deal and comes out on DVD May 17. Way to go!
• We’re still yearning for the Museum of Broadcast Communications to return. There’s been word that the new facility at State/Kinzie will open “later this year” (apparently with a $200K assist from Jerry Springer), but after so many delays we’re still skeptical. In the meanwhile we can hear Bruce DuMont, its chairman, present a lecture on Chicago's prominent role in the development of modern broadcasting. The free event on Wednesday May 16, part of East-West University’s lecture series, begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by the lecture at 7:00 p.m. Go to the university’s Fourth Floor Auditorium, 816 S. Michigan.
• The Chicago Film Archives has two new programs of unearthed goodies from their vaults, screening tomorrow night at 6:30 and 7 at the Chicago Cultural Center. The first program includes shorts about subjects ranging from a Marina City waitress to nearly-forgotten 60’s folk singer Willie Wright. There’s also a University of Chicago student film that pits Nietzsche against Jesus, with a crucifixion climax filmed on the Midway. The second program, entitled “The Place and Price of Order,” focuses on confrontational experimental film. Very Nice, Very Nice, a 1961 film by Arthur Lipsett, was nominated for an Oscar and is made up of eclectic footage from National Film Board of Canada. Two films from the early 70’s by Jeff Kreines and Chuck Olin examine Chicagoans attitudes towards Vietnam, and Kenji Kanesaka’s Super Up depicts mid-60’s Chicago as a sexualized consumerist spectacle. Both programs are at Claudia Cassidy Theater inside the CCC at 78 E. Washington.

Lotte Lenya (forgive the pun) via James Bond 007 Magazine.