Interactive Talk | Chicago Film History: Seeing Selig

This event is no longer on sale.

Wednesday March 23

2:00 PM  –  3:00 PM

 

A first kiss, a wizard, and a private zoo? William Selig, a former magician, became a moving picture pioneer who made his name in Chicago, but, until recently, his work—including Something Good – Negro Kiss and The Tramp and the Doghad been lost to time. His film career began in 1896 when he manufactured a patented two-in-one machine that captured and projected motion picturesSelig’s first films, typically under 60 secondswere only recently rediscoveredSold by the foot, early films appeared as novelties in carnival tent shows and propelled a fantastic, multifaceted business for Selig. The Selig Polyscope Company built the largest motion picture factory in the US on Chicago’s North Side, establishing more than 100 full-time jobs and new genres of entertainment, such the first cliffhanger series and the first adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Join Emmy Awardwinning documentarian and film professor Jeffrey Spitz for an immersive experience in Chicagfilm history. In this interactive presentation, you’ll be able to share thoughts and questions as we view clips and explore local film historya history of real-world challenges that shaped Chicago’s innovative film culture yesterday and today. All are welcome, from casual moviegoers to film buffsso come ready to engage!  

This talk is the first in our ongoing series Chicago Film History, presented in partnership with Jeffrey Spitz, cofounder of Groundswell Educational Films and associate professor in the Cinema and Television Arts Department of Columbia College Chicago. 

Free; registration required. Please consider a donation to the Museum in any amount. 

As per the City of Chicago’s safety guidelines, starting Monday, January 3, 2022, all CHM guests 5 years of age or older will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 upon entry. CHM requires all visitors over age 2 and staff to wear a mask while inside the Museum or on a tour. Learn more about the Museum’s safety policies and procedures. 

 

Loading...