When the lights came up after a collection of short documentaries about immigration enforcement in Chicago, the audience did more than applaud. Viewers contributed $4,000 to a legal-support fund and stayed to speak with filmmakers, attorneys, and community advocates working directly with affected families. The event was part of Speak Truth, a new initiative within […]
August is one of the busiest months of the year in Chicago, with blockbuster music festivals, can’t-miss concerts, world-class theater, neighborhood celebrations, major sporting events, and cultural experiences happening across the city and suburbs. Whether you’re catching Lollapalooza in Grant Park, spending an evening under the stars at Ravinia, exploring a new museum exhibition, or […]
Few composers have shaped the sound of modern cinema as profoundly as Howard Shore. Across more than 90 genre-spanning film scores — from The Silence of the Lambs, Philadelphia, and The Aviator, to lighter favorites like Big and Mrs. Doubtfire — the Canadian composer has built a career defined by musical storytelling. But it is […]
Isn’t every holiday movie a Greater Good movie? That is to say—aren’t they all movies that highlight acts of generosity, empathy, compassion, reconciliation, or gratitude? Alas, no. Or at least, not all of them are very insightful about human goodness or adept at conveying how we become better. We’re sure most readers are familiar with the hits, […]
A fresh blanket of snow won’t keep Chicagoans home. December is when the city shines brightest, with seasonal traditions like the Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker and Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol anchoring the holiday calendar alongside new experiences, expanded light installations, and more. All across the city and suburbs, the festive season is here. Let […]
As the chill sets in, Chicago’s creative heart only burns brighter. This month, the city feels alive with art, culture, and connection — a celebration of the people and places that make Chicago shine when we show up for one another. Here are the 30 best things to do in November in the city and […]
Every year, staff and regular contributors at Greater Good, the online magazine of the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley, nominate TV series for Greater Goodies, awards given to stories that exemplify or illustrate kindness, community, empathy, and more keys to well-being. Here’s what they came up with this year: Chef’s Table, Dying for Sex, Forever, The Great British Baking Show, […]
Princess Yasmin Aga Khan’s story begins at the intersection of Hollywood glamour and royal heritage. She is the daughter of screen legend Rita Hayworth — who earned her first film contract at age 16 after being raised by professional New York City dancer parents — and Prince Aly Salomone Khan. Their marriage, and Yasmin’s birth, […]
Ashland Avenue has been extended a second time — through Oct. 19! (Updated 10/1/25) When Jenna Fischer takes the stage in Ashland Avenue at Chicago’s Goodman Theatre (Sept. 6–Oct. 19), she’s doing more than debuting a new character. The Emmy-nominated actor — beloved as Pam Beesly on The Office and co-host of the Office Ladies […]
The 61st Chicago International Film Festival hits theaters across the city October 15–26, 2025, with more than 100 features and 11 shorts from 70 countries. This year’s lineup spans genres and geographies — from gripping dramas and heartwarming comedies to documentaries that shine a light on urgent global issues. For Artistic Director Mimi Plauché, the […]
