Provided by Lake Theatre, Classic Cinemas
For one week only, the historic Lake Theatre, located at 1022 Lake Street in downtown Oak Park, will be presenting the inspiring Chicago-based documentary The Interrupters beginning Friday, Sept. 16 and ending Thursday, Sept. 22. Showtimes are at 3:50 p.m., 6:50 p.m., and 9:50 p.m.
The Interrupters tells the heartbreaking and brave tale of intervention against Chicago gang violence. Directed by Steve James (Director of Hoop Dreams) and produced by Oak Park’s Alex Kotlowitz (Author of “There Are No Children Here”), the movie takes the viewers on a personal journey with three of the film’s main subjects, who all work for the organization CeaseFire. The cornerstone of CeaseFire is their program “Violence Interrupters,” and the film follows three Interrupters – Ameena Matthews, Cobe Williams and Eddie Bocanegra – who, while having credibility on the streets because of their own personal history, intervene in conflicts before they explode into violence. This courageous trio shows the world that change is possible and violence can be prevented, but it’s taking those steps to get there, one person at a time. “We wanted to make a film to show what people live with and struggle with day in and day out,” explains James. He adds, “The Interrupters work to change people’s lives on a daily basis, and Alex and myself are thrilled the film is playing in our hometown of Oak Park.”
Movie-goers are encouraged to stay after the film for a special Q&A with the directors themselves.
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