Special February Film Events in Chicago for Valentine’s Day, Oscar, and More

During the month of February, there are a few excellent movie celebrations that will take place in Chicago. The highlights include a 2012 Oscar-nominated short film presentation, a Valentine’s Day movie and organ music event, and a chance to meet filmmakers Steve James and author Robert K. Elder in person.

Portage Theater
4050 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, Illinois

One of the best places to enjoy an old-fashioned movie experience is at the historic 1920s Portage Theater. On Wednesday, February 15, 2012, “Celebrate Valentine’s Day with the Ultimate Heartbreak” as the Northwest Chicago Film Society screens the original 1932 version of “Back Street,” starring Irene Dunne and John Boles. The evening also includes live organ music and a Woody Woodpecker cartoon. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and the admission for all ages is $5.00.

Wilmette Theatre
1122 Central Ave.
Wilmette, Illinois

In celebration of the upcoming 84th Academy Awards, the Wilmette Theatre presents a Short Film Series that includes Oscar-nominated Live Action and Animated Films. The series will run from February 24-March 1. “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore,” “A Morning Stroll,” “Pentecost,” “Raju,” and “The Shore” are among the films that will be shown. The cost is $8.25 for adults and $6.25 for seniors 65+ and children 12 and under.

The showtimes for the live action shorts are Friday, February 24, at 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, February 25, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, February 26, at 4:30 p.m.; Monday, February 27, at 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.; Tuesday, February 28, at 4:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, February 29, at 7:00 p.m. No screenings will take place on Thursday, March 1.

The animated shorts will screen (see dates above) Friday at 7:00 p.m., Saturday at 5:00 p.m., Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday at 5:00 p.m., and Thursday at 5:00 p.m.

Music Box Theatre
3733 N. Southport
Chicago, Illinois

The beautiful vintage Music Box Theatre hosts “The Film That Changed My Life: Harlan County U.S.A. with Steve James and Robert K. Elder” on Sunday, February 19, at 1:30 p.m. James (“Hoop Dreams”) will appear in person for a screening featuring his own film, “The Interrupters,” along with the 1977 Oscar-winning documentary “Harlan County U.S.A.” Author Robert K. Elder, who penned “The Film That Changed My Life,” will join James for a post-movie discussion.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $10.00 per film or $12.00 each at the door. In addition, you can buy Elder’s book for an extra $16.00 with the purchase of your advance ticket. Copies of the book will also be sold at the theater the day of the event.

Gene Siskel Film Center
164 N. State St.
Chicago, Illinois

Here is your opportunity to catch a movie nominated for the Best Animated Feature Oscar: “Chico & Rita,” which the Hollywood Reporter called “Visually hypnotic, musically electric … breathtakingly beautiful.” The story centers around a 60-year star-crossed romance that takes the audience on a journey from Havana to New York and Las Vegas. Legendary pianist/band leader Bebo Valdez created the original soundtrack, which features great Cuban music.

“Chico & Rita” will screen at the Gene Siksel Film Center February 24 -March 1, 2012. The showtimes are 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 3:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. on Saturday; and 2:15 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets cost $13.00 each.

Check out coverage of the 84th Academy Awards on Yahoo! Movies


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