<\/p>\n
Our movie and media Calendar appears every Friday\/Saturday on <\/em>C-U Blogfidential<\/span><\/strong> and caters to the downstate region anchored by Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, USA.<\/em><\/p>\n ~~~~~<\/p>\n MILESTONES | Happy Birthday to You!<\/strong><\/p>\n 4\/18: Mike Trippiedi (filmmaker, DOGS IN QUICKSAND, Saturn\u2019s Core Audio & Video, Bloomingdale, NJ) \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n FIELD REPORT DU HQ | From Wherever It May Be Said<\/strong><\/p>\n We\u2019ve decided to break our Report<\/strong>-ing sabbatical for a week, in part to give you some meat on the Calendar<\/strong> bones since we sort of wimped out in the Images<\/strong> department below, and also in part because the following lends itself as an up-to-the-minute counterpart to the \u201cgallery of local film goodies kept at MFHQ Deux<\/strong>\u201d series that we\u2019re absolutely, positively, definitely going to embark on next week<\/a><\/span>. Ye Ed<\/strong> was cruising the \u201ccoming soon\u201d product listings on the merchant websites a few days ago and found several physical media things that look to us like they should be filed under \u201cConfidential\u201d at first opportunity\u2026<\/p>\n ~~~~~<\/p>\n ~~~~~<\/p>\n To start, Warner Brothers Entertainment<\/strong> released a UHD of THE INFORMANT!<\/strong> this past Tuesday, April 15<\/strong>, we suppose to tie in with filmmaker Steven Soderbergh<\/strong>\u2019s recent theatrical one-two of BLACK BAG<\/strong> and PRESENCE<\/strong>? The corporate intrigue tale starring Matt Damon<\/strong> as the real-life Archer Daniels Midland<\/strong> executive and whistleblower, Mark Whitacre<\/strong>, has been available on home video formats since 2010<\/a><\/span> and, unless one was hankering for a hi-def edition of this movie or at least the location photography done in the Decatur<\/strong> region with local sights and folks in plain view, one wonders what the appeal will be at this late stage. Product descriptions online do not indicate any extras, but<\/em>, the prior discs were pretty spare to begin with.<\/p>\n ~~~~~<\/p>\n ~~~~~<\/p>\n A pair of \u201clost\u201d indies from the late Nineties-early Aughts with a direct link to our past activities is about to resurface. MVD Rewind Collection<\/strong> and Smodcastle Cinema<\/strong>, both reissue labels of MVD Visual<\/strong>, will put out a Blu-ray \u201cdirector\u2019s cut\u201d of A BETTER PLACE<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, one of the older non-Kevin Smith<\/strong> flicks from View Askew Productions<\/strong>, on Tuesday, May 27<\/strong>; Vincent Pereira<\/strong>\u2019s story of an uneasy friendship between teens played by Eion Bailey<\/strong> and Robert DiPatri<\/strong> made the cover of MICRO-FILM 3<\/strong> in late 2000. Also, the brain trust behind VHSHitfest<\/strong> (read that slowly<\/em> and carefully<\/em>) have rescued the crafty lo-fi sci-fi flick PROJECT OMICRON<\/strong><\/a><\/span> for a Blu-ray rebirth that will be available on the same date, May 27<\/strong>, through the Vinegar Syndrome\/OCN Distribution<\/strong> machine; creator Jared Whitman<\/strong> was a whimsical treat to have on hand when he visited the C-U in support of his film\u2019s screening at the 2000 Freaky Film Festival<\/strong> and, per the VS product page, his presence will be in full force on the disc. We\u2019re giddy to see this again.<\/p>\n ~~~~~<\/p>\n ~~~~~<\/p>\n Jake Rademacher<\/strong>\u2019s documentary BROTHERS AFTER WAR<\/strong>, a follow-up to the 2009 feature BROTHERS AT WAR<\/strong> from Samuel Goldwyn Films<\/strong> and Summit Entertainment<\/strong>, was presented to servicemen and their guests at special events across the United States<\/strong> over the last year thanks to direct support from the Gary Sinise Foundation<\/strong>. AFTER WAR<\/strong> will make its DVD debut on (once again!) Tuesday, May 27<\/strong>, from Mill Creek Entertainment<\/strong> after a limited theatrical release in February through SDG Releasing<\/strong>; the films consecutively follow the experiences had by Rademacher\u2019s two brothers and their fellow soldiers<\/a><\/span> while fighting in the Iraq War<\/strong> and transitioning back out of service into civilian life. Sinise himself attended a showing of AT WAR<\/strong> at the Avon Theatre<\/strong> in Decatur, where the Rademacher family hails from, in 2008.<\/p>\n ~~~~~<\/p>\n ~~~~~<\/p>\n As far as campus connections, The Criterion Collection<\/strong> announced its newest slate of upcoming releases and it includes a UHD upgrade for MISHIMA: A LIFE IN FOUR CHAPTERS<\/strong><\/a><\/span>; Paul Schrader<\/strong>\u2019s biography, starring Ken Ogata<\/strong> as the Japanese artist and radical Yukio Mishima<\/strong>, will be on the shelves and in the warehouses as of Tuesday, June 3<\/strong>, and was featured at Roger Ebert\u2019s Film Festival<\/strong> in 2008. Also, Kino Lorber<\/strong>\u2019s current \u201cMarch Madness\u201d sale, which ends after next Monday, April 21<\/strong>, and offers several hundred titles from the studio\u2019s catalog for a song, has a Blu-ray of the French-Algerian war drama THE OLIVE TREES OF JUSTICE<\/strong> marked down to a mere $6.99<\/a><\/span>; photographed by the late University of Illinois<\/strong> professor Julius Rascheff<\/strong> and directed by the late award-winning documentarian James Blue<\/strong>, OLIVE TREES<\/strong> is long overdue a public retrospect at UI or as part of \u201cEbertfest<\/strong>\u201d in Rascheff\u2019s honor, so say we.<\/p>\n ~~~~~<\/p>\n ~~~~~<\/p>\n To close, a surprise was found at the very end of the pre-order listings at e-tailer Deep Discount<\/strong> \u2013 DVD and Blu-ray product pages for the serial killer procedural TORTURE THE FLESH<\/strong>. We\u2019ve talked about this a couple of times on CUBlog<\/span><\/strong>, most recently in late 2023<\/a><\/span>, and apparently the long-gestating project from Cheevies Film Productions<\/strong> can finally be yours thanks to distributor Leomark Studios<\/strong> and the magic of MOD<\/a><\/span> as of next Tuesday, April 22<\/strong>. But, wait<\/em>, the Cheevies folks have already<\/em> made their own Blu-ray available \u2013 we didn\u2019t realize it until now<\/a><\/span> \u2013 and their socials make no mention of the re-release as of yet. Pick your preferred TORTURE<\/strong>, we suppose, and support these prolific Chicagoland indies in every avenue! Most recently<\/a><\/span>, filmmakers Derek Braasch<\/strong> and Nina Trader<\/strong> tabled at the Cinema Wasteland<\/strong> convention in Ohio<\/strong> and screened the film, which stars central Illinois<\/strong> actor Myles Valentine<\/strong> (FINAL SUMMER, AN AFFAIR AT THE END OF TIME<\/strong>) and busy veteran Lynn Lowry<\/strong> (NIGHT OF THE DEAD SORORITY BABES, SPIRIT RISER<\/strong>) as well as Joe DeBartolo, Darin Bowman<\/strong>, and Bobby Bozek<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The Report<\/strong> now goes back on hiatus until May. Thank you for your readership, CUvians and Agents! You should pay attention to Smile Politely<\/span><\/a><\/span>, The Daily Illini<\/span><\/a><\/span>, Champaign Movie Makers<\/a><\/span><\/strong>, and Chambana Film Festival<\/strong><\/a><\/span> for breaking news and updates in our scene. CUBlog<\/span><\/strong> will also keep in step with our friends and share to Facebook<\/strong><\/a><\/span> when we come across things you would like. Keep reading!<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n IMAGERY DU C-U | Picturing My Old Scene on Your Screen<\/strong><\/p>\n Here\u2019s two photos, giving you one last little peek for now at the waning hours of OG MFHQ<\/strong>. Your humble editor is prepping Momkoke Manor<\/strong> for a visit from the HVAC folks next week, so life at MFHQ Deux<\/strong> will suck hard until it\u2019s done. We know you\u2019ll understand, dearest homeowner readers and Damian Duffy Hates Everything<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span> podcast listeners. It\u2019s absolutely the world we live in right now. Shhhhhhhhh-lup!<\/em><\/p>\n ~~~~~<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n CONFIDENTIAL ALMANAC | Dates in Film Culture History<\/strong><\/p>\n 25 Years Ago<\/strong> \u2026 April 26-30, 2000:<\/em> The second edition of Roger Ebert\u2019s Overlooked Film Festival<\/strong> at the Virginia Theatre<\/strong> in Champaign, IL<\/strong>, becomes the perfect vehicle to debut the second edition of MICRO-FILM<\/span><\/strong> journal released by Opteryx Press<\/strong> of Champaign. Mere blocks from their office, editor Jason Pankoke<\/strong> tables at \u201cEbertfest<\/strong>\u201d for the first time in the main lobby next to Wisconsin<\/strong> filmmaker Mark Borchardt<\/strong>, whose fabled genre short COVEN<\/strong> and star-making documentary AMERICAN MOVIE<\/strong> play the night of Thursday, April 27<\/strong>. Articles in MICRO-FILM<\/span> 2<\/strong> feature interviews with filmmakers Kevin DiNovis<\/strong> on \u201cEbertfest\u201d 1999 selection SURRENDER DOROTHY<\/strong>, Jay Rosenstein<\/strong> on the hotly debated IN WHOSE HONOR?<\/strong>, Mark Pirro<\/strong> on COLOR-BLINDED<\/strong> and his micro-budget output, and Chris Smith<\/strong> on AMERICAN MOVIE<\/strong>, as well as discussion of the distinguished film artists Maya Deren<\/strong> and Bill Viola<\/strong>. This issue receives the largest press run in the publication\u2019s history based on the positive feedback to MF<\/span> 1<\/strong> and potential for newsstand distribution in the United States. [R]<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n LOCAL FILMS & EVENTS | Support Your Media Storytellers<\/strong><\/p>\n @ Esquire Lounge, Champaign, IL<\/strong> \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n NOW PLAYING | Champaign-Urbana Area<\/strong><\/p>\n @ AMC Champaign 13, Champaign, IL<\/strong> @ Phoenix Savoy 16 + IMAX, Savoy, IL<\/strong> @ Pine Lounge, 1st floor, Illini Union, UIUC, Urbana, IL<\/strong> @ Spurlock Center for World Cultures, UIUC, Urbana, IL<\/strong> @ The Virginia Theatre, Champaign, IL<\/strong> Events featuring locally produced movies are marked with an asterisk (*). Additional \u201cNow Playing\u201d and \u201cComing Soon\u201d listings appear after the jump!<\/em><\/p>\n ~~~~~<\/p>\n <\/p>\n NOW PLAYING | The Cities Beyond<\/strong><\/p>\n @ Clintonia Eagle Theater, Clinton, IL<\/strong> @ Crescent Cinemas, Pontiac, IL<\/strong> @ The Harvest Moon Twin Drive-in, Gibson City, IL<\/strong> @ The Lorraine Theatre, Hoopeston, IL<\/strong> @ Marcus Bloomington Cinema + IMAX, Bloomington, IL<\/strong> @ The Normal Theater, Normal, IL<\/strong> @ The Onarga Theatre, Onarga, IL<\/strong> @ The Princess Theatre, Leroy, IL<\/strong> @ The Route 66 Drive-in Theater, Springfield, IL<\/strong> @ VIP Lincoln Grand 6, Lincoln, IL<\/strong> \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n NOW PLAYING | Midwest<\/strong><\/p>\n For detailed and curated listings of Chicago-area film presentations and related events, please visit the fine folks at<\/em> Cine-File<\/strong> and subscribe to their definitive \u201cCine-List\u201d weekly blast<\/a><\/span>. And for northern Illinois industry news, be sure to read<\/em> Reel Chicago<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span> and<\/em>
\n4\/21: Brian Paris (multimedia producer, City of Champaign administration department, Champaign, IL)
\n4\/21: William Kephart (office administrator, Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, UIUC, Urbana, IL)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nChampaign Movie Makers* meeting (4\/21, 7 p.m.)<\/p>\n
\nTHE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND, SINNERS, SNEAKS (animation), THE TEACHER, THE UGLY STEPSISTER (in Norwegian with English sub), THE WEDDING BANQUET, THE AMATEUR, THE CHOSEN: LAST SUPPER Part 3* (faith film), DROP, THE KING OF KINGS (faith animation), A MINECRAFT MOVIE, SNOW WHITE, WARFARE, THE WOMAN IN THE YARD*, A WORKING MAN* (4\/18 on), COLORFUL STAGE! THE MOVIE: A MIKU WHO CAN\u2019T SING* (anim\u00e9) (in Japanese with English sub) (4\/18-4\/20), AMC \u201cScreen Unseen\u201d (mystery movie) (4\/21, 7 p.m.), THE ACCOUNTANT 2, THE LEGEND OF OCHI, ON SWIFT HORSES, STAR WARS: EPISODE III \u2013 REVENGE OF THE SITH (re-release), UNTIL DAWN (4\/24 on) *single screenings daily<\/p>\n
\nSINNERS, SNEAKS (animation), THE WEDDING BANQUET, THE AMATEUR, THE CHOSEN: LAST SUPPER Part 3 (faith film), DROP, THE KING OF KINGS (faith animation), MICKEY 17, A MINECRAFT MOVIE, WARFARE, THE WOMAN IN THE YARD, A WORKING MAN (4\/18 on), PRIDE AND PREJUDICE 20th anniversary (4\/20, 3 & 7 p.m.; 4\/23, 7 p.m.), The Cinema Foundation \u201cSneak Peek Showcase\u201d (compilation) (4\/22, 4\/24, 6 p.m.), THE ACCOUNTANT 2, STAR WARS: EPISODE III \u2013 REVENGE OF THE SITH (re-release) (4\/24 on)<\/p>\n
\nIllini Union Board presents SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 (4\/18-4\/19, 7 p.m., free w\/i-card)<\/p>\n
\nRoger Ebert Center for Film Studies* event series: Ebert Symposium screening: HER (4\/22, 7 p.m., Knight Auditorium, free), Ebert Symposium keynote and roundtables: \u201cArtificial Intelligence Imagined and Realized\u201d (4\/23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Knight Auditorium, free)<\/p>\n
\nThe College of Media at Illinois presents the 25th Roger Ebert\u2019s Film Festival* (4\/23-4\/26) Schedule<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
\nSINNERS, THE AMATEUR, DROP, THE KING OF KINGS (faith animation), A MINECRAFT MOVIE (4\/18 on)<\/p>\n
\nTHE KING OF KINGS (faith animation), A MINECRAFT MOVIE (4\/18 on)<\/p>\n
\nA MINECRAFT MOVIE (Screen 1), THE KING OF KINGS (animation) (Screen 2) (4\/18-4\/19)<\/p>\n
\nA MINECRAFT MOVIE (4\/18-4\/20), STAR WARS: EPISODE III \u2013 REVENGE OF THE SITH (re-release) (4\/24 on)<\/p>\n
\nPRIDE AND PREJUDICE 20th anniversary (re-release), SINNERS, SNEAKS (animation), THE WEDDING BANQUET, THE AMATEUR, THE CHOSEN: LAST SUPPER Parts 1 and 3* (faith film), DROP, THE KING OF KINGS (faith animation), A MINECRAFT MOVIE, SNOW WHITE, WARFARE, A WORKING MAN* (4\/18 on), THE WOMAN IN THE YARD (4\/18-4\/19), COLORFUL STAGE! THE MOVIE: A MIKU WHO CAN\u2019T SING* (anim\u00e9) (in Japanese with English sub) (4\/18-4\/20), HOP! (animation) (4\/19, 11 a.m.), THE WILD ROBOT (animation) (4\/19, 11 a.m.), THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy marathon (4\/19, 11:30 a.m. & 12 p.m.), TITANIC (4\/20, 4 p.m.; 4\/21, 7:30 p.m.), The Cinema Foundation \u201cSneak Peek Showcase\u201d (compilation) (4\/22, 4\/24, 6 p.m.), PINK FLOYD AT POMPEII: MCMLXXII (music documentary) (4\/24, 7 p.m.), THE ACCOUNTANT 2, CHEECH & CHONG\u2019S LAST MOVIE (documentary), THE LEGEND OF OCHI, STAR WARS: EPISODE III \u2013 REVENGE OF THE SITH (re-release), UNTIL DAWN (4\/24 on) *single screenings daily<\/p>\n
\n\u201cFilms that Inspired Star Wars\u201d series: JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS (4\/18), THX 1138 (4\/18, 4\/20), BATTLE IN OUTER SPACE (4\/19), and LOST HORIZION (1937) (4\/29), SRPR Lucia Getz Poetry Reading feat. Victoria Chang, Ali Beheler (4\/23, 7 p.m.), Foxtail Film Festival 2025* (4\/24-4\/26, Schedule<\/a><\/span>)<\/p>\n
\nTHE KING OF KINGS (faith animation) (4\/18-4\/20)<\/p>\n
\nA MINECRAFT MOVIE (4\/17-4\/19)<\/p>\n
\nA WORKING MAN, THE AMATEUR (Screen 1), THE KING OF KINGS (faith animation), A MINECRAFT MOVIE (Screen 2) (4\/18-4\/19)<\/p>\n
\nSINNERS, SNEAKS (animation), THE AMATEUR, THE CHOSEN: LAST SUPPER Parts 1-3* (faith film), DROP, THE KING OF KINGS (faith animation), A MINECRAFT MOVIE (4\/18 on) *single screenings daily<\/p>\n