Pencil This In: 'Jim Kelly Day' At Chatham 14 Theaters

By Chuck Sudo in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 16, 2013 5:20PM

Chatham 14 Theaters, Black World Cinema, the Chicago Cinema Society, and South Side Projections have a daylong celebration of the life and films of martial artist and actor Jim Kelly slated from noon until 7 p.m. Aug. 17. Kelly, who died in June, is best known for starring opposite Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon and his other notable films included Black Belt Jones, Three the Hard Way and Black Samurai.

The film lineup includes the Jackie Chan/Jaden Smith remake of The Karate Kid, Kelly’s Black Belt Jones and Enter the Dragon. There will be a rare screening of Robert Wyrod's short film South Side Warriors about the martial arts tradition on Chicago’s South side; it focuses on the late Hamza Gregory Jaco, father of the award-winning hip-hop artist, Lupe Fiasco (Wassalu Jaco).

Between the films, martial arts schools from the Chicago area will do demonstrations in the theater lobby. Local karate masters, Sensei Jimmy Jones and Ted Love, who knew both Jim Kelly and Bruce Lee will attend the screenings and introduce the films and share personal anecdotes. An all-day pass costs $10, or individual tickets are available for $6 each. Screening of The Karate Kid is $2.50 special admission for kids and free popcorn. Check out the full schedule here. (210 W. 87th St.)

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