Free Movies In The Park Series Will Feature Chicago-Produced Films

By Stephen Gossett in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 19, 2016 8:41PM

In the Game / Courtesy Kartemquin Films

As far as summer traditions go, we’d rank Movies in the Park right up there with ice cream from Margie’s Candies and hanging out at the dog beach. So we were happy to learn of a new late-summer addendum—with a twist. The Chicago Park District announced on Friday the return of the Chicago Onscreen series, which brings Chicago-produced, Chicago-focused features and short films to outdoor screens across the city from Aug. 30 through Sept. 3.

In total, the series features 13 movies that will be screened in nine locations.

The roster reflects a nicely-curated selection of some of Chicago’s best filmmaking talent. Notable exhibited directors include Kris Swanberg, Jennifer Reeder and Michael Glover Smith, the White City Cinema blogger and author of the recommended Flickering Empire, about Chicago’s silent film industry. There’s also a recent highlight from Kartemquin—the great, local documentary house that celebrated its 50th anniversary this year. It’s called In the Game, and it chronicles the institutional problems that girls’ soccer team faces at Kelly High School, in Brighton Park.

The films are grouped by four themes, with two of the four blocks focusing on short films, and the other two anchored by a feature.

Check out the full lineup schedule and locations here.