When you are far from home, there is often a strong urge to catch a Polish film. There is something special about immersing yourself in your homeland’s atmosphere through cinema. Chicago’s a melting pot, where every culture finds its place. Local theaters screen films from directors all over the world. Watching a movie by a Polish director, in Polish, is a great way to stay connected to your cultural roots and step back into a familiar world. So, where should you go to dive into this unique experience? Let’s take an exciting journey through the best of them. Let’s dive into the top 5 Polish cinemas in Chicago and find out.
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- Film Row Cinema
- Facets Cinematheque
- Music Box Theatre
- Regal Webster Place 11
- AMC Village Crossing 18
1. Film Row Cinema
The cinema on the Columbia College campus is a key part of the institution’s cultural and educational scene. Over in the local cultural hub, they often show films in Polish or with Polish subtitles. Film Row Cinema is a modern theater with 260 seats. Inside its spacious hall, you can catch movies and also join lectures, discussions, and debates. They are known for their diverse lineup, featuring everything from blockbusters to documentaries, classics to indie films by minority directors, and more. Plus, Film Row Cinema often hosts special events like premieres, director talks, film festivals, and themed programs. In the 1930s, Sheridan Avenue was a hotspot for theater owners. Known as Film Row, it housed big-name film companies like Paramount Pictures, MGM, Universal, Fox, and Warner Brothers. Today, this area is experiencing a revival, with its cinematic legacy being rediscovered, attracting audiences once again to enjoy movies, including movies by Polish directors. It is a hot spot for Columbia College students and faculty, as well as locals and film buffs across Chicago. Beyond just watching movies, Film Row Cinema encourages discussions, film club participation, and other cultural happenings, all helping to boost the film scene in the area.
Address: 1104 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
2. Facets Cinematheque
The one of Polish cinemas in Chicago Facets Cinematheque specializes in foreign and independent films, including Polish ones. Facets Cinematheque in Chicago is especially popular among Polish expats living in the city. The reason is simple — the cinema has a diverse program. Facets Cinematheque is a cozy spot specializing in arthouse, experimental films, docs, and hidden cinematic treasures from around the globe. You will find it nestled in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. They often showcase works by up-and-coming filmmakers and throw events like festivals and retrospectives. Plus, it is not just about watching movies — they offer courses, talks, and workshops for film buffs and students alike. Facets is a comprehensive media arts organization, committed to the preservation, exhibition, distribution, and education of cinema. The cinema showcases films by independent directors, while our video rental store boasts over 65,000 titles. Additionally, there is an unaccredited film school and the annual Chicago International Children’s Film Festival for kids aged 7 to 14 takes place here.
Address: 1517 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
3. Music Box Theatre
The Music Box Theatre in Chicago is famous for its premieres and timeless classics. Now and then, they even throw in some Polish films, sometimes with subtitles. Situated on Southport Avenue in the Lakeview neighborhood, the Music Box Theatre is a historic cinema that has been showcasing films since 1929. It is one of the few remaining havens for movie buffs in Chicago. Over the decades, the theater has been a venue for premieres, festival screenings, and various events. The theater stands out with its distinctive building, almost resembling a palace and a massive neon sign. It is not just about catching the latest releases or Polish movies here; you can also delve into movies you will not find screening elsewhere. Think The 6th edition of the Cinema Femme Short Film Fest, The Chicago Film Society Presents, The Chicago Critics Film Festival, and more. These kinds of events are a regular thing in our local film scene. They are also all about those classic flicks and indie gems at the Music Box Theatre. Plus, they love hosting special events like film festivals, premieres, and Q&A sessions with directors and actors.
Address: 1471 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
4. Regal Webster Place 11
Regal Webster Place 11 is a full-fledged multiplex located in downtown Chicago. The theater offers a wide selection of films, including Hollywood blockbusters and occasionally foreign films, including Polish ones. It’s a popular spot in the city for catching movies. As the name suggests, the theater boasts eleven cinema halls. You can find a diverse range of films and showtimes here, allowing you to catch a blockbuster or a classic at your convenience. Visitors can pre-book tickets on the theater’s website or through a mobile app. Occasionally, the theater is rented out for private events such as birthdays, corporate parties, and movie premieres.
Address: 1471 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
5. AMC Village Crossing 18
AMC Village Crossing 18, situated in Park Ridge, serves up a mix of movies, from indie gems to foreign flicks, including Polish ones. It is a big deal in Chicago, boasting 18 screens — so there is room for everyone. You will find all sorts of films here, from the latest Hollywood hits to indie darlings by directors from around the globe, including Poland. Plus, they occasionally throw in special screenings, movie marathons, and other fun events. Exciting news for all you savvy savers out there: The cinema’s rolled out an incredible deal! Every single day, up until 4:00 p.m., movie tickets are a whopping 25% off the evening rates at any AMC, AMC DINE-I, or AMC CLASSIC theater across the nation. That means every day's prime time for catching a flick and keeping some cash in your pocket. Plus, there is the MacGuffins Bar at the theater. If you are 21 or older, you can snag a beer, wine, and AMC’s own cocktails.
Address: 7000 Carpenter Rd, Skokie, IL 60077
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