EVANSTON, Ill. --- The Block Museum of Art at Northwestern University and the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago will co-host a series of screenings, discussions, and events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the “Films by Women/Chicago ’74” festival. This celebration honors a landmark event that championed women filmmakers during a pivotal era in cinema history.
“Films by Women/Chicago ’74” originally took place in September 1974 at the Gene Siskel Film Center amid the feminist movement. Organized by an all-woman collective, including Northwestern University students and faculty members with support from the Chicago Tribune, it showcased over 70 films ranging from mainstream Hollywood productions to activist documentaries and arthouse films. It was noted as the most comprehensive survey of women's cinema in the United States at that time.
The Gene Siskel Film Center will commence the anniversary celebration with a week-long series from Monday, Sept. 23 through Friday, Sept. 27. Screenings will revisit some notable films and filmmakers featured in 1974.
“Films by Women/Chicago ’74” programming will continue at The Block Cinema until November's end, concurrent with “Dissident Sisters: Bev Grant and Feminist Activism, 1968–72.” This exhibition highlights Bev Grant's documentary photography capturing feminist movements, anti-war protests, and Black liberation efforts during a transformative period in American history. “Dissident Sisters” is on view at The Block Museum through Sunday, Dec. 1.
“The ‘Films by Women/Chicago ’74’ festival was a pivotal moment in Chicago’s film culture,” said Michael Metzger, Pick-Laudati Academic Curator for Cinema and Media Arts. “The festival was instrumental in reviving the history of women in film from cinema’s beginnings and continues to inspire us.”
Rebecca Fons, Director of Programming at Gene Siskel Film Center added: “The 1974 festival was groundbreaking for both the Film Center and Chicago, receiving national and international attention.”
Ticketing and program details are available on The Block Museum and Gene Siskel Film Center websites.
Highlights include:
**Gene Siskel Film Center:**
- *“Lions Love (...and Lies)”* (1969) - Monday, Sept. 23
- *“Sambizanga”* (1972) - Monday, Sept. 23
- *“Dream Life”* (1972) - Tuesday, Sept. 24
- *“Daughter Rite”* (1978) - Thursday, Sept. 26
- *“The Girls”* (1968) - Thursday, Sept. 26
- *“The Cool World”* (1963) - Friday, Sept. 27
**Block Cinema:**
- Revisiting Films by Women/Chicago ’74 – Wednesday, Sept. 25
- Dorothy Arzner Double Feature – Saturday, Sept. 28
- Political Documentaries – Friday, Oct. 4
- Activist Lens: Bev Grant & Newsreel Films – Thursday Oct.10
- *"Will"* (1981) – Thursday Oct.17
The Block Museum is Northwestern University’s art museum dedicated to fostering questioning through visual arts while creating shared encounters to deepen understanding.
The Gene Siskel Film Center presents eclectic international cinema aiming to foster dialogue reflective of Chicago’s diverse community as part of its mission within the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.