“Wiseman’s view of Aspen and the Aspenites is clearly that the place and its people are a study in contrasts, some of them touching and some of them absurd. And even when the people on the screen are behaving in ways that seem foolish or frivolous, the intoxicating seductiveness of the place comes through. ASPEN is glorious, town and film.” - Tom Shales, The Washington Post

Friday, January 24, 5:15 p.m. | ASPEN is a film about a town famous in the 19th century for silver mining and now known for its scenic splendor, mountains, skiing, hiking, music, intellectual activity and fashionable people. The film documents the daily life and activities of the people who live, work, visit and play in Aspen in the winter. (Zipporah Films)


The Worlds of WisemanDon’t let anyone ever tell you a Frederick Wiseman film is simple. Despite their matter-of-fact titles and just-the-facts descriptions, Wiseman’s documentaries are complicated, messy, demanding, rich, and always rewarding. 33 of his films, using original 16mm negatives and sound elements, with materials personally reviewed and approved by Wiseman, have been recently restored in 4K. The Film Center is proud to be the exclusive home for the Chicago premiere of the complete restored collection. Restorations made possible by Zipporah Films, the Library of Congress, Harvard Film Archive, DuArt Labs, and Goldcrest Post Production. Read more


The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu