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Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT From Ferris to the Frontlines: Chicago's Art Institute and Grant Park in the Movies / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA From Ferris Bueller to political drama, see the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park through the lens of film Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Chicago and The Wizard of Oz / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Discover Chicago's connections to 'The Wizard of Oz' Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Behind the Scenes: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation / Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Register Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Yule love it! Unwrap the holiday magic and dive into the world of the Griswold family Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Women and Early Cinema in Chicago: Untold Stories Behind the Silent Screen / Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Register Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Explore hidden stories of women who shaped early Chicago cinema, with HD footage of key locations where they lived and worked Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified . Host This Crowd Favorite! Contagion and Chicago Learn about Chicago-area locations from the pandemic horror movie 'Contagion' Learn More View All Talks

Explore hidden stories of women who shaped early Chicago cinema, with HD footage of key locations where they lived and worked Women and Early Cinema in Chicago: Untold Stories Behind the Silent Screen Explore hidden stories of women who shaped early Chicago cinema, with HD footage of key locations where they lived and worked All Talks About Discover untold stories of three women who helped shape early cinema in Chicago. Through HD footage of locations where these women lived and worked, you'll explore their often overlooked contributions to the early film industry. Start in Chicago's western suburbs at a modest Frank Lloyd Wright home, where you'll uncover a woman's impressive connection to pre-cinema through her work at the Art Institute of Chicago. Then, stroll down a 140-year-old brick-paved road to the Morse Theatre to hear about its innovative female ownership and why it was once hailed as "the theatre of the future." Finally, visit the old Essanay studio lot in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood, where a silent-era screenwriter worked before becoming one of Hollywood's most powerful gossip columnists. Led by a Ph.D. who taught film for more than a decade, this program offers a unique glimpse into Chicago's cinema history, highlighting three (of countless!) often-overlooked women who made their mark on the early days of film. Request Talk

Consider what three Chicago-based Christmas movies say about social class Chicago, Christmas Movies, and Class Consider what three Chicago-based Christmas movies say about social class All Talks About National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989), Home Alone (1990), and While You Were Sleeping (1995) sit amongst the most beloved American Christmas movies. Set in Chicago at Christmastime, these three mainstream Hollywood comedies have entertained audiences for decades. But have you ever thought about why? Which characters make you laugh or cry? And what does their social class—lower, middle, or upper—have to do with your reaction? Let’s find out in this hour-long talk on class stereotypes in Chicago-based Christmas movies! Request Talk

Get introduced to cinematography to experience movies on a new level How Do Movies Guide Your Eyes? Get introduced to cinematography to experience movies on a new level All Talks About When you watch a movie, the images before you may seem like objective views of the world. But they are not. In fact, those images are purposefully constructed and then put onscreen—to guide your eyes where the director wants them to go. Sneaky, right? This hour-long program introduces you to the basics of cinematography, including speed of motion, perspective relationships, focal length, depth of field, and framing. After all, once you recognize how cinematography works, you can experience and understand movies on a new level. Request Talk

Explore the history of Mardi Gras and its onscreen depictions, including some from Chicago film companies Mardi Gras and Movies in the Midwest Explore the history of Mardi Gras and its onscreen depictions, including some from Chicago film companies All Talks About In celebration of Fat Tuesday, explore the history of Mardi Gras and a few of its 200+ onscreen depictions, including some from Chicago film companies! In this hour-long program (offered virtually and in person), you will: Enjoy a short history of Mardi Gras , including the meaning behind its name, regional and global traditions, associated lawsuits, memes, and marketing. Explore movies that depict the famous New Orleans-based celebration , and learn why this annual raucous event has translated well to the silver screen since 1898! Compare pączki , a Fat Tuesday pastry common in Chicago and the Midwest, to New Orleans-style king cake , a ring of twisted cinnamon roll-style dough stuffed with cream cheese, praline, or strawberry—and a plastic baby doll. Request Talk

Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT From Ferris to the Frontlines: Chicago's Art Institute and Grant Park in the Movies / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA From Ferris Bueller to political drama, see the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park through the lens of film Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Chicago and The Wizard of Oz / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Discover Chicago's connections to 'The Wizard of Oz' Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Behind the Scenes: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation / Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Register Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Yule love it! Unwrap the holiday magic and dive into the world of the Griswold family Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Women and Early Cinema in Chicago: Untold Stories Behind the Silent Screen / Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Register Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Explore hidden stories of women who shaped early Chicago cinema, with HD footage of key locations where they lived and worked Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified . Host This Crowd Favorite! Singin' in the Rain and Chicago Celebrate six Chicago actors and the Hollywood musical for which they are most remembered Learn More View All Talks

Delve into the intersection of film history, animal performers, and cemetery lore Cinematic Canines and Circus Stars in Chicagoland Cemeteries Delve into the intersection of film history, animal performers, and cemetery lore All Talks About Cinematic Canines and Circus Stars in Chicagoland Cemeteries is an immersive talk that explores the intersection of film history, animal performers, and cemetery lore. In the first half of this program, you'll be transported to Illinois' oldest pet cemetery via original HD video. Here, you'll uncover tales of the first onscreen dogs, discuss the concept "cinema of attractions," and explore Hollywood's gradual recognition of the need for animal protection. In the second half of the talk, you'll "walk" through another cemetery, this one including plots exclusively reserved for circus and sideshow performers. Amidst the headstones, you'll discover the connections between this space and the world of film and television. Finally, you'll explore the cemetery's haunted history. Join us on this journey through Chicagoland's cemeteries, where cinematic canines and circus stars find their eternal rest. Request Talk

Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT From Ferris to the Frontlines: Chicago's Art Institute and Grant Park in the Movies / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA From Ferris Bueller to political drama, see the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park through the lens of film Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Chicago and The Wizard of Oz / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Discover Chicago's connections to 'The Wizard of Oz' Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Behind the Scenes: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation / Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Register Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Yule love it! Unwrap the holiday magic and dive into the world of the Griswold family Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Women and Early Cinema in Chicago: Untold Stories Behind the Silent Screen / Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Register Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Explore hidden stories of women who shaped early Chicago cinema, with HD footage of key locations where they lived and worked Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified . Host This Crowd Favorite! Gender in Hollywood: Men Explore four typical depictions of men in Hollywood film Learn More View All Talks

Discover how Chicago helped advance film and create movie stars Chicago's World's Fairs and the Movies Discover how Chicago helped advance film and create movie stars All Talks About Chicago has hosted two major world's fairs. In 1893, the city hosted the World's Columbian Exposition and in 1933-34, Century of Progress. Both events showcased moving pictures. In this talk, learn about a murderous cinematographer, including his influence on early cinema and status at the 1893 World's Fair. Also, celebrate the fathers of modern movies—and that time they filmed Chicago's famous Ferris wheel. Then, walk the trails of Northerly Island (via HD video) as you discover how this man-made peninsula—along with events that occurred there in 1933—is connected to classic Hollywood. Image: Carli Digital Collections. Radio Flyer at the Century of Progress Enchanted Island , May 1933. Request Talk

Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT From Ferris to the Frontlines: Chicago's Art Institute and Grant Park in the Movies / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA From Ferris Bueller to political drama, see the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park through the lens of film Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Chicago and The Wizard of Oz / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Discover Chicago's connections to 'The Wizard of Oz' Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Behind the Scenes: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation / Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Register Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Yule love it! Unwrap the holiday magic and dive into the world of the Griswold family Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Women and Early Cinema in Chicago: Untold Stories Behind the Silent Screen / Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Register Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Explore hidden stories of women who shaped early Chicago cinema, with HD footage of key locations where they lived and worked Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified . Host This Crowd Favorite! How Do Movies Guide Your Eyes? Get introduced to cinematography to experience movies on a new level Learn More View All Talks

Upcoming Talks See where Kelli will be speaking next—online and in person. Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT From Ferris to the Frontlines: Chicago's Art Institute and Grant Park in the Movies / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Sep 16, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CDT Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA From Ferris Bueller to political drama, see the Art Institute of Chicago and Grant Park through the lens of film Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Chicago and The Wizard of Oz / Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Learn more Nov 18, 2025, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST Bridgeview Public Library, 7840 W 79th St, Bridgeview, IL 60455, USA Discover Chicago's connections to 'The Wizard of Oz' Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Behind the Scenes: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation / Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Register Dec 09, 2025, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM CST Green Hills Public Library, 10331 Interlochen Dr, Palos Hills, IL 60465, USA Yule love it! Unwrap the holiday magic and dive into the world of the Griswold family Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Women and Early Cinema in Chicago: Untold Stories Behind the Silent Screen / Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Register Mar 05, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CST Naperville Public Library, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA Explore hidden stories of women who shaped early Chicago cinema, with HD footage of key locations where they lived and worked Registration links to dates in the far future may not yet be available. Check back, or subscribe to be notified . Host This Crowd Favorite! The Oscars and Chicago Review Oscar's history as it relates to Hollywood and Chicago Learn More View All Talks

Examine women's fashion at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair while considering the iconic Ferris Wheel and fair photography Fashion, Ferris Wheels, and Film: Dressing Women for the 1893 Chicago World's Fair Examine women's fashion at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair while considering the iconic Ferris Wheel and fair photography All Talks About Step back in time to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair , where innovation and transformation shaped not only the city but also the lives—and wardrobes—of women. As women began challenging traditional gender roles in the early 1890s, advice columns influenced what they should wear to the Chicago Fair. What did these recommendations reveal about shifting societal norms? And how did they prepare women to be photographed at one of the most visually documented events of the era? Through original Fair photographs, vintage newspaper articles, and a virtual reality ride on the dazzling new Ferris Wheel, this program explores how fashion balanced practicality, style, and the growing influence of the camera. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with history, fashion, and amusement! Request Talk