“It's hard to overstate the impact that this Oscar-winning procedural thriller had in 1969, on a world roiling in political activism, repression, and discord.” - Jonathan F. Richards, Film.com
“Z combines the intellectual heft of revolution-themed films like THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS with the drop-dead cool of mod touchstones like BLOW OUT or LE SAMOURAÏ.” - Dana Stevens, Slate
Friday, September 20, 6:00 p.m. | Costa-Gavras’s urgent and pulse-pounding Z begins with a bold statement: “Any similarity to actual events or persons living or dead is not coincidental. It is INTENTIONAL.” Yves Montand (THE WAGES OF FEAR) stars as a left-leaning public figure whose murder during a political demonstration is covered up by the military and government officials. Loosely based on the 1963 assassination of activist Gregoris Lambrakis, Z pulses with energy and outrage, a political statement as much as it is a political thriller. Winner of the Academy Award for Best International Film, Z is essential viewing for every voter, and, as Roger Ebert wrote, “Is a film of our time. It is about how even moral victories are corrupted. It will make you weep and will make you angry. It will tear your guts out.” Film courtesy KG Productions.
Awards & Nominations
Nominee - Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Academy Awards
Winner - Best International Film, Best Editing, Academy Awards
Winner - Jury Prize, Cannes Film Festival
Winner - Best Actor (Jean-Louis Trintignant), Cannes Film Festival
Nominee - Palme d'Or, Cannes Film Festival
Democracy at Risk: In collaboration with the Gene Siskel Film Center, the League of Women Voters of Chicago (LWV Chicago) presents four explorations of democracy’s trials and tribulations. Whether you're a seasoned activist or new to civic engagement, Democracy at Risk will deepen your appreciation for democracy's complexities and the vital work that goes into fostering informed and active participation in government. Read more
About The League Women Voters of Chicago: The League of Women Voters of Chicago (LWV Chicago) is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in our democracy. We empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy and education. The League of Women Voters of Chicago encourages informed and active participation in government while influencing public policy. We never endorse or oppose political parties or candidates, but we are political. LWV Chicago is a 501(c)(3) organization.
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