A joyous celebration of Hoop Dreams and Kartemquin

Kartemquin Films wishes to thank all the fans, friends and family who attended last night's fantastic celebration of the 15th anniversary of Hoop Dreams, 'An Evening with Kartemquin Films.'

Executive Director Justine Nagan welcomed guests to the sold-out evening at the Gene Siskel Film Center which was MCeed by WXRT's Marty Lennartz. The event then began with a brief visual recap of the film leading into a memorable panel discussion, moderated by the Community Renewal Foundation's Dr. Calvin Morris, featuring the film's subjects Arthur Agee and William Gates and filmmakers Steve James and Peter Gilbert. Frederick Marx, the third part of the filmmaking team was unable to attend. They discussed the friendships they formed and the lessons they learned during the 7 years of making the film, and the legacy and impact of this Oscar-nominated documentary on cinema and their own lives.

The audience was also treated to a compelling keynote speech from author Alex Kotlowitz (There Are No Children Here); a discussion on the hugely impactful community outreach campaign for Kartemquin's In the Family between director Joanna Rudnick and Dr. Pamela Ganschow; and sneak previews of Kartemquin's works in progress The Interrupters (Steve James) and Invisible Seasons (Maria Finitzo). Kartemquin's co-founder and Artistic Director Gordon Quinn and Board Chairman Steve Whisnant closed the event by emphasizing the importance and value of Kartemquin's unique brand of cinematic social inquiry and ongoing support for the documentary filmmaking community.

We were honored to also have the great critic and champion of the film, Roger Ebert in attendance. Read his thoughts on the evening.

For video of the event and coverage by the Medill news network, click here. For many photos from the evening, please visit our facebook page. Read an interview with Hoop Dreams cinematographer and co-producer Peter Gilbert here.

Kartemquin would like to again thank all who attended, and in particular acknowledge the generosity of our major donors for the anniversary:

Sage Foundation

Rita Blickenstaff in memory of Thomas S. Favorite

Kim Blickenstaff in memory of Eddie Favorite

Jack Wing

~ Hoop Dreams will screen at the IFC Center in New York this Monday. Reserve tickets.