The birth of what we all hope will be a new Windy City tradition this weekend: the first edition of the Chicago International Movies and Music Festival. And what, pray tell, is this Chicago etc. etc. Fest? If I may quote from the press release:
“This annual festival will bring together movies and music, showcasing films with music at their center and other syntheses of moving image and musical performance…
“CIMMfest addresses a gaping void that most film festivals and music festivals tend to overlook with its keen focus on showcasing the use of ‘music on film’ and ‘film on music’ in cinema and visual media today,” says Carlos Tortelero, Public Programs Associate, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. “By blurring the lines between these respective arts, we can see how new forms of media are constantly changing and evolving.”
A “gaping void”? Maybe not. But a void nevertheless, and I am surely excited to see where this thing goes. Ticket info and schedules are on the website, and every one of you in Chicago ought to find a little time in the next few days to go partake of the goings-on. Incidentally, in the next couple of days, I’ll be reviewing a small handful of films screening at the festival. Just so’s you’re all prepared for that.