FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[August 11, 2021]
MEDIA CONTACTS
Karen Durham: press@facets.org / 773-386-6255
Paul Gonter: paul@facets.org / 941-374-1436
[August 11, 2021]
Karen Durham: press@facets.org / 773-386-6255
Paul Gonter: paul@facets.org / 941-374-1436
CHICAGO—FACETS has announced it will return to presenting in-person programming on Friday, September 17 while simultaneously screening virtual cinema. At an invitation-only Industry / Press Open House on Tuesday, August 24, the 46-year-old organization will unveil physical changes and upgrades to its venue, enhancing its gathering spaces for film lovers.
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 come together for transformative and inspiring cinematic experiences.
FACETS’ Advisory Board member Chaz Ebert, Executive Director Karen Cardarelli, and Cinema Program Director Charles Coleman will welcome press and industry to the August 24 event to preview the changes and release the schedule of films to be shown in-person that will resume on Friday, September 17. Presented in FACETS’ 125-seat theater will be standard art house offerings as well as new programming initiatives. FACETS will continue to present virtual cinema to accommodate audiences unable to attend screenings in its physical venue.
In order to engage and enhance the livelihood of Chicago’s wide pool of creatives, FACETS will offer microgrants and discounted theater rental rates for independent filmmakers. More details will be shared at the August 24 event.
FACETS’ Executive Director Karen Cardarelli said: “I am honored to help FACETS reopen, carrying on the legacy of founder Milos Stehlik, who formed the organization 46 years ago. I am especially proud of the support from donors who have made our physical transformation possible and allowed us to offer FACETS resources to the burgeoning filmmaker population in Chicago. Our collective vision is for FACETS, physically and virtually, to be a film lovers’ hub and to help unite communities.”
Modified, upgraded, and new offerings include:
Following the City of Chicago’s indoor mask advisory 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/.
FACETS connects people to independent ideas through transformative film experiences. Founded by the late Milos Stehlik in 1975, FACETS inspires audiences to engage with film not simply as entertainment, but as an exciting tool to bridge cultural divides, promote digital literacy, and expand perspectives through empathy-driven storytelling. www.facets.org
FACETS presents the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival (CICFF), one of only two Academy Award-qualifying international children’s film festivals in the world. www.facets.org/cicff
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