Chicago Reader: Roseland’s transformation captured in 1970 student film

Via thechicagoneighborhoods.com

I tweeted about this last week and unfortunately it doesn't say about when this film will see the light of day. Roseland - like say Englewood - had seen better days though residents of both communities I'm sure want to see better days returns. And certainly Englewood is working to make their community better.

On the other hand Roseland is looking for a jumpstart which could be the red line extension whenever CTA gets the necessary funding to start the project. However, that future project will be one development among many to bring Roseland back to what it used to be 50+ years ago.

Read this article from the Chicago Reader also there is a podcast where these students two men who shot this film in the 1970s were interviewed talking about this film. Give it a listen.

"You knew that if you went out into the streets of Roseland with a camera, you were gonna see something." https://t.co/KQLjSYwEnB

— Chicago Reader (@Chicago_Reader) June 6, 2018

Make your own "Straight Outta Compton" signs....

Straight Outta Compton is a film scheduled to premeir in theaters everywhere August 18, 2015. It's a film about the rise and fall of the rap group N.W.A. This is one film I am looking forward to.

On FB, this link has been getting circulated amongst fb friends and allows anyone to do our own version of the Straight Outta Compton signs. Many have decided to take advantage to rep their own Chicago neighborhoods. I've done it not only for the many neighborhoods of Chicago, but also my old high school as well. In addition to streets and slang names for areas of the south side.

You're more than free to add your take to this as well. The more the merrier no matter where you're from!

 

 

 

 

 

 

CapitolFax: #Chiraq attack rebuffed

We still see how politicians in Chicago are still having an issue with Chiraq. A Spike Lee "joint" currently in production here on the south side. One Alderman - Will Burns who threatened to take action as far as the films tax credit - has decided to delay any hearings on this film. Then we see state Senators in Springfield pass a resolution in support of this film. And of course another Alderman - freshman David Moore - sign a permit for a "Chiraq" block party at St. Sabina after discussing this with constituents. Something we shared an article on over the weekend.

So it seems the issue over the title isn't black & white there's some opposition and perhaps a lot more support. And as always we would like to know your thoughts on this movie.

DNA Info: Spike Lee's '#Chiraq' Block Party Gets City Permit After Alderman Relents

There was supposed to be a block party near St. Sabina on Memorial Day weekend to mark the start of filming for Spike Lee's Chiraq. It was cancelled due to the weather, but we also learned that the newly inaugurated 17th ward alderman had held up a permit for this event expected to be held today at 2 PM:

Ald. David Moore (17th), who had blocked a city permit for Spike Lee's block party in a dispute over the director's choice of "Chiraq" as the title of a film he's making in Chicago, has dropped his objection to the Saturday event.

Moore signed the block party permit on Fox32's "Good Day Chicago" Friday morning. He said that he chose to wait until he had heard from the community.

"I spoke to the residents yesterday; they gave me their concerns," he said on Fox32. "Some of them strongly objected to the name, but said, 'David Moore, we want you to proceed with the block club party.' And that's why I'm here today to sign off on that."

St. Sabina Church, 1210 W. 78th Place, had plans to host the block party even if Moore didn't approve. On Thursday, the Rev. Michael Pfleger wrote on Facebook that "the block party will go on. With homicides up and shootings up, who is coming to a block party is the issue [?] Give me a break!"

A request for comment from Pleger wasn't immediately returned.

The title of this film really has a number of people up in arms still. Either way I heard that the noisiest Alderman - Will Burns - his ward had some scenes in Lee's latest joint:

More than 500 extras all dressed in white were sworn to secrecy and packed into the General Jones Armory, 5200 S. Cottage Grove Ave., on Monday morning for filming.

The exact plot of Lee’s film remains a mystery — some speculate it’s a musical comedy about women withholding sex to try to stop violence on the South Side, a modern “Lysistrata” by Aristophanes.

Now I really can't wait for this movie. :)

#Chiraq and the film production tax credit

Via RAGE ig

I'm very ecstatic that Englewood will have its time in the limelight thanks the famed director Spike Lee. Although knowing the basic premise of that film - which is regarding inner city gang violence - it's probably not always in the best light. We do hope that this sheds light on a problem that occurs in many neighborhoods in the city.


Since news broke about the opposition to Lee's "joint" expected to be titled Chiraq, we've learned there are many who aren't happy with that title. One of those people who isn't happy is Mayor Rahm Emanuel another person who isn't happy is 4th ward Alderman Will Burns who is seeking to keep Lee's production from receiving a tax credit.

To be sure this isn't recent news exactly and it appears to have been reported in the local press in recent months. It was something worth posting, however, it was also important not to overwhelm this blog with posts about movie coming to this part of town. Still I saw that Rich Miller talked about this news on Thursday with the following comment:

I’m not sure what I think of this. I don’t like government interference in the arts, but when you take the money, I suppose you sometimes have to pay the piper, or however that saying goes…

One way to look at it is that yeah Ald. Burns wants to say don't make a movie that puts Chicago in a bad light. Especially if the belief that this term "Chiraq" could be legitimized by this movie.

Personally Lee should make the movie he wants to make which hopefully will bring gang violence in Chicago to light. It seems people want to smack Lee around because he's from New York and he's doing a movie about Chicago. What does it matter perhaps we need an "outsider" to take a look at what's wrong here.

Also not that I totally understand the idea behind tax credits, but we all know Lee can raise funds for his productions. Just look at what he did for those people who helped finance his more well known "joint" Malcolm X. If Ald. Burns is successful in holding back that tax credit, it would be expected that Lee won't be hurting for long.

BTW, if you want to be an extra in Chiraq here's an FB page for more information. There is an open call expected to take place at St. Sabina @ 7801 S. Throop.

Furthermore, Resident Association of Greater Englewood (RAGE) President Ay-Sha Butler wrote her 2¢ on Lee's Chiraq. The film will affect her community so therefore it's important to see how an Englewood resident views this coming production.

Chicago Tonight: Spike Lee Film #Chiraq Triggers Black-On-Black Violence Debate

[VIDEO] Little did I know when I posted excerpts of Mary Mitchell's column this morning that Chicago Tonight took on this subject on this past Thursday's program. BTW, if you're unable to watch the embedded video on this blog please click the "VIDEO" link within the brackets above.

Here's the description of the program you see above:

A new Spike Lee film about black-on-black violence that is still in early production has already stirred up controversy just with its title: Chiraq. Mayor Rahm Emanuel says he doesn't like it because it stigmatizes communities and gives the whole city a bad name. We talk with a local filmmaker with an anti-violence message, as well as experts on black-on-black violence to get their take on the controversy.

Joining us are Anthony Sturdivant, a man from the west side of Chicago who is trying to combat the gun violence in his community with a series of short films on YouTube called "Think Before You Shoot", Waldo Johnson, Associate Professor at the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago, and Eddie Bocanegra, a former gang member who’s committed to preventing violence and Co-Executive Director of YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Youth Safety and Violence Prevention programs.

A lot of focus is on the term "chiraq" what was it's origins and the responses to this title. For example, how many veterans of the Iraq War would challenge the "chiraq" designation.

Mitchell: 'Chiraq' critics should let Spike Lee do his thing

Spike Lee at Morehouse College's 2009 commencement - ajc

Mary Mitchell takes on the Chiraq controversy. It's the Spike Lee "Joint" that we've been hearing about and  re-elected Mayor Emanuel isn't happy about the title:

The flak that Oscar-nominated filmmaker Spike Lee is getting over his plan to title a movie “Chiraq” is proof that many of us are in denial.

When innocent people are getting shot while sitting in their homes, survivors must feel like they are living in a war zone.

Indeed, when Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Illinois, said “we drive faster” through the black community — a comment that was described by pundits as a “gaffe” — he was speaking the truth.

It’s not just white people who speed through some neighborhoods because of the high crime rates associated with black areas.
African-Americans have fled Chicago in droves in search of a safer environment.

But if Chicagoans are good at anything, they are good at putting a positive spin on conditions that other cities would label deplorable.

For instance, outsiders describe Chicago as one of the most segregated cities in America. Yet we describe it as a city of neighborhoods.

BTW, she got some quotes in from other Chicago politicians especially two alderman. One of those Alderman was quoted in an article linked above from Politico:

“To highlight the problems we are having with that type of name is an insult,” railed Ald. Anthony Beale (9th).

Ald. Will Burns (4th) has hinted that the city could use a $3 million tax break that Lee is seeking as leverage in the dispute.

That’s just going to make Chicago look worse on the national stage.

Frankly, if aldermen want to be outraged over something, they ought to be concerned that Chicago is becoming a place where hip-hop wannabes like Lil JoJo are gunned down.

Is this the first movie Spike Lee has made in Chicago. I wonder if this is the one time he's expanded out of New York. Regardless I'd just as soon reserve judgement until the movie finally comes out. Lee's movies are often pretty good.

BTW, what do you think of the title? Does it bother you? Are you ready to start the conversation on violence and crime in Chicago?

Black World Cinema program for February

Every February Black World Cinema has a program commemorating Black History Month. Normally they screen a film the first Thursday every month. During Black History Month a film is screened every Thursday. We just received this email in time for next month's events:

Black World Cinema is now in it’s 10th year at SMG Chatham 14 Theaters and in February will present the BLACK FUTURE MONTH film series.

Black Future Month will explore AfroFuturism through real science documentary, the science of the imagination in drama, animation, comic books and the experimental ideas of Black Radical Imagination.

The 4 week series will take place at Chatham 14 Theaters, 210 W 87th St, every Thursday at 7pm. General dmission is $6 per ticket. Every week we will feature someone from the science or creative community to engage the audience with lively discussion about the exciting films being screened during February.

Please share this email with friends, educators, film fans and kids(not for the Feb 5 program). If you have marketing ideas for this program, places we should contact, please email floydwebb @ gmail.com with your suggestions. Thanks, hope to see you in February.

Every week I do plan to advertise the week's movies during Black History Month or for BWC Black Future Month. This looks very interesting and hopefully I can catch one of these films if not all of them.

Englewood Film Festival

The Englewood Film Festival is

 built to enrich the community of Englewood. In their  second year, the event continues to 

bring local access and exposure to a first class festival. Residents enjoy opportunities to 

meet aspiring filmmakers and industry notables, learn about film careers, and enjoy a 

family friendly environment.

The Englewood Film Festival is also an excellent vehicle for filmmakers to enter their work 

and establish festival credits. The goal of the panels, films, and overall event is this: To 

shine light on the heart of a community plagued with negative publicity. 

The festival run from October 25-28, 2012 and will screen films at Kennedy King College and other venues.

 The festival kicks off on Thursday, October 25, 2012 with an opening reception honoring Englewood 

resident the late Bernie Mac. For the full schedule go to 

http://www.englewoodfilmfest.com/#!home/mainPage

NBC Chicago: Growing Up In Englewood

View more videos at: http://nbcchicago.com.

[VIDEO] I had written about this entry into the Art Institute of Chicago's Black Harvest Film Festival earlier this month. Our local NBC affiliate had picked up on this film and posted this story about it recently.

AGAIN: This film will be shown at the Siskel Film Center on August 17th at 8:30 PM and August 23rd at 8:15 PM. Refer to the Black Harvest page for more information on the other films to be shown there during the film festival.

Well, the 17th has passed but you have another opportunity on the 23rd. BTW, who out there saw The Curators of Dixon School?

Empty lot incubates uncommon film fest

Opening paragraphs of a Chicago Tribune article featuring a Greater Grand Crossing resident and his unique film festival:

There are more than 175 movies-under-the-stars screenings scheduled for Chicago's parks this summer. Most will feature standard Hollywood fare, from "Meet the Parents" at Fulton River Park July 26 to "Shrek Forever After" at Smith Park Aug. 11.

But perhaps the most unique outdoor film festival in the city will take place in July and August on an empty lot in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood.

Here, on an 8-foot-by-8-foot white fabric sheet suspended from a brick wall outside 6918 S. Dorchester Ave., an audience can take in rarely seen nonfiction films from the past, all with Chicago connections.

Over four nights, the free film fest will play films about the thriving blues and jazz scene on the South and West Sides from the 1950s through the 1970s, as well as a documentary about community organizer Saul Alinsky in theWoodlawn neighborhood in the 1960s.

There also is an early 1960s documentary about theVice Lords street gang, and curiosities that range from a 1978 look at the Maxwell Street Market to a 1958 wrestling event at the South Side's International Amphitheatre (a facility that closed in 1999). And for the finale, home movies, some provided by those in attendance, some dating back decades.

The Greater Grand Crossing venue is owned by internationally known artist Theaster Gates. The films are mostly from the Chicago Film Archives, a film restoration group led by Nancy Watrous. The CFA is teaming with Gates' Dorchester Projects group to present the festival.

Here's the rest of the story

Empty lot incubates uncommon film fest

Does anyone have any graphic design experience?

From filmmaker Jamal Cole via e-mail:

LOCAL GRAPHIC DESIGNER NEEDED FOR ‘CHATHAM: THE PRIDE OF CHICAGO’

A talented local graphic designer is sought to participate in an exciting documentary featuring Chatham’s rich history. Local resident, author, and speaker Jahmal Cole is currently seeking the talents of a local graphic artist to produce the cover design for the groundbreaking release of Chatham: The Pride of Chicago.

“I’m particularly interested in local talent for this project—someone who is not only talented, but who also has a personal understanding of Chatham’s rich history. This individual should be able to produce an appealing cover for the documentary that arouses enthusiasm and reflects the past, present, and future attitudes, culture, people and places in our community,” explained Cole.

Chatham: The Pride of Chicago is being developed by Jahmal Cole and Role Model Movement to recognize the instrumental role Chatham has played in Chicago’s culture. This feature film and the correlating book will document and preserve Chatham’s rich history and culture. It is hoped to create attention and awareness toward returning community pride and dignity to our neighborhood.

Residents of Chatham who have the talents and skills to make a powerful and positive contribution to these projects are encouraged to apply. Contact Jahmal Cole at:

Jahmal Cole
Author/Speaker
Role Model Movement
http://www.rolemodelmovement.com

P.O. Box 6132
Chicago, IL 60606
(312)882-5028 Direct
(877)592-1066 Fax

"Role Models can be found anywhere. As long as you keep an eye open for them."

Documentary producer shines light on Chicago’s Chatham community

Hey we've heard from this young man before. He's been working on a documentary on the Chatham neighborhood and we here at The Sixth Ward have talked him up on at least two occasions. Enough where a journalist from Medill Reports interviewed him on this project recently. BTW, this journalist did a report on mail delivery in our community in the aftermath of last month's historic blizzard.

Chatham resident Jahmal Cole, 27, is putting the spotlight on his South Side community through a documentary he plans to complete by Fall.

Cole said his video will shine some light on the community and restore the dignity that its African-American residents fought for 40 years ago when Chatham began to establish its reputation as “the jewel of the Southeast Side of Chicago.” The documentary, he said, comes at time of concern by residents over a flight to the suburbs and rising crime rates in the community.

Cole said he wants to market the documentary, with proceeds going to his nonprofit organization, Role Model Movement. He said the money could be used for a new community center that will benefit youth and provide marketing and technical skills.

Let's help him build that new community center!

Chatham, The Pride of Chicago

We were just alerted by the filmmaker himself, Jamal Cole about a documentary about Chatham. From his website:

Are you an original African-American family who moved to Chatham in the 50′s? WE want to interview you! Are you a resident who wants to share memories, the history & document changes as you’ve seen them occur in this area from the 60′s until 2010? Email us: jcole@rolemodelmovement.com to set up an interview time. Leave name, telephone number and age.

You can read more about his project here! Perhaps you would be willing to donate money to this project. Hopefully some of you will be credited as producers. :)

Chicago: Life in the fast frame

I had no idea that a grocery store near 87th and the Dan Ryan was the setting of a Hollywood motion picture...

87th Street and the Dan Ryan Expressway ***

This former Cub Foods, as Donaldson's Grocery, is the battleground for rival assistant managers, played by Seann William Scott and John C. Reilly. Here, Scott's character confronts kids who hit him with a Yoo-hoo bottle. A typical South Chicago grocery store, cleverly used both inside and out.

The film in question is called The Promotion.

Check out other Chicago film locations in the Tribune.