Oak Park filmmakers discuss latest documentary The Interrupters at the Lake Theatre
Earlier this month, columnist and blogger Tom Holmes wrote about a new documentary, The Interrupters, produced and directed by Oak Park residents Steve James and Alex Kotlowitz.
This weekend, James (director of Hoop Dreams) and Kotlowitz (author of There Are No Children Here) meet up at Oak Park’s beloved Lake Theatre, 1022 Lake, for a special screening and discussion of The Interrupters.
The film tells the story of three interventionists who work to break the cycle of Chicago gang violence. The movie follows Ameena Matthews, Cobe Williams and Eddie Bocanegra — members of the organization CeaseFire — who draw on their own personal history to intervene in conflicts before they explode into violence.
This weekend, movie-goers have an opportunity to see The Interrupters and stay after the film for a special Q&A with the filmmakers themselves.
General admission is $8.50 with multiple screenings during the weekend.
Q&A Schedule:
- Friday, Sept. 16 at 6:50 p.m. screening / Q&A with Steve James and Alex Kotlowitz
- Saturday, Sept. 17 at 3:50 p.m. screening / Q&A with Alex Kotlowtiz
- Saturday, Sept. 17 at 6:50 p.m. screening / Q&A with Steve James and Alex Kotlowitz
- Sunday, Sept. 18 at 3:50 p.m. screening / Q&A with Steve James
Click here for the trailer and more information about The Interrupters or visit www.classiccinemas.com.
Art on Harrison festival showcases vibrant Oak Park art community
The nine blocks west of Austin Boulevard on Harrison Street are regarded as the Art Mecca of art-centric Oak Park. Transcending old façades and new crosswalks, the biggest news out of the Oak Park Arts District is this weekend’s Art on Harrison festival. This Friday and Saturday, Sept. 16-17, galleries play host to a festival of live music, art demonstrations and interactive exhibits. Whether you’re an artist at heart or just about to start, Art on Harrison paints a pretty accurate portrait of what our art communities offer. For more information, visit www.oakparkartsdistrict.com.
Downtown Oak Park celebrates OakToberfest
Wear your lederhosen and dirndls with pride as Downtown Oak Park celebrates the changing of the seasons at OakToberfest this Friday and Saturday, Sept. 16-17. Enjoy a wide selection of microbrew beers and fine wines along with delicious autumnal offerings from local restaurants. Live music and all assortments of fall fanfare for kids make OakToberfest a memorable start to the new season. Did we mention admission is free? Well it is!
For more information on Downtown Oak Park’s OakToberfest, visit downtownoakpark.net.






