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Film Mon Apr 11 2011
The Chicago International Movies & Music Festival Starts This Week
What would movies and music be without each other? There are specific songs that inspire entire scenes, and films that inspire entire songs. The Chicago International Movies & Music Festival smashes the two mediums together into one magnificent weekend of shows, screenings, and discussions about how both arts influence each other. See some of my film suggestions after the jump.
Fix: The Ministry Movie
Ministry made industrial music. We wouldn't have Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, and many metal bands if this group of Chicagoans never started playing. Fix follows the band's leader Al Jourgensen for a inside look on the band that started it all, and featured interviews with Trent Reznor, Lemmy Kilmeister, and other musicians. Sound Opinions' Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot host the documentary at the Musicbox Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave.) on Thursday, April 14 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15.
Joan of Arc, Lucifer Rising, and Scorpio Rising
Werkmeister Harmonies makes some of the best accompaniments to silent films and are known for their original compositions to classic films. For this screening of Lucifer Rising and Scorpio Rising the group enlisted some of Chicago's best musicians to create a new score. With members of Pelican, Jesus Lizard, Tortoise, and other local musicians, Werkmeister orchestrates a grand accompaniment to Kenneth Anger's films. Following this screening Joan of Arc will accompany the silent film Joan of Arc. Clever, right? All three screenings will take place at the Wicker Park Art Center (2215 W. North Ave.) on Thursday, April 14. The first two films start at 7:30, while Joan of Arc starts at 9:30. Tickets are $20.
High on Hope
The '90s dance scene in England was absolutely electrifying. Wild parties, all in warehouses, with some of the freshest house music pumping through the speakers. High on Hope chronicles the dance scene from warehouse to warehouse. Director Piers Sanderson will be in person to present his documentary on Friday, April 15 at 11pm at the Heaven Gallery (1550 N. Milwaukee Ave.). Tickets are $10 and include a free subscription to Time Out Chicago.
Firewall of Sound
The digital age has changed music as we know it. Obtaining music is so much easier (and cheaper) than it was 20 years ago, allowing listeners to share new artists and songs at rapid fire. However it's also destroyed the old industry and let a new version rise out of what use to be. Firewall of Sound chronicles this new age of music through independent record stores, labels, and musicians trying to adapt and learn from what the internet has to offer. Interviews include Neutral Milk Hotel, the Mountain Goats, the AV Club's Nathan Rabin, and others. Director Devin DiMattia and AV Club writers Nathan Rabin and Josh Modell will appear in person after the screening on Friday, April 15 at the Nightingale (1084 N. Milwaukee Ave). Show starts at 7 pm, tickets are $10.
The Chicago International Movies & Music Festival runs April 14-17 at various venues throughout the city. To see a full line-up of screenings, performances, and panels visit the festival's official website.
