Congratulations to Kartemquin Films on the 50th Anniversary of Its Founding
WHEREAS, Kartemquin Films was founded in 1966 by recent University of Chicago graduates Stan Karter, Jerry Temaner, Gordon Quinn, and Jerry Blumenthal; and
WHEREAS, Kartemquin Films has been located at 1901 W Wellington sine 1973; and
WHEREAS, During the first years at 1901 W Wellington, Kartemquin was a "Collective" of filmmakers, activists, teachers, students and social workers aiming to promote progressive social change through film and community organizing; and
WHEREAS, their not-for-profit documentary work established a tradition of nurturing young filmmakers, creative collaboration, and grassroots audience engagement; and
WHEREAS, In 1986, two young wannabe filmmakers, Fred Marx and Steve James, knocked on the door with a proposal to make a 30 minute educational film about a basketball court. Seven years later, Hoop Dreams (1994), won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, launching Kartemquin into new realms and signaling the birth of a more mature storytelling style: less overtly political, but more personal and intimate.
WHEREAS, Kartemquin Films is solidified as a nonprofit institution and a leader in the documentary world, turning out a couple of new films each year and advocating on behalf of all filmmakers on issues such as fair use and ethics.
WHEREAS, the building at 1901 W Wellington is both a workplace and a museum, where generations of films have been made in the same room; and, now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the Chicago City Council, gathered here this June 22, 2016 do hereby congratulate Kartemquin Films and extend our best wishes for continuing success and fulfillment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Kartemquin Films.
Scott Wagoespacx Alderman, 32nd Ward