January 2009

MILKING THE RHINO (2008, 83 min.) A film by David E. Simpson

The Maasai of Kenya and the Himba in Namibia – two of earth’s oldest cattle cultures – struggle with the realities of wildlife conservation and their traditional ways.  Shot in some of the world’s most magnificent locales, Kartemquin Films’ latest documentary MILKING THE RHINO offers complex, intimate portraits of rural Africans at the forefront of community-based conservation.  With Chicago director David E. Simpson in person.

February 2009

PETE SEEGER: THE POWER OF SONG (2007, 93 min) A film by Jim Brown

With music that will get your foot tapping and never-before-seen archival footage, this is a moving tribute to the legendary Pete Seeger, one of America’s most important singer/songwriters. PETE SEEGER: THE POWER OF SONG  is a life-affirming portrait of an artist who understands both the power of music and people as instruments for social change.  Guest speaker:  Folk musician and historian Mark Dvorak. 

March 2009

TAKING ROOT: THE VISION OF MANGARI MAATHAI (2008, 79 min.) By Lisa Merton and Alan Dater

Can the simple act of planting a tree change the course of a nation?  When Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai began planting trees in Kenya, she launched a national movement to safeguard the environment and protect human rights. TAKING ROOT  lovingly portrays Maathai’s vision and inspiring world-view.  

Guest speakers:  Kenya-based journalist Margaretta Gacheru and Symon Ogeto, International House, University of Chicago.  Co-Presented with ITVS Community Cinema, Independent Lens and WTTW 11.

April 2009

BILLY THE KID (2007, 85 min.) A film by Jennifer Venditti

Remember those adolescent years – all the confusion and naiveté?  Fifteen-year-old Billy is the focus of this sensitive coming-of-age film that follows him confronting life in a small town, his first love and his own demons. BILLY THE KID  is a humorous and intimate portrait – one that has you hoping for a Billy the Adult sequel.

May 2009

THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI (2006, 74 minutes)  By Linda Hattendorf

After 9/11, eighty-year-old artist Jimmy Mirikitani finds himself homeless in New York.  Jimmy, who is Japanese-American, survived the trauma of WWII internment camps and Hiroshima. Enter filmmaker Linda Hattendorf and together they embark on a journey that sensitively explores the wounds of war and the healing powers of art and friendship.  Co-Presented with the Aging Well Conference

June 2009

GREEN TOWNS USA: A NEW DEAL (2009, 56 minutes) 

By June Finfer and Glory Southwind

During the Depression, the Roosevelt Administration built three “green” towns as experiments in urban planning – two are still thriving, but the third is under duress. This documentary hits close to home as it explores what’s right and wrong in our efforts to solve the problems of urban sprawl, affordable housing, and livable communities. With Chicago filmmaker June Finfer and co-producer Glory Southwind in person.

July 2009

ABSOLUT WARHOLA (2001, 80 min.) By Stanislaw Mucha

This light-hearted documentary traces the roots of America's Pop icon Andy Warhol, to a small town in Eastern Europe. His extended family never knew him yet they are happy to share their opinions about him.  We are treated to Warhol’s art while the filmmaker offers a humorous look at fame and family.

September 2009

By Tashai Lovington and Robert Lughai

From fresh backyard eggs to the family’s new favorite pet, the urban chicken is moving up higher in the pecking order of human importance.  Told with humor and heart, MAD CITY CHICKENS takes us on an entertaining tour of what’s fast becoming a new backyard chicken movement in America.  With filmmakers Tashai Lovington and Robert Lughai in person.  Filmmaker’s website: www.tarazod.com/filmsmadchicks.html  Co-presenters: Evanston Food Policy Council and Angelic Organics Learning Center.

October 2009

COPYRIGHT CRIMINALS (2009, 70 min.)

By Benjamin Franzen and Kembrew McLeod

Can you own a sound? It depends who you ask. Hip-hop artists have long sampled previously recorded music to create new compositions. But once record company lawyers got involved, sampling became a ‘copyright infringement.’ Featuring many of hip-hop’s founding figures, this documentary examines artistic expression, copyright law and, of course, money.  Discussion led by Professor Peter DiCola, Northwestern University.  Co-Presented with ITVS Community Cinema, Independent Lens and WTTW 11.

October 2009

MARTHA IN LATTIMORE (2005, 45 min)  By Mary M. Dalton

Nearly 50 years after a vaccine was developed, Polio still attacks in the poorest corners of the planet.  REELTIME presents two short documentaries about the impact of Polio:  the Academy Award-nominated THE FINAL INCH takes us to India where a quiet army of outreach workers goes door-to-door to reach unvaccinated children.  MARHTA IN LATTIMORE lovingly portrays Martha Mason, an author and the spirited center of her small town, who has lived in an iron lung for most of her life.  Discussion led by Kris Tsau, Polio Advocacy Specialist, Rotary International.  Co-presented with Rotary International.

November 2009

DO NO HARM (2009, 55 min.) By Rebecca Schanberg 

Adding to the national health care debate, this gripping new documentary tells of two Southerners who became reluctant whistleblowers when they exposed unethical billing practices at a large non-profit hospital.  Drawing attention to the plight of the uninsured, their findings led to class action lawsuits against 37 health care systems nationally.  With Chicago director Rebecca Schanberg and editor Susanne Suffredin in person. Film website:   http://www.donoharmdoc.com/