Director of Public Affairs with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Karen Vaughan was in our ABC7 studio to tell us about events for the whole family, some of which are even free!
1. Mayor Daley's Kids and Kites Festival
Saturday, May 7
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Lincoln Park at Montrose Hill
It is a fun-filled day to celebrate the joys of being a kid, from running around outdoors, flying free paper kites and enjoying family-focused programming including face painting, crafts, balloon artists and more.
2. Cinema/Chicago International Screenings
May 4 - September 24, 2011
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Most Saturdays at 2 p.m.
Chicago Cultural Center, Claudia Cassidy Theater
Cinema/Chicago, in collaboration with the Chicago Cultural Center and international and cultural partners throughout the city, is hosting free public film screenings at the 8th Annual International Screenings Program. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Films are unrated, and viewer discretion is advised.
"John & Jane"
Wednesday, May 4, 6:30 p.m.
Part observational documentary, part science fiction, "John & Jane" follows six ambitious young Indians answering calls from American customers in a Mumbai call center. After a heady mix of "culture training" and 14-hour night shifts, the job starts to take its toll.
Director: Ashim Ahluwalia. (2010; 120 minutes)
Co-presented by The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
"Shodo Girls"
Wednesday, May 11, 6:30 p.m.
Encore screening Saturday, May 14, 2 p.m.
Satoko, a student of Japanese calligraphy (shodo), translates her passion for the ancient art into civic pride when she organizes a calligraphy performance contest to revitalize her depression-laden hometown. The competition's success depends on her ability to overcome the community's traditional ways. Based on a true story, "Shodo Girls" presents a compelling portrait of the courage of youth in the face of adversity.
Director: Ryuichi Inomata. (Japanese with English subtitles; 2005; 83 minutes)
Co-presented with the Japan Information Center at the Consulate General of Japan in Chicago
"Rough Cut" (Yeong-hwa-neun yeong-hwa-da)
Wednesday, May 18, 6:30 p.m.
Notorious thug Gang-pae longs to be an actor, while leading man Soo-ta plays the role of a gangster. When Soo-ta's aggressive behavior drives his co-star from the set, Gang-pae is recruited to take on the role of a fictional crime lord.
Director: Jang Hoon. (Korean with English subtitles; 2008; 113 minutes)
Co-presented with the Korean Consulate General in Chicago
"Wholetrain"
Wednesday, May 25, 6:30 p.m.
Post-screening discussion after the Wednesday, May 25 screening
Encore screening Saturday, May 28, 2 p.m.
Conceived in collaboration with renowned graffiti artists Neon, Won, Cemnoz, Pure and Ciel, "Wholetrain" is a gripping drama that explores the underground world of the graffiti scene. Night after night, a crew of four "writers" steal off to the urban subway stations, intent on leaving behind opulent images while dodging the watchful eye of the law. When another crew appears on the scene, a creative battle ensues.
Director: Florian Gaag. (German with English subtitles; 2006; 85 minutes)
Co-presented with the Goethe-Institut Chicago
3. Tulips on the Mag Mile
May 1 - 31
Experience the Magnificent Mile's annual celebration of spring with hundreds of thousands of blooming tulips. Catch a glimpse of the elegant pink tulip named 'Tulipa Maggie Daley,' created in honor of Chicago's First Lady and unveiled in 2006.
4. Downtown Sound: New Music Mondays
Every other Monday, May 23 - July 25
Millennium Park, Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Millennium Park's Downtown Sound Series (featuring an eclectic mix of music discoveries, cutting-edge indie rock, pop bands and rock veterans) begins on Monday, May 23, and takes place every other Monday through July.
FREE
For more information, visit www.explorechicago.org
