Chicago’s art house theaters have long served as vital spaces for independent and international film. From the historic Music Box Theatre to community-focused venues like Facets and the Gene Siskel Film Center, these institutions support bold filmmaking and thoughtful curation year-round. Together, these theaters reflect the breadth of Chicago’s film culture, each shaped by the communities they serve.
Launched in 2016, Art House Theater Day (AHTD) returns on Thursday, July 24, with a lineup that celebrates the role of independent theaters in shaping film culture. In Chicago, all three major art house venues are participating and offering special AHTD swag. Pick up a punch card at any location and if you visit all three on the day, you’ll earn a prize at your final stop.
Here’s what each theater has planned for this year’s celebration.
Gene Siskel Film Center
At 1pm, the Siskel Film Center will screen The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, with Lily Tomlin appearing in person to introduce the film and participate in a brief audience Q&A beforehand. The presentation features a brand-new 4K digital restoration from IndieCollect. Later that day, at 3:45pm and 8:15pm, the Siskel Film Center will show Whisper of the Heart, Studio Ghibli’s heartwarming coming-of-age classic.
Facets
At 9pm, Facets presents a newly restored 4K edition of In My Skin, courtesy of Severin Films, with an introduction by local film critic Kyle Logan. Marina de Van’s debut is a hypnotic, horrifying portrait of self-destruction and bodily autonomy. This screening of In My Skin is presented in partnership with COLD SWEAT, their monthly series dedicated to boundary-pushing horror, thrillers, and cult cinema that leaves a mark.
Music Box Theatre
On Thursday at 7pm, the Music Box screens AJ Goes to the Dog Park, a funny and honest short feature distributed by Doppelgänger Releasing. This special Art House Theater Day screening will include a post-film Q&A with writer/director Toby Jones, actor AJ Thompson, actor Crystal Cossette Knight, and Demon Lord Krogloch, aka producer Ben Hanson. On Monday, July 28, at 7pm, Music Box members can attend an exclusive 35mm screening of Tangerine, followed by a post-film Q&A with director Sean Baker.
Support local art houses like FACETS Film Forum, the Siskel Film Center, and Music Box Theatre by catching a film on Art House Theater Day. Visit each venue’s website for showtimes and tickets.
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