Facets is a film organization and cinema at 1517 W. Fullerton Ave., on the west side of Lincoln Park near Ashland Avenue. It screens independent, international, classic and cult films, often in themed series and special events.
What it’s known for
Czech-born film critic and educator Milos Stehlik founded Facets in 1975. Early screenings were held in bookstores, church halls and improvised spaces on the North Side before the organization settled on Fullerton Avenue. In 1983 it launched the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, which Facets describes as the oldest and largest children’s film festival in North America. Its video rental collection grew to tens of thousands of titles and is now offered online through facetsmovies.com.
Recent programming has included horror screenings in late October and repertory titles such as Chantal Akerman’s Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles (November 2026). Facets also runs youth film education, including Family Sundays, family screenings and film camps.
Good to know
- Tickets and schedule: Showtimes are listed on the official site; call (773) 281-9075 with questions.
- Membership: Members get discounts, perks and access to the rental collection.
- Families: Family Sundays and film camps are aimed at children.
- Donations: Facets accepts tax-deductible donations.
For first-run movies nearby, see Regal Webster Place, or our kid-friendly Lincoln Park guide.
Sources: facets.org, facets.org/about/history
Photo courtesy of Facets.
