Patrick McDonald

CHICAGO – The 2017 Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival (BWIFF), a Chicagoland favorite for eight years, is hitting the big time by bringing the festival to the historic Music Box Theatre, in the City of Chicago proper for the first time. The Opening Night Film is “September Morning,” about a group of college kids bonding after the events of September 11th. The Opening Night short and feature films will be preceded by “The Blue Carpet,” and followed by an after party (details below). The BWIFF runs for eight days, through August 10th, 2017.

CHICAGO – It was show time for two-time Oscar winner Jane Fonda, as she accepted a Career Achievement Award from Cinema/Chicago at the Radisson Blue Aqua Hotel, and participated in a tribute night – moderated by Chicago Sun-Times Film Critic Richard Roeper – on Saturday, July 29th, 2017.

CHICAGO – It takes a collaborative village to make a movie, and part of that collective came to Chicago to promote “Landline.” Director Gillian Robespierre, Co-Writer Elisabeth Holm and debut actress Abby Quinn were essential to the film, which is set in 1990s New York City and features Jenny Slate in the lead role.

CHICAGO – John Michael is back! Chicago’s favorite monologist is reviving his latest show, “Meatball Seance.” For the next two Mondays, July 31st and August 7th, 2017, Michael will perform at at Mary’s Attic in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. In celebration of this funny and amazing audience participation show, HollywoodChicago.com reruns a podcast done with Michael in April of this year.

CHICAGO – Jenny Slate keeps getting more high profile, both in voiceover work (“The Secret Life of Pets”) and as an actress. Her latest film is “Landline,” her second with director Gillian Robespierre. In the film, Slate portrays an engaged-to-be-married “adult” who is having trouble coming to terms with her life.

CHICAGO – TV fans know Monica Raymund as paramedic Gabby Dawson on the long-running “Chicago Fire.” But the talented actor is expanding her range, debuting her first film as director, “Tanya,” at the Midwest Independent Film Festival on Tuesday, August 1st, 2017. The short film – written by Sam Forman – will be part of “Female Filmmakers Night” at the Midwest Indie, and is part of Raymund’s involvement with Hidden Tears Project, an organization dedicated to raising consciousness by creating media on gender inequality, sexual abuse and human trafficking.

Previous | Image 1 of 6 | Next

Innovative Dolby Atmos system is introduced at Chicago’s Sound-Bar.

CHICAGO – The latest sound innovation will make its U.S. debut right here in Chicago as the immersive, multi-dimensional sonic aura of Dolby Atmos will premiere at the iconic dance club Sound-Bar on July 29th, 2017. The club presentation will spin starting at 10pm with “Solarstone” from producer, composer and DJ Richard Mowatt. The audio system boasts no compression, 30 speakers and 22 channels of separation. Paired with Sound-bar’s legendary light show, the installation is one of the most inventive sound happenings to date.

CHICAGO – For the 13th straight year, Chicago will host the 48 Hour Film Project. The international competition allows filmmakers to gather their production teams and challenges them to create a short film in only 48 hours. Producer Jerry Vasilatos is in charge of the Chicago competition and is hosting a meet and greet on July 30, 2017 at the Lincoln Tap Room on the North Side.

CHICAGO – It has become clear to anyone who is making an observation about authority and “order” in America, that for certain people it comes with a severe price. “Detroit” explores an incident within the 1967 riots there, when white police officers raided a hotel and perpetuated crimes of their own.

CHICAGO – During the late disco era of the 1970s, an unusual musical opened on Broadway. Essentially a two person stage play, “They’re Playing Our Song” involved a songwriter and a lyricist who develop a stronger connection than just writing partners. The always passionate Brown Paper Box Co. of Chicago has unearthed this chestnut with a bright and fun revival at the Rivendell Theatre through August 20th, 2017.