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In a city celebrated for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, the Chicago Film Society stands as a hidden gem that has carved out a unique space for film enthusiasts. For residents at Optima Lakeview® and Optima Signature®, this organization offers a distinctive cinematic experience, rooted in a passion for preserving the art of film. Whether you’re a long-time cinephile or someone curious about the magic of celluloid, the Chicago Film Society offers an extraordinary opportunity to connect with the history and craft of filmmaking.

A Mission to Preserve Film
Founded in 2011, the Chicago Film Society is dedicated to celebrating the medium of film, not just as entertainment but as an art form that deserves preservation and thoughtful exhibition. In an era where digital streaming dominates, the society champions the traditional analog format by showcasing 35mm and 16mm film prints. Their mission extends beyond nostalgia—it’s a commitment to preserving the tactile, immersive experience that film offers and ensuring its accessibility for future generations.

Programming
The Society’s programming is as eclectic as the city itself, featuring everything from silent film masterpieces and forgotten Hollywood gems to avant-garde experiments and international classics. This season’s screenings will take place at the historic Music Box Theatre, located just a short distance from Optima Lakeview®, and at Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium. These iconic venues complement the society’s mission, adding depth to the cinematic experience by situating it within Chicago’s broader artistic narrative.

Recent programs have included rare screenings of vintage musicals, works by independent filmmakers, and special events highlighting films from archives around the globe. These events draw an enthusiastic audience that shares a love of cinema’s history, sparking vibrant discussions and fostering a sense of community. A glance at upcoming programming for 2025 reveals a broad array of films from the 1940 classic, Grapes of Wrath, directed by John Ford to My Winnipeg, a “docu-fantasia” directed by Canadian filmmaker Guy Maddin in 2007 — all carefully curated by the Society to revive and share films that immerse us in the power of great cinema.

In its passion for film, the Chicago Film Society preserves a way of seeing, experiencing, and interpreting the world. In the modern age, where films are often consumed in isolation on personal devices, the Society rekindles the communal magic of movie-going. Watching a film in its original format, surrounded by an audience, reconnects viewers with the art form’s roots and its capacity to evoke collective emotion and reflection. The Society’s commitment to education and outreach ensures that its mission resonates with younger generations. Workshops, talks, and collaborations with local schools and institutions extend their influence beyond the silver screen, nurturing a new generation of filmmakers and film lovers.

Rediscover the Joy of Film
Whether you’re a long-time Chicago resident or new to the city, the Chicago Film Society offers an unparalleled cinematic experience that is not to be missed. It’s a local treasure that combines nostalgia with discovery and serves as a reminder of the power of art to connect and inspire.

Plan your next visit to one of their screenings and experience the joy of film the way it was meant to be seen—on the big screen, in a room full of fellow movie lovers. To learn more about upcoming events and programs, visit the Chicago Film Society’s website.