GLOBAL LENS 2006, May 5-12, 2006
Global Lens 2006 film series provides an opportunity to share innovative works that have greatly impacted the international film community that would not otherwise be seen in the United States.
Continuing its mission of promoting cultural diversity through the universal language of cinema, Cinema/Chicago, the presenting organization of the Chicago International Film Festival, is proud to present the Global Lens 2006, a film series showcasing award-wining works from countries with emergent film cultures such as Iran, South Africa, Palestine, Brazil, Burkina Faso, China and Lebanon.

Working in collaboration with The Global Film Initiative, a New York-based organization dedicated to supporting and promoting films from developing countries, Global Lens 2006 will be shown at Landmark’s Century Centre Cinemas, from May 5-12, 2006. This exciting film series features eight narrative films and a program of five short films, showing stories of perseverance and strength, through love and conflict, from every corner of the world.

“This event is an opportunity to share innovative works that would not otherwise be seen in the United States”, states Helen Gramates, Director of Programming for Cinema/Chicago. “The films in Global Lens are reflective of the films we present in our annual October Festival. We’re excited that Chicago audiences can continue exploring the broad scope of the human experience with this program.”

“The intrinsic beauty of each of these stories, enhanced by their colors, shapes and cultural textures, creates a rich mosaic that offers American audiences a variety of enlightening perspectives”, adds Susan Weeks Coulter, Chairperson for The Global Film Initiative.
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In addition to public screenings at Landmark’s Century Centre Cinemas, high school students will take part in two free screenings (on April 24th and 25th) as part of Cinema/Chicago’s Educational Outreach program.

Global Lens 2006 tours throughout the United States and has been at the Seattle International Film Festival, the Palm Springs International Film Festival, the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, before coming to Chicago in May. Following the Chicago screenings, the film series continues its journey with screenings scheduled with The Miami Film Festival Group and the Honolulu Academy of the Arts.

Individual ticket sales will be available at Landmark’s Century Cinemas’ box office as of May 1st, 2006. Single ticket price for Cinema/Chicago members is $6; $9 for non-members/general public; and $6 for students with valid ID. A discount film pass can be purchased online at www.chicagofilmfestival.com, now until May 1st, 2006. The Moviegoer Pass for Cinema/Chicago members is $30 and allows 6 film admissions; $30 for 4 film admissions for non-members/general public.

For complete Global Lens 2006 schedule and film descriptions, please visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com.

Presenting sponsor LaSalle Bank and media sponsor Chicago Reader proudly support Global Lens 2006.

Cinema/Chicago is a not-for-profit, cultural and education organization dedicated to encourage better understanding between cultures and its people and to make a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image. The Global Lens film series is one of the year-round programs presented by Cinema/Chicago, which also include the Chicago International Film Festival, Summer Gala, the International Summer Screenings, Future Filmmakers Festival, Intercom competition, Hugo Awards, Black Perspectives and Educational Outreach.