The first annual Chicago Feminist Film Festival will debut on Thursday, April 21 and run through Friday, April 22. This new addition to the city's circuit of film festivals, the CFFF:
"...showcases independent film, predominantly shorts, spanning documentary, fiction, and experimental genres, and aims to address issues of gender, sexuality, race, and other forms of inequality often missing from mainstream media. This in turn means creating inclusive public spaces for under-represented artists to share their work — particularly women, people of color, queer, and transgender folks, given their struggle for visibility in the mainstream film industry. Another goal is to forge connections between local, national, and international film. The over-arching assumption behind the festival is that art plays a vital role in bringing people together and encouraging them to think deeply about issues of equality and social justice."
The full schedule is now available on the film festival's website. It will include 6 programs, 42 short films, and 1 feature film.
This year's feature film, The Fits, debuted at this year's Sundance Film Festival, and will be screened on Thursday the 21st at 4:15pm. Painting a psychological portrait of tomboy-ish 11-year-old Toni, the film follows her as she attempts to ingratiate herself with a tight-knit dance team in Cincinnati's West End.
Enamored by the power and confidence of this strong community of girls, Toni eagerly absorbs routines, masters drills, and even pierces her own ears to fit in. When a mysterious outbreak of fainting spells plagues the team, Toni’s desire for acceptance is twisted. Premiering at this past winter's Sundance Film Festival, The Fits has received notable praise from critics for its unique aesthetic and originality.
The film's screening at the Chicago Feminist Film Festival will be followed by Q&A with filmmaker Anna Rose Holmer, and an opening night reception with food and beverage at 6pm.
All screenings at this year’s Chicago Feminist Film Festival are free and open to the public. Doors to each screening will open 20 minutes prior to the screening. Seats are available on a first come, first serve basis.
For more information go to ChicagoFeministFilmFestival.com or get in touch through the site's contact form.