Chicago Film Discussion Group

This month the CFDG will be giving a look to the A24 Film studio, the most captivating studio to come out in the modern era of filmmaking. Over the course of only 13 years, it's managed to carve out its own brand identity, all the more impressive while releasing a wide range of films (from a wide range of filmmakers, including many of the hottest in the business today!). Some of the films we'll be talking about could include:

· Spring Breakers – 2012 (Harmony Korine)
· Ex Machina – 2014 (Alex Garland)
· A Most Violent Year – 2014 (J. C. Chandor)
· American Honey – 2016 (Andrea Arnold)
· The Lobster – 2016 (Yorgos Lanthimos)
· Moonlight – 2016 (Barry Jenkins)
· Good Time – 2017 (Josh and Benny Safdie)
· Hereditary – 2018 (Ari Aster)
· The Lighthouse – 2019 (Robert Eggers)
· Bodies Bodies Bodies – 2022 (Halina Reijn)
· Everything Everywhere All at Once – 2022 (The Daniels)
· The Brutalist – 2024 (Brady Corbet)
· I Saw the TV Glow – 2024 (Jane Schoenbrun)

NOTE: the above is NOT a checklist - the conversation will be open to any of these films, plus other remarkable films from the studio people want to bring up, as well as exploring just what makes an "A24 Film".

The Chicago Critics Film Festival returns to the Music Box, and we'll be dropping by the Festival to check out the first of its Short Film programs! Curated by critic / film teacher Collin Souter (who's also a Film Discussion Group Member), he once again puts together a collection showing the breadth and scope of filmmaking, from documentaries on unique characters to horrors internal and external, culminating in the latest work from legendary indie animator Don Hertzfelt.

Afterwards, Collin will host a Q&A session with several of the filmmakers in attendance, and after that we'll head to the Coalfire on 3707 N. Southport to talk which of the shorts were our favorites and what were the superb qualities of them. You can pick up tickets in advance ($20) by using the following link: https://musicboxtheatre.com/films-and-events/cfca-shorts-program-1

(NOTE: There is a Cubs home game at 1:20 that afternoon, so if you're planning on driving, be mindful that parking could be tougher to come by in the area.)

Starring Willem Dafoe and directed by Kent Jones - Legendary New York poet Ed Saxberger's forgotten works captivate an eccentric group of young creatives, reigniting his artistic passion. Their intrigue intertwines with the bewitching presence of actress Gloria.

After the screening, look for a Meetup organizer in the Music Box lobby or just outside with a sign. Will head to Blue Bayou across the street for discussion.