About this Event
The first season of screenings, September to December 2026, is presented by the Chicago Film Office in partnership with the City's “Art is Labor” initiative, where a selection of contemporary films will explore what it looks like to be a creative worker in the 21st century, the importance of creative workers in the economic and cultural ecosystem, and their often-invisible everyday struggles. For more information on "Art is Labor," please visit Chicago.gov/CreativeWork.
Post-screening discussions will keep the conversation going and provide information on resources available to Chicago's arts and culture community and creative workers.
PROBLEMISTA (2023, dir. Julio Torres, 104min. DCP)
Wednesday, 9/30 at 7:00 p.m.
Alejandro is an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador, struggling to bring his unusual ideas to life in New York City. As time on his work visa runs out, a job assisting an erratic art-world outcast becomes his only hope to stay in the country and realize his dream.
Julio Torres's deadpan and surreal odyssey of a creative mind navigating the unsolvable labyrinth of immigration policy opens up insightful discussions about what an arts worker looks like, and the myriad challenges they face in today's world.
Post-Screening Discussion: Participants forthcoming
ACCESSIBILITY NOTE: Feature will be presented with on-screen captions. Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) will be provided for pre- and post-screening remarks. RSVP provides space to request other access needs.
RSVP is requested, but not required for this free event.
Space may be limited, and your RSVP does not guarantee entry. Please arrive early. The space opens at 6:30 p.m.
Event venue & nearby stays
Chicago Cultural Center, 78 East Washington Street, Chicago, United States
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