This festival of work by black artists from around the world continues through Wednesday, August 31, at the Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State. Unless otherwise noted, tickets are $9, $5 for Film Center members; for further information call 312-846-2800. Following are the programs scheduled for August 19 through 25; a complete festival schedule is available online at www.chicagoreader.com.
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Nothing works in this would-be comedy of manners (2004). Its depiction of class differences is so woefully outdated that the satire behind the premise–a well-heeled black couple hires a Harlem Latina to be their kids’ nanny during a summer on Martha’s Vineyard–has no bite. Continuity errors are rife, the dubbed dialogue is cringe-inducing, and even the credits are a mess (you’d think someone would have checked the spelling of actor Domenica Cameron-Scorsese’s name). Benson McGrath directed this video from a script by his mother, Abigail; his father, Tony, chews the scenery in a supporting role. 87 min. (AG) Sat 8/20, 5:30 PM; Mon 8/22, 6:15 PM
Andre, who works in IT, feuds with his obnoxious white boss and his ex, with whom he shares custody. He thinks his drug-dealing brother is the only person he can really talk to, and as his life slides downhill, he shuts out everyone else who tries to help him, judging them solely by their flaws. Eldridge Valentine’s low-budget, made-in-Chicago video preaches a familiar lesson about taking responsibility, and the acting and pacing are a bit ragged. But the dialogue is believable, and the depiction of a largely isolated black community feels authentic. 80 min. (FC) Fri 8/19, 8 PM; Wed 8/24, 6 PM
Women at the Turning Point
