“COOLEY HIGH is a vibrant, violent, swooningly romantic movie, all at once” - Chuck Bowen, Slant Magazine
“Not only a funny and intensely touching film about Black adolescents—a rarity for its time—but also one of the great coming-of-age movies.” - Craigh Barboza, Criterion
Aspiring writer Preach (Turman) and basketball star Cochise (Hilton-Jacobs) experience an adolescence filled with sex, danger, and Motown in this entertaining, emotionally rich account of growing up on the Near North Side, based on an autobiographical script by Cabrini-Green’s Eric Monte. Film Center namesake Gene Siskel called it “a beguiling story that’s affecting, lasting, and worth seeing more than once. (MR) Screened as part of our 2001 Starring Chicago movie marathon.
25 For 25
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.
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