While regular CFS screenings are postponed, we are catching up on a variety of behind-the-scenes projects — see below!
Want to become a regular supporter of CFS? We’re now on Patreon! Contributions help us keep the projectors rolling and the lights on, and we’ll send you fun things in return!
Prefer to make a one time donation instead? click here.
Friday, July 30th & Saturday July 31st at 9pm at Analog Rooftop Cinema (2124 W. Lawrence)
JIT (1990) on 16mm!
Looking for a copy of the CFS Zine “INFURIATING TIMES“? Support us on Patreon to receive the latest issue or purchase single copies here! Issues 1, 2, and 3 now available!
• PROJECT YOURSELF!: For those missing the experience of seeing movies projected on real film, CFS is pleased to provide 16mm projectors and film prints to anyone who would like to put on a home screening. Movie will be of our choosing (no complaining!), though you can suggest a general interest (genre, era, etc.). No projection experience is necessary, and we’ll provide socially distanced instruction on projector use. Films also available for those who already have a projector in good operating condition. Current wait time is about 6 to 9 months due to significant interest, but you can sign up here to get on the list!
• CFS TOTE BAGS: We finally made some! Big enough for 2000′ feet of film, twice.
Scans from our Collection
• TALMAN GIRLS FUNNY FORMAL (1956)
An 8mm Kodachrome reel we found in the old Bank of America Cinema booth back in 2010. We’ve screened it a few times over the years (including once on a 16mm projector at double speed!), and recently got it scanned. Our friend and fellow projectionist Daniel Knox composed music for this wild and wonderful film, and we think it turned out quite nicely! Unfortunately we don’t know much about the people in the film or the location of the event it portrays, so if you see anything in it that jumps out as recognizable, please let us know!
• THE EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK
A sponsored film produced by Wilding Picture Productions on behalf of the Chicago Daily News, The Editor’s Notebook mixes documentary footage, staged recreations, and interviews with the newspaper’s staff to illuminate and explain the work of the Daily News and the importance of a free press in American democracy. Recently preserved by CFS! Learn more about the history of the film and the story of its preservation here.
• CORN’S-A-POPPIN’ (trailer)
Corn’s-A-Poppin’ (1955) is a work of independent cinema produced by a cross-section of entrepreneurs and artists working at the Midwestern margins of the film industry. The Corn’s-A-Poppin’ contributors remain obscure, except for one: 29-year-old screenwriter Robert Altman, who went on to a maverick directorial career that spanned more than five decades. While screenings of the 35mm print of this wonder will have to wait, you can watch the trailer as often as you like! Learn more about the history of the film and the story of its preservation here.
• THE SPIDER AND THE FLY
This 16mm home movie — shot on the Northwest side of Chicago in 1938 — features sound, scenes of the Riverview amusement park, and a terrifying Halloween puppet show. Preserved by the Chicago Film Society at Colorlab in 2018 with support from the National Film Preservation Foundation. Learn more about the history of the film and the story of its preservation here.
and don’t miss out on LARRY LUJACK SNIPES and other SNIPES FROM THE CFS COLLECTION !
No indoor screenings until further notice
Sign up for our email list for updates on future screenings. We look forward to getting back to packing everyone in like sardines again as soon we can do it safely and in good conscience.
Thinking of all of you,
Becca, Kyle, Cameron, Rebecca, and Julian
