Today is the final day for the online portion of this year’s Reeling: the Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival. The 40th annual celebration of LGBTQ+ filmmakers and new queer cinema hosted in-person screenings over the last few weeks at the Music Box, Landmark’s Century Centre Cinema, and Chicago Filmmakers, but today’s offerings are solely online—which is great if you want to catch up with new film in your own private Idaho (or, perhaps, just your den). Tickets are required to unlock individual films to watch: a single streaming ticket costs $10, or you can purchase a full streaming pass for $125. Some festival highlights include the riot grrrl mockumentary Vulveeta and Chicago Stories, a 93-minute program including three documentaries exploring the interconnection of race, religion, sexuality, culture, and community among Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ people in Chicago. A full list of available online screenings is at the Reeling website. (SCJ)
Between Friends is a Chicago nonprofit dedicated to preventing domestic violence and ending the cycle of abuse. They help people affected by domestic violence through counseling services, providing a free, 24/7 hotline for those in crisis or just needing help (1-800-603-4357), legal assistance, and programs such as a relationship education program geared toward preventing domestic violence in teen dating. The month of October has been observed as Domestic Violence Awareness Month since 1987 (originally launched by domestic violence organizations as a way to raise awareness and unite their work), and Between Friends is hosted a virtual vigil tonight on Zoom at 6:30 PM to hold space to remember those no longer with us and hear stories from survivors. Go to their website for viewing information and to find out about future events and other ways to help the cause. (SCJ)
If you’re sticking close to home still, but want to get a virtual history tour, then Evanston History Center has just the ticket. Tonight at 7 PM, EHC presents, via Zoom, “Changing the Narrative: A Look at African American Heritage Sites in Evanston,” which considers recent efforts to recognize the role Black citizens played in the development of the city via historical markers and educational outreach. Evanston resident Morris (Dino) Robinson Jr., the founder of Shorefront (an archival organization dedicated to preserving the history of Black Americans on the North Shore) joins EHC director of facilities, visitor services, and collections Kris Hartzell for a discussion on how to go beyond “established norms” in honoring the significance of African American Heritage Sites in Evanston. Tickets are $10 (free for EHC members), and reservations can be made at evanstonhistorycenter.org. (KR)
Forget the Horny Farmers Market. Real hot potatoes are at Perfect Mash, a new live dating game show happening at the Hideout (1354 W. Wabansia) tonight at 8:30 PM. Hot Potato Hearts has been hosting speed-dating and other “mash-making” events at local bars across the city. In their latest quest to pair off Windy City residents, featured contestants will expose their twice-baked innards for a chance at true love—or least a truly cool date with someone in the audience, paid for by the organizers. If you’re 21 or older, you can join the fun for $10. Masks are encouraged, but proof of vaccination is required. (MC)
