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The below story was originally published as part of FACETS Founder, Milos Stehlik’s From the Videotheque newsletter on April 3, 2017. Text has been lightly edited for clarity. I am writing this only because I received a "friend" request on LinkedIn from Teddy Follenfant (an app the usefulness of which I simply cannot understand, other than as an aid for companies to use in vetting potential employees). “Teddy Follenfant” is a name I have not heard in 40 years. It was good to know that Teddy Follenfant is alive, working as a journalist, and now a painter. I knew him in the

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We here at FACETS are pleased to announce we will be fully reopened September 17th and are so eager to welcome you all back in-person again! We will be announcing our opening film Friday, September 4. In the meantime, enter to win 10-free cinema tickets to redeem when we reopen here.  Thanks to the help of all who supported our ReOpening Soon Campaign, we raised over $50,000 and are coming back better and stronger than ever this fall. Because of you, our dedicated patrons, members and supporters, we raised nearly double our initial goal of $30,000 and have been able to

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With the FACETS ReOpening Soon Campaign well underway, we wanted to take some time to reflect on some of the most important moments in the history of FACETS. Last week, we explored the storied history behind the iconic FACETS building, and now we want to explore some of the transformative cinematic experiences that have happened within its doors. Before the pandemic closed our doors and before the movie-going experience became a nostalgic thought for many, FACETS was a hub for the film community and a place for all to experience the magic of cinema. From the films screened, to the films

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This last year, our world has been facing incredibly difficult times, dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and important social and political issues. COVID-19 lockdowns have hindered our collective ability to experience film the way it was intended, in a cinema, shoulder to shoulder with other filmgoers and cinephiles. We have lost the ability to take our seats and let the experience that is cinema wash over us. There has been no more excitement when the lights dim, signaling the start of the show. There have been no more concessions enjoyed or horrible moments where you must shush the people sitting

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As a tumultuous 2020 draws to a close, we can look back on all the efforts we’ve all made to pave the way for a better 2021.  It’s been a year of turmoil, fear, and doubt, but also one of re-discovery, reinvention, and hope.  Even as we temporarily closed our Facets building, the staff and board have worked tirelessly to keep our film programming alive throughout the year, including successful presentations of: The 37th annual Chicago International Children’s Film Festival which virtually screened 262 films from 52 countries to more than _______ students, teachers, and parents. The new Facets Virtual Cinematheque where

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While the passing of FACETS' Founder Milos Stehlik is still fresh within the community, we can still share his vision through the Film Literacy Manifesto. Through his written word, Milos continues to teach film consumers how to actively engage in film and use it as a vehicle to expand ones point of view and explore a range of cultures far and wide. A year ago, on July 6, 2019, FACETS’ Founder Milos Stehlik passed away after a six-month battle with lung cancer. We celebrate his legacy by sharing Milos’s Film Literacy Manifesto, originally presented at the University of Chicago’s International Educators Conference.  Film literacy was at

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In the third installment of our special 45th Anniversary series, Facets Film Program Director, Charles Coleman, tells the story of acquiring Krzysztof Kieślowski’s The Decalogue (1988). Transcript In honor of Facets’ 45th anniversary, we thought it would be great to hear our program director Charles Coleman discuss one of the most formative moments in Facets’ history: the acquisition and screening of Krzysztof Kieślowski’s The Decalogue. Emma Greenleaf If you want to start with the process of acquiring the film for the screening. Charles Coleman  0:24  Yeah, well what happened was … I was a huge fan of Krzysztof Kieślowski  I admired many of the films he

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Pulled deep from the archives, check out this film made over 20 years ago at Facets Summer Camps. This post is part of our special 45th Anniversary series where we look back at exciting moments in Facets’ history. Read part one here and submit your own favorite Facets moments here. https://youtu.be/NagVAk_DxrA The Picky Person at the Potluck Party is an absurdly delightful comedy that could be a great double feature with Luis Buñuel’s The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie (1972). At an eccentric millionaire’s potluck, a guest has her tastes challenged by the dinner options, which include squid Jell-O, boiled fish heads, and

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Facets, christened “a temple of great cinema” by revered film critic Roger Ebert, celebrates its 45th anniversary today, Wednesday, May 20, 2020. Since 1975, Facets has brought global, diverse audiences together to experience the power of film as a community. In celebration of this legacy, we’ll be exploring some important moments from our past (check out the first in the series) and we’re asking you to submit your own favorite Facets moments in this online form. Facets was founded in 1975 by award-winning film critic and long-time WBEZ commentator Milos Stehlik, who died last July after a six-month battle with cancer. Born out

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In honor of our 45th anniversary, David Edelberg and Randy Adamsick, current members of the Facets board of directors and colleagues of Milos Stehlik for more than 30 years each, share their watchlist.  The favorites listed are both emblematic of Milos’s vision and also represent some important milestones in cinema history that occurred at Facets. All films listed are available to rent from Facets. Become a Facets Member for only $10 /month and start renting today. (1) Intimate Lighting Directed by Ivan Passer, Czechoslovakia, 71 mins. Two old friends, Peter, a professional musician, and Bambas, a provincial one, reunite for a weekend in their small