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We're proud to present our third annual Music Film Festival -- now in a new home at the Music Box Theatre. The fest features seven music-focused films and related special events:
Opening Night
Thursday, May 15, 7PM
Eno
Dir: Gary Hustwit; 2024 (100 mins.)
A self-described “sonic landscaper,” Brian Eno began his career as an original member of Roxy Music in the 1970s and has been at the forefront of musical creativity, technology, and artistic innovation ever since. To capture the essence of the legendary musician/producer/visual artist, director Gary Hustwit (Helvetica) draws from 30 hours of interviews and 500 hours of archived footage to craft a unique musical documentary experience that uses *Brain One software to produce over 52 quintillion versions of the film!
*The CHIRP Music Film Festival will be screening its own unique version of Eno not previously seen in theaters!
Friday, May 16
7PM
Angelheaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan & T. Rex
Dir: Ethan Silverman; 2023 (99 mins.)
This documentary is the first of its kind to explore the complex and revolutionary music and lyrics of one of glam rock’s biggest trailblazers. Featuring archived performances and interviews with T. Rex frontman Marc Bolan, this film also incorporates the behind-the-scenes production of the tribute album of the same name, with performances from such musical acts as Nick Cave, Joan Jett, U2, and more!
This screening will be followed by a live show at GMan featuring eight local artists paying tribute to the glam heroes.
9:15PM
Times Square
Dir: Allan Moyle; 1980 (111 mins.)
Two teenage runaways from opposite sides of the tracks escape a mental hospital and hit the streets of a post-70s New York, forming an underground punk rock band with the help of a local DJ (played with mischievous delight by Tim Curry). One of the first movies ever to feature punk and New Wave music, Times Square boasts an impressive soundtrack that includes The Cure, The Ramones, Patti Smith, Talking Heads, and others.
Saturday, May 17
7PM
Lifers: A Local H Movie
Dir Scott Lucas; 2024 (82 mins.)
Written and directed by the band’s singer/guitarist, Lifers documents a Local H show shot in real time during a gig at Chicago’s revered music venue, the Metro. Blending elements of a documentary and a concert film, Lifers captures the vibe and atmosphere of a Local H performance: energetic, funny, and a borderline psychedelic experience!
Scott Lucas of Local H will introduce the film.
9:15PM
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story
Dir: Jake Kasdan; 2007 (120 mins.)
“You’re gonna have to give him a moment, son…Dewey Cox has to think about his entire life before he plays.” So begins this hilarious musical comedy parody starring John C. Reilly as a fictional early rock and roll pioneer, whose life includes borrowed elements from other notable musicians such as Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, and Brian Wilson.
Sunday, May 18
4:30PM
Save the Children
Dir: Stan Lathan; 1973 (123 mins.)
In 1972, Jesse Jackson held his Operation PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) exhibition in Chicago that featured an all-star lineup of some of the era’s most successful Black artists, including Roberta Flack, Marvin Gaye, the Jackson 5, Curtis Mayfield, and Bill Withers. Paramount Pictures documented the event for a theatrical release in 1973, then the film fell off the radar…until now.
7:00PM
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart: A Film About Wilco
Dir: Sam Jones; 2002 (92 mins.)
This documentary from photographer Sam Jones follows the creation and distribution of Wilco’s fourth studio album, Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Jones captures the eternal tug-of-war battle between art and commerce, as the band butts heads with Reprise, gets dropped by their record label, then streams the album on their website for free and receives critical acclaim. The film is a treat for Wilco fans but also exposes the workings of a profit-driven music industry.
Before the screening, view items signed by members of Wilco and buy raffle tickets for your chance to win them.
With documentaries, performance films and narrative features, there's something for every music lover!
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Music Box Theatre, 3733 N Southport Ave,Chicago, Illinois, United States
Tickets
