FACETS Film Forum: A New Name, a Milestone Celebration, And a New Vision for the Future
CHICAGO, IL–As FACETS celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, the iconic Chicago nonprofit art house cinema is unveiling exciting changes, including a new name, a fresh slate of programming and ambitious plans for growth. Known for its pioneering role in international cinema and its world-renowned video library, FACETS is embracing the future while staying true to its mission of delivering powerful storytelling and community engagement through cinema.
In honor of this milestone, the FACETS Board has approved an institutional name change from FACETS Multi-Media to FACETS Film Forum, renewing its commitment to fostering meaningful conversations and cultural connections through film. The two logos in this press release are part of a new brand identity system designed by Chicago-based graphic designer Carlos Segura.
“Changing our name to FACETS Film Forum underscores our commitment to fostering connections and conversations through cinema,” said FACETS Film Forum Executive Director Karen Cardarelli. “With attendance tripling in the past three years, we are proud to serve nearly 20,000 people annually and look forward to growing our impact in the years to come.”
As part of the celebration, FACETS is launching a $1 million fundraising initiative and welcoming Rich Moskal, former Director of the Chicago Film Office, as the new Board Co-Chair.
Expanded Leadership
Moskal, who served as Director of the Chicago Film Office from 1996 to 2018, brings decades of experience and deep ties to Chicago’s film community to FACETS. He will serve as Board Co-Chair alongside Tamara Bohórquez, a creative strategist and longstanding advocate who serves as a bridge to founder Milos Stehlik’s vision. Together, with Cardarelli, they will guide the organization as it builds on its legacy and charts a bold path forward.
“With Rich’s industry expertise and Tamara’s dedication to our mission, we are poised to make a greater impact on Chicago’s cultural landscape,” said Cardarelli.
New Programming Highlights for 2025
FACETS is unveiling an expanded lineup to their popular signature programming to engage and inspire audiences:
- Chicago on Screen (launching March 14, 2025): A curated series celebrating Chicago’s contributions to cinema, featuring behind-the-scenes conversations with the filmmakers. Highlights include THE FUGITIVE and HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER. The series is being programmed by Moskal.
- 5 Films, 5 Decades, 5 Critics (launching April 2025): A look back at five iconic films connected to the history of FACETS and its exhibition of independent and international works. Curated by Film Program Director, Charles Coleman, the series will showcase legendary filmmakers and feature engaging discussions with local critics.
- Ongoing signature programs: Must-Watch Indies, Cold Sweat (cult & horror cinema), Anime Club, FACETS Family Series, Film Trivia and Hollywood Babylon (punk cinema).
FACETS continues to nurture young filmmakers through its Film Camp and education screening series while exploring ways to evolve its renowned Academy AwardⓇ-qualifying international children’s film festival which is currently on hiatus.
Fundraising to Support Growth
FACETS is launching the public phase of a $1 million fundraising campaign to sustain its growth, expand its audience, maintain its facility and enhance mission-critical programming.
“We’ve raised 25% of our goal and are committed to reaching $1 million by 2027,” said Board Co-Chair Tamara Bohórquez.
Two major fundraisers are planned:
- Beyond the Red Carpet (Saturday, February 22, 2025): A pre-Academy AwardsⓇ event with film critic Lee Shoquist, including Prosecco, a dessert reception and an interactive discussion to predict this year’s awards season winners. Tickets start at $45.
- 50th Anniversary Celebration (September 2025): Details on honorees, location and sponsorships to be announced.
A Legacy of Collaboration
FACETS Film Forum remains a hub for partnerships, working with organizations like Full Spectrum Features, Kartemquin Films, Wrightwood 659 and the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago. Its programming team includes an array of talented curators, including Coleman, Deidre Searcy, Raul Benitez, Raphael Jose Martinez, Henry Hanson, Emma Greenleaf, Nick Edelberg and many FACETS staff along with guest programmers like Lee Shoquist and Moskal.
Board and Advisory Board
Members of the Board of FACETS Film Forum are Tamara Bohórquez and Rich Moskal, Co-Chairs; Randy Adamsick, Co-Chair Emeritus; Howard Blietz, Twania Brewster, Judy Bross, Suzette Bross, Penny Brown, Steve Bynum, Mitchell Cobey, Karen Cardarelli, David Edelberg MD, Christopher Hagenah, Rebecca Halpern, Julie Jahn, Josh Mann, Michael Nehs, Biba Roesch and Matthew Steinmetz.
FACETS’ Advisory Board members are Monika Betts, Sophia Wong Boccio, Stephanie Comer, Chaz Ebert, Maria Giese, Francisco Gonzalez-Pulido, Mark Kelly, Anstiss Krueck, Tracy Kupferberg, Lisa Yun Lee, Melissa McClayton, Holly Chapman, Elspeth Revere, Max Rovner, Dawn Sinclair Shapiro, Alissa Simon and Pepe Vargas.
About FACETS
Established in 1975, FACETS began operating out of a North Side Chicago church. Founder Milos Stehlik (1949-2019) ran a borrowed 16mm projector from the choir loft, with patrons sitting down below on hardwood pews. The then-banned Italian-Algerian anti-war film, THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS (1966), was a hallmark screening during FACETS’ early years, and solidified the organization as one of Chicago’s first art house cinemas and one of the only places audiences could regularly experience international films. For 50 years, FACETS has been a haven for bold cinematic exploration, fearlessly championing the power of great films to expand perspectives, inspire brave conversations, and to affirm the shared humanity of all people. One of FACETS’ newer initiatives is to spearhead the Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals, formed in 2023, to support the local, independent film festival sector. FACETS’ lead institutional support includes Seabury Foundation, Stuart R. Abelson Foundation, Driehaus Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Illinois Arts Council, City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events CityArts grant and Comer Family Foundation.