Hollywood comes to Chicago for the next two weeks seems to truly apply for the 48th International Chicago Film festival that kickoffs with the star studded world premiere of “The Stand-Up Guys” with the red carpet arrival of its heavyweights stars, Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, Alan Arkin Julianne Margulies and director Fisher Stevens and Chi-born producer Tom Rosenberg at the Harris Theatre (205 East Randolph St.) Thursday, October 11.
Viola Davis
This gala jumps starts a wide array of movies being showcase and in competition at the 48th International Chicago Film Festival that will unspool at the AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois), October 11 through October 25, 2012. Some notable events includes Viola Davis, the Oscar nominated actress from “The Help” currently seen in “Won’t Back Down” will be honored at the “Black Perspective” evening tribute with the festival’s Career Achievement Award at the River East 21, Monday, October 22. In particular, this year’s festival will welcome back many home town talents and their latest films. While showcasing several fresh Chicagoan filmmakers in their works as well as a few films that centers on Chicago based subjects. Besides, director Fisher Stevens and veteran producer Tom Rosenberg as the first Chicagoan returning home on opening night; The festival will conclude with another homecoming for Chicago born native filmmaker Robert Zemeckis’ return with his first non animated feature in over a decade in “Flight” with Denzel Washington closing out the festivities, Thurs. Oct. 25 at the AMC River East 21.
Other Chicagoans includes; directors Lana and Andy Wachowski, best known for their “Matrix’ trilogy” who unspool their latest ambitious three hour film, “Cloud Atlas” as the festival; centerpiece event on Wed. Oct.17. Some of the notable movies to check out include the following recommendations. All movies will be screened at the AMC River East 21.
Di s n e y ’s Great Mouse Detective (***) In its “ M y s t e r y in the Mist” edition that marks the 25th a n n i v e r s a r y and its Blue Ray HD debut of this underrated but brisk animated adaptation of Eve Titus’ book, “The Basil of Baker Street”, about Sherlockian mouse who matches his wits against the nefarious Prof, Ratigan (well voiced with gusto and charm by Vincent Price) who kidnaps London’s master toymaker for the perfect crime. The cartoon feature lacks depth, but not the fun in this rodent spoof to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s character. G; 74min. Walt Disney Home Video Coming Soon to Home Video: Whitney Houston in her last screen and song appearance, Jordin Sparks and Mike Epps stars in “Sparkle” arrives Nov. 30.
ARGO (***1/2) Actor Ben Affleck continues his growth as a film director and takes a giant (and unexpected) leap with his third and most ambitious feature to date. Based on an incredible but true incident that was recently declassified under President Clinton 18 years ago that occurred under President Carter’s tenure. “Argo” details most aspects of what we know from news reports that intermingled with what we didn’t know behind the scenes, while taking some dramatic( and light comedic refrain) license in the telling of the six Americans that were hostages in hiding in Tehran for 444 days (Remember the news reports counting phrase of how many “days America held hostage”?) In particular, the film account for Hollywood’s involvement on this CIA mission to rescue the six Americans who managed to escape the U.S. Embassy under seized by Iranian protestors and rebels seeking the U.S. to release and return the exiled Shah of Iran back to stand trial and execution for his atrocities against its people; whom the U.S. initially supported in a military coup for the country’s oil wealth. A bearded Affleck portrays Tony Mendez, a semi-retired agent reactivated by the CIA when ever in need of an expert extractor for a perilous rescue mission that could have global implications along with concerns toward a proper U.S. image.
Mrs. Gwen Caul – Burnett , Reva, and Rev Paul Jakes at dinner celebration
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude,” said Mrs. Gwen Caul – Burnett. Everyone who her knew from Congressman Davis’ office usually called her by her first name, Gwen. She retired after 15 years, serving as secretary and scheduler for Congressman Danny K. Davis. A retirement celebration was given in her honor at Wells Temple of Deliverance Church, located 2739 W. Madison, across the street from the new office of Congressman Davis “Congressman, thank you for being brilliant, thank you for putting up with me,” said Gwen. She also gave thanks and accolades to Vera Davis, wife of Congressman Davis, to his staff and the constituents of the 7th Congressional District.
Runners returning at half way mark of 5k walk/run event located at Douglas Blvd and Albany Ave.
On a day of community excitement and hope Lawndale Christian Development held its Annual 5k Run/Walk event on September 22. The results are in and the top three spots went to 1st place winner 24 yr old, Ben Fay. He finished with a time of 16:30.23 minutes. Second place Sean Reimers, 26, time was 17:03.04 and third place. Matt Nichols, 21 time was 17:23.36 minutes . The top 15 finishers were male. The top female finisher was 25 yr old, Rebekah Ziesmer, time was 20:08.93 minutes, followed by Lydia Wong 23, with a time of 20:53.93, and Helen Espinoza 23 Lawndale Christian Health Center 5k Walk/Run Bigger/Better Ben Fay Top Male Finisher, Rebekah Ziesmer Top Female Finisher was third at 22:04.51 minutes. The event had runners as well as walkers, so that meant almost anybody could participate, young and old alike. The oldest male to participate was Jose Crespo, 73 years old male who finished with a time of 29:26.27 and the oldest female was Elvira Negrette, who finished with a time of 31:13.02 minutes. The youngest to enter the race was Rodney Espiritu and James Ratner, both 2 years old and male.
24TH Ward Alderman Michael D. Chandler is strongly urging 24th ward residents to register, vote and become involved in activities connected with the upcoming General Election on November 6, 2012. In support of this effort, Alderman Michael D. Chandler is sponsoring phone bank activities in conjunction with the Obama/Biden campaign. These activities are being conducted at the 24th Ward Democratic Organization Office every Tuesday evening from 5:00pm to 7:00pm and Saturday morning from 10:00am to 12:00pm at 4202 W. Roosevelt Road. Information on the schedule for phone banking activities can be obtained by calling Debra Williams, Obama For America Campaign Coordinator, at (312) 576- 1085.
Brilliant scholar, author, and lecturer, Dr. Wesley Muhammad has firmly planted his feet in the Academic world as a force to be reckoned with. With controversial topics surrounding the premise that God is a man, and Islam’s 1400 year old prophet, Prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah is a Black man, Dr. Muhammad has certainly ruffled some feathers; in particular, the feathers of those with long held beliefs that God is a spirit and that the prophet Muhammad Ibn Abdullah of 1400 years ago is White. Interestingly enough, according to Dr. Muhammad the evidence of his views are well documented and supported by religious and historical texts. Dr. Muhammad is a native of Detroit, Michigan and he received his PhD in Islamic Studies from The University of Michigan in 2008.
Mr. & Mrs. Abe Thompson, Mr. Richard Barnett and,friend, Ms. Francine, and Mr. & Mrs. Max I. Julion
The Black United Fund of Illinois recently celebrated their Annual Gala Benefit Awards Ceremony. The Living Legends Passing of the Torch theme was named The YEAR of the MAN. The event was held September 29, 2012, at the legendary Musician Parkway Ballroom, 45th&King Drive. This year’s recipients were Mr. Richard Barnett , Community Activist, Mr. Abe Thompson, Radio/Movie Entrepreneur, and Mr. Max I. Jiulion, Pres. of Branch #11 of U.S. Postal Service Letter Carriers. The event was hosted by Robert T. Starks and Conrad Worrill of Northeastern University Jacob Carruthers Inner City Studies. .This was the 12th Annual Passing of the Torch ceremony by the Black United Fund. Mr. Henry L. English is the CEO/President. Mr. Eric Whitaker, MD was also co-host.
In September I traveled to Washington D.C. with cancer survivors and volunteers to call on Congress to support legislation that emphasizes patients’ quality of life during treatment for a serious disease such as cancer. Lawmakers have the power to improve the lives of cancer patients by making treatment of their pain and other symptoms standard practice during the course of care. I joined more than 600 cancer patients and survivors from across the country who volunteer for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) to educate lawmakers about proposals that have the potential to better coordinate patient care and reduce the pain, fear and anxiety that many patients feel during treatment. When I met with Congressman Davis, I asked him to make a commitment to patients’ quality of life by co-sponsoring legislation that gives patients more control, makes sure that their pain is properly managed and provides better coordination between doctors and medicines so that patients know what to do when they’re discharged from the hospital. A national commitment to protecting quality of life will help cancer patients get well, stay well and live full lives. Efriam Juarez, Volunteer American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Chicago, IL
The march is led by a number of elected officials and civic and business leaders, including Congressman Danny K. Davis (left of center), retired businessman Webb Evans (center), former Senator Roland Burris (right of center) and State Representative Mary Flowers (second from right).Photo courtesy of Valerie F. Leonard.
Continuing his fight for a fair share of jobs and opportunities, Soft Sheen founder and retired businessman Gardner called for 10,000 people to join him after their 3 p.m. church on Sunday, September 30, 2012, at 95th and Western to demand equal opportunities in contracting and hiring on Chicago’s construction jobs. While Mr. Gardner didn’t get 10,000 people, the crowd was impressive, and represented a broad cross section of the Black community. There were leaders from the political and business community, construction workers, community activists and rank and file residents from the South and West sides of Chicago and surrounding area.
