PUNCH 9 FOR HAROLD WASHINGTON is an enthralling cinematic tour de force about Chicago’s first African American Hizzoner, who was a riveting political tour de force. By Gregg W. Morris
Director Joe Winston chronicles the historic legacy of Chicago’s first African American Mayor, Harold Washington. PUNCH 9 FOR HAROLD WASHINGTON draws on archival footage of 1980s Chi-Town with all its corruption and racial discrimination as well as the resilience and determination of Black Chi-Towners. IT includes candid interviews with Rev. Jesse Jackson, David Axelrod, Valerie Jarrett. The film shows Washington’s political repertoire of skills and stratagems as well as stinging betrayals, and unlikely victories.
Winston and his filmmakers believe Washington’s legacy continues to resonate for the Windy City and the nation, confronting the never ending social issues that undermined the country.
By Gregg W. Morris
The Mother of All Documentary Film Festivals – More than 120 feature-length documentaries among over 200 films and dozens of events. Included are 32 World Premieres and 34 US premieres. Opening Night film was Penny Lane’s Listening to Kenny G, Closing Night is Matthew Heineman’s The First Wave and Centerpiece docs are Sam Pollard and Rex Miller’s Citizen Ashe and Dave Wooley and David Heilbroner’s Dionne Warwick: Don’t Make Me Over. By Gregg W. Morris
The first day of classes landed on a muggy Wednesday, August 25. A seemingly never-ending line of students shuffled outside the Hunter West Building beginning at 10 a.m. An air of confusion at the Lexington Avenue and 68th Street campus was palpable as voices and discussions could be heard about the line’s purpose. – Article, second in a series, this one written by Bailey Huebner.
The lobby of Hunter’s West Building on 68th Street and Lexington Avenue was set up as a college fair help center during the two weeks leading up to August 25, the start of the fall semester, to help students deal with the logistical realities of the reopening of the College’s on-campus classes.
First in a series. This one by Constanza Falco
SALARYMAN blew the minds of judges and audiences at the DOC LA Film Festival, winning awards for Best Movie and Best Filmscore. It has more mesmerizing scenes and moments than any other feature or documentary that this reviewer can recall in many years.
By Gregg W. Morris