JUNE IS CUFF MONTH
Industrial Accident: The Story of Wax Trax! Records
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hicago’ s 25th Annual Underground Film Festival( CUFF) returns to the restored Logan Theatre June 6 with an international slate of diverse, innovative, and provocative films and videos screening over five days. The world’ s longest running underground film festival, the event opens with the U. S. premiere of the documentary Industrial Accident: The Story of Wax Trax! Records, a chronicle of Chicago’ s most famous independent record label. Directed by Julia Nash, the daughter of Wax Trax! Co-Founder Jim Nash, the documentary highlights the
By Lori Vernon
humble beginnings of Jim and his partner, Dannie Flesher, as they built one of the most influential American independent record labels. In 1978 they opened Wax Trax! Records in Chicago, which would evolve into a record store and music label like no other— Wax Trax! became the nexus of the new wave, punk rock and industrial music scenes, and America’ s preeminent industrial label of the 1980s and’ 90s.
CUFF has established itself as the premier venue for emerging independent filmmakers. From high camp to formal experimentation, CUFF programs films that wildly exceed
expectations while breaking the boundaries of genres – films made with passion, obsession, and drive. ** Moviemaker Magazine named CUFF one of the“ coolest underground / experimental film festivals in the world.” You can find more information on the festival, which runs through June 10, at www. cuff. org.
Meanwhile, back at the mainstream multiplexes, the box office has been dismal despite a stack of massively anticipated yet strongly underperforming films. Can the latest Jurassic Park tent pole turn things around? Check out these new releases in June.
Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona Rated: PG-13 • June 22
Three years after the destruction of the Jurassic World theme park and resort, the abandoned Isla Nublar is inhabited by surviving creatures roaming freely, fending for themselves in the jungles. When the island’ s dormant volcano roars to life, former dino-trainer Owen( Chris Pratt), and ex-park manager turned rescuer Claire( Bryce Dallas Howard) mount a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction-level event. Upon arriving on the unstable island, their expedition uncovers a conspiracy that could return our entire planet to a perilous order not seen since prehistoric times. Ted Levine, B. D. Wong, Rafe Spall, James Cromwell and Toby Jones also star. Look for a cameo by Dr. Ian Malcolm( Jeff Goldblum), and a crazy new hybrid dinosaur called an Indoraptor!
Adrift Directed by Baltasar Kormakur Rated: PG-13 • June 1
Based on the true story of Tami Oldman( Shailene Woodley) and her fiancé Richard Sharp( Sam Claflin), who set sail from Tahiti only to find themselves caught in the middle of one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in history. After being knocked unconscious, she awakes to finds her boat in ruins and Richard gravely injured. The story follows her fight for survival during a 1,500-mile journey back to Hawaii.
Ocean ' s Eight Directed by Gary Ross Rated: PG-13 • June 8
This all-female spin-off of Ocean’ s Eleven follows Danny Ocean’ s sister, Debbie( Sandra Bullock), as she attempts to pull off the heist of the century at New York City’ s star-studded annual Met Gala. She assembles the perfect crew of“ experts” to help with the task. The stellar cast includes Cate Blanchett, Rihanna, Mindy Kaling, Awkwafina, Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway and Sarah Paulson in this action-heist film.
Gotti Directed by Kevin Connely Rated: R • June 15
John Travolta stars as the legendary mobster John Gotti who was head of the largest and most powerful crime organization in North America, the Gambino Family. His flamboyant style, charm, and ruthless personae made him the most famous mobster in the 20th Century.
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14 illinoisentertainer. com june 2018