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Kartemquin Films Will Celebrate its 50th Anniversary on June 24th

The acclaimed non-profit film production company Kartemquin Films, dedicated to the power of documentary to inspire action, has announced its 50th Anniversary events full of immersive experiences in Chicago and at major cities across the nation throughout 2016. The theme of this celebration is “Democracy through Documentary.” The apex of the year-long celebrations will be the #KTQ50 Birthday Party held at The Harris Theater Rooftop at 8pm on Friday, June 24th.

The unprecedented gathering will be attended by five decades of Kartemquin filmmakers, subjects, alumni, partners, and fans. Tickets, starting at $30, are now on sale. Preceding that event will be a 50th Anniversary Gala Dinner at an exclusive location overlooking Chicago’s lakefront, starting at 5pm on June 24th, with $500 tickets that also include VIP entry to the #KTQ50 Birthday Party.

“This will be a unique, unforgettable, historic night. Please join me in honoring and celebrating all of the Kartemquin filmmakers, like Steve James and Gordon Quinn, and their film subjects such as Ameena Matthews from ‘The Interrupters’ to Arthur Agee and Will Gates from ‘Hoop Dreams,’” said Chaz Ebert, Honorary Chair of the Kartemquin 50th Anniversary celebration.

The #KTQ50 Party attendees will step into a customized event space that promises a unique, one-time-only live experience of Kartemquin’s history and the community that built it. For the first time ever, Kartemquin will give those purchasing $50 “Core Supporter” tickets year-long streaming access to its entire back catalog of award-winning documentary films, over a $500 value.

Chicago journalist and WBEZ radio broadcaster Tony Sarabia will host a special presentation during the party, which will include a significant announcement about Kartemquin’s future plans.

“This evening is a way to thank our fans for supporting us for the last 50 years with a great party and free access to our groundbreaking films, and each ticket allows the holder to support the next 50 years of filmmaking in this community,” said Kartemquin Executive Director Betsy Steinberg.

“From our party on June 24th to the art exhibition down to every single screening, what most pleases me is that our 50th Anniversary events are all built on our core values and in partnership with organizations who care passionately about the documentary form and the role of art in fostering democracy,” said Gordon Quinn, Kartemquin Co-Founder and Artistic Director, and the International Documentary Association’s 2015 Career Achievement Award honoree.

Click here for tickets to Kartemquin Films' anniversary events on Friday, June 24th. The Twitter hashtag for the 50th Anniversary celebration is #KTQ50.


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