Chicago Film Archives and the Chicago Film Society present CHICAGO HOME MOVIE DAY at the Chicago History Museum — with live accompaniment from pianist David Drazin!
From 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM, archivists and projectionists will be on hand to inspect and project a selection of YOUR celluloid home movies in 16mm, 8mm, or Super 8. Don’t have any films to share? Feel free to just sit back and enjoy the show.
* * *
For those bringing films:
– We aim to project at least one reel (or at least 10 minutes, if it’s an extra-long reel) from each person who brings films to Home Movie Day, if the condition of the film allows it. Come prepared to tell us which reel or reels you’d most like to see on screen, and try to arrive by noon so we’ll be sure to have time to view your films.
– Staff from Chicago Film Archives and Chicago Film Society will be available to answer your questions about the physical condition of your films and options for storing, preserving, and digitizing them.
– Questions? You can contact CFA at at (312) 243-1808 or email info@chicagofilmarchives.org
HOME MOVIE DAY FAQ:
What film formats can I bring to Home Movie Day?
We can inspect and project 16mm, 8mm, and Super 8. If you have any other oddball formats (28mm, 9.5mm, etc.), we can’t project the films for you at Home Movie Day (but you’ll earn our undying film nerd envy).
Do I need to bring a home movie to come to Home Movie Day?
Nope. You’re welcome to stop by and just watch other people’s home movies. And if you’re a walking encyclopedia of forgotten Chicagoland landmarks, eateries, and parades, your commentary will be much appreciated!
I have a whole box of films! Can we watch them all?
Nobody likes a home movie hog. Bring as many films as you’d like, but we’ll be screening a maximum of ten minutes of footage from each participant until everyone has had a chance to see their home movies. After that, second helpings are totally fine – especially in Kodachrome.
Do I have to get up and talk about my home movies?
You’re welcome to narrate your home movies, or you can just sit in the auditorium and watch them in anonymous silence. Whatever floats your boat!
My home movies are very personal. Why would I want to watch them with a bunch of voyeurs?
Home movies often commemorate scenes of enormous personal importance: weddings, graduations, birthdays, family reunions. Though home movies often begin as family records with deeply private meaning, the passage of years makes them compelling to people far beyond your immediate family. They serve as authentic records of our neighborhoods, traditions, and communities. They’re worth sharing — really!
Will you take my home movies and never give them back? They’re incredibly precious to me!
Nope. We’ll just inspect and project your home movies and return them to you in comparable condition. And if there are broken perforations or cracked frames, we’ll fix those and return the films in better condition! Keep in mind that decades-old films are fragile and there’s an inherent (though slight) risk of damage during any projection. If we do not feel that the film can be safely projected, we will not screen it.
Will you take my home movies and never give them back? I don’t want them anymore!
Chicago Film Archives staff would be happy to discuss options for donating your old, unwanted home movies to our ever-growing collection.
This sounds amazing! How much will this expert consultation set me back?
Home Movie Day is absolutely free, but donations are very welcome.
Did you know that Home Movie Day has been happening across the globe since 2003? For more information about the history of Home Movie Day, visit the Center for Home Movies website.