Latest news with #SummerCamp
Chicago Tribune
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Going high or low? Film festivals ‘Summer Camp' and ‘Bleak Week' open on Sunday
Right now at the movies, Tom Cruise, a Hawaiian island dweller and a genetic lab experiment from space are simultaneously agitating and reassuring millions with tales of apocalypse-thwarting derring-do ('Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning') and a loving family in challenging circumstances ('Lilo & Stitch'). It's good news for theater owners, and the perpetually challenged moviegoing tradition. This is good news, too: We have a couple of eccentric film festivals opening this week in Chicago, designed to broaden our options and reexamine some movies past, launching the new month in this nervous breakdown of a year with some striking emotional/visual extremes, careening from darkness to giddy intensity in multiple genres. 'Summer Camp' is what the Siskel Film Center calls its 10-film mini-festival of 'extra-ness,' that adjective courtesy of director of programming Rebecca Fons. The series opens at 1:30 p.m., June 1 with 'Written on the Wind,' director Douglas Sirk's feverish Texas hotbed of repression and psychosexual yearning. A huge hit in 1956, coming off Sirk's previous examples of brilliantly skeptical romantic artifice, this is a melodrama that turns 'mambo' into a verb. Oscar winner Dorothy Malone, as the rabidly carnal oil heiress, not just figuratively but literally mambos her disapproving father into a fatal heart attack. It's a great scene in a dozen ripe, contradictory ways. And that, for many, exemplifies the power of camp in the right filmmakers' hands. From there, the festival struts from a Bette Davis/Joan Crawford smackdown ('Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?' from 1962, directed by Robert Aldrich) to John Waters ('Female Trouble,' 1974, with Divine, of course) to a clever variety of titles ranging from 1933's 'King Kong' and '42nd Street' to the uniquely unhinged 'Boom!' from 1968 and director Joseph Losey. 'Boom!' may star Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, but the real star, in my view, is the Tiziani label of Rome, whose wardrobe for Taylor is the stuff of waking nightmares. The range of work on screen in 'Summer Camp,' Fons hopes, supports the notion that camp has no fixed definition, only an appetite for life. She says she revisited Susan Sontag's 1964 essay 'Notes on Camp,' which she first devoured in college, for curation tips and as a historical sounding board for her own ideas about cinematic extra-ness. 'I'm always thinking about how movie audiences interact with what's in front of them,' she says. 'For me, camp means a celebration of self, of the extravagance of self. It can be expressed through fashion or just the outward expression of pure emotion, with no shame.' Though it predates the Victorian era by centuries, 'camp' as we now know it, though its definition remains an argument every time, has its roots in the queer Victorian usage of the word. (There's a really good feature on this posted on the United Kingdom National Archive website.) In her essay, Sontag consciously downplayed camp's political and queer aspects, and its sly revolt against the establishment. Its gradual mainstreaming meant something; it was serious business, in the spirit of outré flamboyance. She defined camp as 'playful, anti-serious,' expressing a fundamentally comic or ironic worldview and 'artifice as an ideal.' Also starting June 1, 'Bleak Week' at the Music Box Theatre takes things down a notch, while somehow taking it up, too. The festival moniker comes from the American Cinematheque in Hollywood, which has presented 'Bleak Week' in a big, bittersweet way for four years running. This year, several other art-house and repertory film organizations around the country are getting in on the downbeat, among them the Paris Theater in New York City and the Music Box in Chicago. The 12-film series took a couple of titles from the American Cinematheque's past calendars, while programming the rest with the Cinematheque's blessing. The result is a vivid, surprisingly varied range of bummers, both domestic and foreign, many of them exquisite in their stoic but not heartless dramatizations of a world out to get you, somehow, with forces of doom snaking through the narratives. Some are Hollywood studio classics of the 1970s, such as director Roman Polanski's 'Chinatown' (1974) or, lesser-known but extraordinarily affecting, Jerry Schatzberg's plaintive road movie 'Scarecrow' (1973), pairing Gene Hackman with Al Pacino in a simple story of drifters with an idea to open a car wash. Simple idea, complex and remarkable performance detail: The film was shot in sequence, allowing Hackman and Pacino, actors and recently anointed stars, the time and rhythm to accommodate, however warily, each other's working methods. It wasn't a hit, but 'Scarecrow' knew the score. The late Hackman frequently cited it as his most gratifying film experience. Despair can be really funny, too, and the Coen brothers' 'A Serious Man' (2009) piles misfortune atop misfortune for a University of Minnesota mathematics professor (Michael Stuhlbarg), cuckolding him (Fred Melamed's Sy Abelman is the most soothing bastard in modern American cinema) and eventually forcing him into a stern ethical dilemma around grading time, among other catastrophes. It's the Coens' best film, and yes, I'm not forgetting 'No Country for Old Men,' the one everybody admires more because serial killer movies are easier than mordant comedies of unease. 'Bleak Week' spans the globe, with the infamously grotty late-night dare 'In a Glass Cage' (1986) from Spain's Agusti Villaronga and, from Japan, Akihiro Suzuki's newly restored 1999 sexual odyssey 'Looking for an Angel.' Greece's Yorgos Lanthimos and his black-comic penchant for totalitarian nightmares are represented by 'Dogtooth' (2009). The rest of the offerings fill out the slate's idea of what bleak means to this director, and that one, and why despair comes in more than one shade of grey. The Music Box has big expansion plans, recently announced, thanks to a $1.2 million community development grant from the City of Chicago. The Southport Avenue landmark is adding a 100-seat theater to complement its existing 700-seat auditorium and the 60-seater built a few years ago, located across from the concession counter. The third theater will replace two storefront units immediately south of the Music Box main entrance. Managing director Ryan Oestreich says it'll be a $2.6 million project overall, as the theater renovates its restrooms to double the capacity. Target completion date is summer 2026. 'We're future-proofing ourselves,' he says, 'because our audience is growing. The new screen will allow us to better juggle the two sides of our programming, the repertory side and the new releases.' 'Bleak Week,' he says, is 'an experiment. But if you play the same hand over and over again, does that help the cinema experience in Chicago? It does not.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Move News with the Looze and Catching up with Kevin and Chris from 98.7 The Dove
Move News with the Looze and Catching up with Kevin and Chris from 98.7 The Dove Chris Louzader reviews new movies: Karate Kid: Legends & The Phoenician Scheme Also, do you have any good or bad stories about Summer Camp? Here are a few from Jeremy, Maddie, Kevin and Chris. Want to stay up to date and involved with Unscripted? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or click below! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Summer Camp music festival to return next year, tickets halfway sold out
CHILLICOTHE, Ill. (WMBD) — For fans of the popular music festival Summer Camp, the stage will soon be set. The festival returns next year after its hiatus this year, which was announced after their decision to move the event, and then eventually cancel it. The 25-year-old event had moved out of its only home at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe with plans to be on Peoria's Riverfront over Memorial Day weekend for a three-day affair before it was called off. The festival was called off in March, citing several factors in a Facebook post. 'Although we gave it our best efforts, a variety of factors such as the state of the music festival industry, artist conflicts, and more did not allow us to put together a Memorial Day event this year that would live up to the Summer Camp Presents brand,' the post said. 'At this time, our team is looking ahead to our full return in 2026.' 3-day Memorial Day Summer Camp music festival is off for 2025, organizers say Now, the festival is getting a rejuvenation, and a 2026 return to its original location on May 22 through 24. In the past, the festival featured days of camping and had a counterculture 1960s feel to it. The event had also brought in some big-name performers such as George Clinton, Phil Lesh, moe., Willie Nelson, and others. The festival was downsized in 2024, citing economics as the driving factor. 'We know you all have been waiting for word of this year's festival, and we have some good news. We will indeed be hosting an event in 2025. However, with the difficult economic factors continuing to impact the festival market in various ways we have elected to make some changes which we are happy to share with you now,' another Facebook post said at the time. In the past, it was also a huge economic boom to Chillicothe as well, given that in some years, the number of guests attending was more than the village's population. To find where to get tickets, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hans India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Oxford Grammar High School Hosts Fun-Filled Summer Camp 2025
Oxford Grammar High School recently wrapped up an exciting and enriching Summer Camp 2025, packed with creativity, learning, and fun. The camp was a huge hit among students, offering a wide variety of activities designed to engage young minds and nurture their talents. From imaginative storytelling sessions that sparked creativity, to art and craft workshops like wall hangings, keychain making, thumb painting, clay modeling, and bottle painting, students explored the joy of hands-on learning. These sessions not only boosted their artistic expression but also enhanced their fine motor skills. Adding to the fun were fireless cooking classes, where students learned to make delicious and healthy treats safely. Activities like puzzle work helped sharpen their problem-solving skills in an enjoyable way. The camp also emphasized fitness and wellness with high-energy Zumba, calming yoga, and empowering sessions on karate and self-defence. Students not only learned how to stay fit but also how to stay safe and confident. A special highlight was the photography session, which gave students a chance to see the world through a creative lens and capture their favorite moments from the camp. The summer camp at Oxford Grammar High School proved to be a vibrant blend of fun, learning, and discovery. It was a joyful experience that left students with wonderful memories and new skills to cherish.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kids explore the magic of summer camps and workshops
Mumbai's summer camp scene is bursting with opportunities for children to explore diverse interests. From The Messy Art House's unstructured creativity to Museum of Solutions' themed workshops and Kshitij's outdoor adventures, kids are diving into enriching experiences. Summertime @ Prithvi and NCPA's Summer Fiesta offer theatrical pursuits, fostering confidence and collaboration. Mumbai's summer camp scene is alive with creativity. From art and theatre to science and outdoor adventures, children are diving into experiences that spark imagination and growth. With each camp offering its own unique approach, these programmes go beyond recreation — becoming meaningful journeys of learning, expression, and joy. At The Messy Art House in Kemps Corner, founder Upasna Poddar has created a colourful haven for kids aged 18 months to 8 years. Rooted in sensory play, textures, and process art, the camp is a celebration of unstructured creativity. 'There are no worksheets or academic drills here. Children learn through play, exploration, and hands-on creativity. It's not just a camp but a space where children are free to imagine, express, and create without pressure. ' Science, space, and stories galore For kids with curious minds and a taste for discovery, Museum of Solutions at Lower Parel offers themed summer camps for ages 4 to 12+. Headed by Tanvi Jindal Shete, their workshops range from space adventures to game development and mystery-solving, ensuring a stimulating blend of fun and learning. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo In the heart of Bandra, Circles & Cycles Summer Camp led by Naama Singh brings a gentle, reflective approach inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy. 'We believe children have a hundred languages to express themselves. We encourage children to explore through nature-based play, sensory experiences, music, and movement,' Naama explains. 'Our camps are about creating a space where children feel safe, seen, and supported. That's when real learning begins,' she says. All set for adventures in the great outdoors Taking things outdoors, Kshitij Summer Camp offers transformative adventures for children aged 6 to 18. 'We use the outdoors as a medium to build life skills and social-emotional intelligence,' says Charmi Chedda, director. Vipul Chheda, founder, adds, 'Ziplining is often a clear favorite, and many feel a sense of accomplishment after completing a hike. But what truly stands out is how much they enjoy unstructured playtime with new friends. It's during these moments that bonds are built and unforgettable camp memories are made.' A stage for every child For the theatrically inclined, Summertime @ Prithvi series continues to be a hit. Workshops led by theatre veterans like Makarand Deshpande, Heeba Shah, and Trishla Patel offer a rich mix of acting, storytelling, poetry, movement, and improvisation. Designed for various age groups, these sessions nurture creativity, stage confidence, and collaborative learning. Drama, dance, and ad-mad fun Meanwhile, at the iconic National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), the Summer Fiesta invites children to step into the spotlight. From interactive drama and storytelling to the innovative "Ad-Mad" advertising workshop and musical theatre dance sessions, the Fiesta is designed to be a vibrant mix of performance and fun. Students speak: For many children, summer camps offer more than just a break from routine—they open doors to personal growth and discovery. Raagvi Sinha, 12, who is attending her third camp, shares, 'This time the experience is fun, and I love these outdoor activities. I have learnt about new situations to live in, and how to adapt to my surroundings.' Her favourites? Swimming in the river and kayaking. For 10-year-old Suyash Limaye, the camp marks his first-ever adventure away from home. 'I'm loving it. I have new friends now,' he says with excitement. 'The best thing I learnt is that one should overcome their fear.' Meanwhile, 15-year-old Rehhaan Shah, a passionate climber, reflects on his journey: 'The instructors here were very helpful, and I loved the time here. I realised that I could push past my limitations!' Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
