Just past the bustle of shoppers at State and Washington you will find one of the best theaters in town (aside from the Chicago Theater, the city landmark across the street).  The Gene Siskel Film Center is a Chicago treasure.  Part of The Art Institute of Chicago since 1972, the center for cinematic art is somewhat new to its address at 164 North State Street, having re-located there in 2001.  Like its namesake, The Gene Siskel Film Center stands as a leader in the city's film culture.  Holding strong to its mission, Siskel strives to present "significant world cinema in a non-commercial context that sets aesthetic, critical and entertainment standards".

The Gene Siskel Film Center is for the esteemed film buff as well as the casual moviegoer.  Programming includes a vast array of genre.  From classic to comedy, independent documentaries to international cinema, Siskel boasts a calendar of opportunity.  In addition to the films, every month presents lectures and discussions with local, national and world experts.  Series like Conversations at the Edge, or CATE, are progressive and innovative coupling film screenings with artists and media intellects.  In conjunction with the Department of Film, Video, and New Media at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Siskel stays true to its mission of education and entertainment.

The 14th Annual Asian American Showcase opened Friday and will run for two weeks followed by the Chicago Palestine Film Festival on April 18th.  Two "art films" to catch this month, Max Bill: The Master's Vision (Bill--Das Absolute Augenmass) and Our City Dreams.  Revealing two very different perspectives, both films promise an in-depth portrait for the audience that will whet any appetite for conflicted artists and their struggle for identity, concept and fame.  Erich Schmid and Angela Thomas, the husband and wife team behind Max Bill: The Master's Vision (Bill--Das Absolute Augenmass), provide a unique view into the life of celebrated Bauhaus artist and designer Max Bill.  If you can, try to stop by for Tuesday's screening, both Schmid and Thomas will be present.

Our City Dreams by Chiara Clemente chronicles the trials and tribulations of five female artists in New York City.  The film runs at the end of the month, from April 25-30, 2009 (see website for times).  This is the Chicago premiere for both documentaries.

Aside from the films, The Gene Siskel Film Center is a glossy, state of the art facility for movie viewing.  The seats are actually comfortable and they serve beer and wine.  For tickets and information, visit http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/.

--Robyn Farrell Roulo