25 FOR 25

When the Siskel Film Center opened its State Street home in 2001, it was renamed in honor of beloved Chicago film critic Gene Siskel, marking a new chapter in its mission to bring the best of world cinema to Chicago.

To celebrate 25 years on State Street, the 25 For 25 series revisits standout titles from our State Street history, spotlighting films that have lit up our screens since 2001 and reflecting on the Siskel Film Center’s programming legacy. Each selection connects to a past Siskel program, highlighting the Siskel Film Center’s long-standing commitment to diverse and innovative curation.

We kick off with three beloved Chicago-set films from the Siskel Film Center’s inaugural State Street program, the legendary 24-hour Starring Chicago marathon.

Film synopses are from the original series, written by Barbara Scharres, then Director of Programming, and Marty Rubin, then Associate Director of Programming.

FEATURED EVENT

HIGH FIDELITY (2000) → Post-screening Q&A with John Cusack

Join us for a special screening of HIGH FIDELITY, followed by a conversation with actor and long-time Siskel patron John Cusack.

Friday, May 29, 5:45 p.m.

Stay tuned: the full 25 For 25 lineup to be announced in June.