CHICAGO—FACETS, located at 1517 W. Fullerton Ave., will be returning to in-person film screenings on Friday, September 17, as previously announced, and with the highly anticipated return to programming on the big screen, there will also be a host of initiatives as the 46-year-old organization dedicated to cinema continues to move forward under the leadership of Executive Director Karen Cardarelli.
Since FACETS suspended its in-person screenings in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and transitioned to online film programming, select areas within the venue have changed their function and/or have been upgraded to reintroduce it as a dynamic space where communities can gather for transformative and inspiring cinematic experiences. And, as FACETS makes enhancements and modifications to how Chicagoans can experience a wide array of visual media, the venue has announced the following initiatives:
Partnerships in support of the filmmaking community:
- In response to a great need in Chicago for filmmakers to legitimately and affordably premiere their films in an established cinema, FACETS will pilot a unique opportunity that covers operational, staff, and marketing support costs to host premiere, feedback or fundraising screenings. Full Spectrum Features will serve as a lead partner, by selecting the recipient filmmakers.
- FACETS leadership will meet with local film organizations to hear further industry needs and identify additional methods for supporting this burgeoning community.
New and routine programming offerings:
- FACETS will return to in-person programming on September 17; the opening film is TBD. FACETS will continue to present first-run films online in their virtual cinema, allowing audiences to watch new independent cinema from the safety and comfort of their homes.
- Cinema programming will expand to include a late-night screening series featuring genre films, rarely screened gems, special selections from FACETS’DVD releases, as well as monthly installments of the CICFF Presents series for families.
- Surprise nontraditional screenings of rare films from the FACETS Catalogwill be presented daily in the café free of charge. Titles and screening times will be announced 24 hours in advance on social media via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Updates from FACETS’ long-time signature program, the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival (CICFF):
- The dates for the 38th Annual CICFF are November 5-14, 2021.
- For the first time in its 38-year history, CICFF will be presented nationally via the streaming platform Eventive.
- Limited in-person Screenings will be at ChiTown Drive-In, 2343 S. Throop St., and at FACETS, sponsored by Sterling Bay.
- A new program coming out of CICFF is New Dimensions. Festival Programmer Deidre Searcy says: “We don’t believe that youth ends abruptly at 18. We have a selection of wonderful films that might have more slightly mature themes and are intended to engage audiences ages 18 and up.”
“On September 17, we’ll reopen FACETS’ doors to our community after a year and a half of pandemic-related closure. But maybe more significantly, we’re reopening after having time to contemplate the loss of our founder, Milos Stehlik, and reimagine how to fulfill his vision. Thanks to the brilliant creativity of the FACETS staff, the earnest commitment of our Board of Directors, and the generosity of numerous donors, this Fall and Winter FACETS will delicately balance the way it serves our community with both in-person and virtual film offerings.” – Karen Cardarelli, FACETS Executive Director
As mentioned in the August 11 press release, modified, upgraded, and new offerings include:
- The lobby area has been renovated to give members and patrons a more comfortable environment to spend time and talk about film, and to view more visually driven, installation-based film on its new projection system.
- The old FACETS Vidéothèque has been converted into a café where FACETS members and patrons can connect, hang out, and dive deeper into FACETS’ offerings and wider film culture while enjoying free Wi-Fi, café items, and free screenings of rare films from the FACETS Catalog. FACETS members will still be able to rent from the organization’s vast holdings of video rental libraries containing rare and classic films enjoyed by cinephiles.
- Both the café and concessions counter at FACETS will offer new and healthy food and beverage options. While favorite movie concessions will still be available, debuting on the menu will be custom-flavored popcorn made with coconut oil, Dark Matter cold brew cans and gourmet hot coffee, Guayaki Yerba Mate, Topo Chico sparkling water, Milk Bar Cookies, and vegan-friendly Hippeas Organic Chickpea Puffs.
- FACETS will also be BYOB as members and patrons who are 21+ can bring their own beer and wine to be consumed responsibly in the café and throughout the first floor during screenings and events.
- Retail items will be available for purchase in the café, including FACETS-branded merchandise, DVDs, VHS tapes, and vinyl records of film scores and soundtracks. The café will also hold monthly, themed warehouse sales that will take place simultaneously online.
- Cinema 2, formerly a 50-seat theater, has been converted into the Studio that is a black box flex-space to be used for workshops, non-traditional screenings, and receptions.
- FACETS has installed a new roof, repaired the ceiling in the Cinema, which seats 125, and increased ventilation. Enhancements have been made to ensure there is increased air circulation throughout the facility.
To access photos of FACETS’ remodeled spaces, please visit the Press Center page. https://facets.org/press/
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Following the City of Chicago’s indoor mask mandate and to ensure the health and safety of anyone in the building, FACETS has updated the guidelines which are also outlined on the organization’s website at https://facets.org/faqs/.
- Masks: In accordance with City of Chicago guidelines, it is mandated that all staff and guests wear a mask even if vaccinated.
- Distancing: All guests and staff are encouraged to maintain physical distance.
- Air and cleanliness: Hand sanitizer stations are readily available in all public spaces, all surfaces are cleaned regularly and thoroughly, and ventilation systems are being examined and maximized.
- Food and beverage: It is requested masks are replaced after consumption of food and beverage.
- Cinema seating: Upon reopening in September, Cinema seating will be reserved, maximized for distancing, and at 40% capacity.
- Purchasing: Online ticket purchasing is encouraged to reduce crowds and there will be credit card purchases only.
- Health: If a patron is feeling unwell or has a fever, it is requested to enjoy FACETS’ Virtual Cinema from the comfort of one’s home.
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