By Elaine Hegwood Bowen, MSJ
The Gene Siskel Film Center recently introduced “Screen to Screen” to provide opportunities for human interaction that is vital to the community of filmmakers and cinephiles and one’s overall well-being, especially in this time of isolation. “With the Gene Siskel Film Center’s reputation of hosting over 200 discussions annually, the center wanted to continue that tradition of connecting its audience to filmmakers. In addition, it is also encouraging the ongoing need to give the gift of film, now available online, by offering its patrons the opportunity to gift virtual cinema to the film lovers in their life,” said Jean de St. Aubin, Executive Director.
Upcoming Screen to Screen films with virtual Q&As are “Thousand Pieces of Gold” (April 29); and “Pahokee,” where directors Ivete Lucas and Patrick Bresnan paint a detailed and astonishing portrait of Pahokee, a rural village in the Everglades, Florida. Very close knit, its inhabitants fight to face fragile financial situations and an uncertain future. (Through May 2). Patrons can click on the films’ links on the Gene Siskel Film Center’s website, search (Gene Siskel Film Center) and can also join the virtual conversations.
Films streaming that are available to purchase as gifts for friends and family are “The Booksellers” (through April 30); “Slay The Dragon” (through April 30). Ahead of the 2020 elections and a new round of redistricting, voters are fighting back. With exclusive access to influential, citizen-led activist groups, as well as the legal team that brought the most important voting rights case in a generation to the Supreme Court. “Slay The Dragon” chronicles the civic grit that is turning the tide in the battle for the legitimacy of U.S. democracy.
Other films are “Once We Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band” (through April 30); and “Deerskin” (May 1-7).
For more information and extended screening dates, visit http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org.
