Beyond Fest, the biggest genre festival in the U.S., and Chicago\u2019s world-renowned Music Box Theatre have combined forces to create Beyond Chicago: four days of all-killer-no-filler cinematic chaos and carnage. From April 2\u20135, Beyond Chicago will explode 30 features across the Music Box Theatre\u2019s historic screens from every corner of the globe. Presented by MUBI, this inaugural program further drives Beyond Fest\u2019s commitment to the theatrical experience and its perennial championing of outsider visions, cult icons, and bold, new cinema voices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Opening and Closing Night honors are bestowed upon two of contemporary cinema\u2019s boldest voices: Opening Night brings Curry Barker\u2019s instant shock horror classic OBSESSION, whilst Closing Night honors are bestowed upon Daniel Goldhaber with the World Premiere of his audacious reinvention of the seminal Video Nasty shock doc, FACES OF DEATH, on stomach-churning 35mm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two of Beyond Fest\u2019s favorite alumni make their welcome in-person returns with a ferocious pair of double-trouble-fists-of-fury. The great Bob Odenkirk joins us for the Centerpiece Screening of Ben Wheatley\u2019s latest blast of action fire frenzy, NORMAL, on glorious 35mm. Complementing NORMAL, Odenkirk will also host his thematically-inspired pick, Joseph Sargent\u2019s THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE TWO THREE, also on 35mm. Rap legend RZA brings his slick and soulful slice of contemporary exploitation, ONE SPOON OF CHOCOLATE, to the big screen. In addition, the human wuxia-encyclopedia will present a very special 35mm screening of the Shaw Brothers classic, THE KID WITH THE GOLDEN ARM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The very best of contemporary genre filmmaking is on display courtesy of a bevy of frights and delights that include fresh from its SXSW debut, Jorma Taccone brings his blisteringly violent and brilliantly funny, OVER YOUR DEAD BODY, Mark Jenkin\u2019s magnificently haunting tale of time and terror, ROSE OF NEVADA, starring George MacKay and Callum Turner and in what is a guaranteed lights-out, barn burner of a screening, Stunt icon Kenji Tanigaki brings his instantly infamous epic-fight-fest, THE FURIOUS to Chicago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
High-profile repertory screenings include the much-anticipated World Premiere of the 4K Restoration of SPEED RACER courtesy of Warner Bros., with director Lilly Wachowski in attendance. Other eye-popping, must-see restorations include Terror Vision\/Culture Shock\u2019s meticulous rejuvenation of the batshit insane, SMALL KILL, the rare and incredible SHEILA AND THE BRAINSTEM in 4K from Severin Films, Factory25\u2019s glorious remaster of the batshit brilliant BLOOD BROTHERS from Mike Diana and a special late-night screening of FLESH FOR FRANKENSTEIN in eye-popping 3D in honour of the much-missed Udo Kier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following her legendary appearance at Beyond Fest last year, cinema icon and superhero Meiko Kaji, makes her triumphant return to the U.S. for her first-ever Chicago appearance to discuss her incredible four-decade career. Kaji will attend three incredibly rare and magically special screenings of FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: JAILHOUSE 41 on 35mm, LADY SNOWBLOOD 2K Restoration, and the brand new 2K Restoration of WANDERING GINZA BUTTERFLY 2: SHE-CAT GAMBLER. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Two documentaries take pride of place as director Tom Stern brings his deliriously wild BUTTHOLE SURFERS: THE HOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUTT, and is joined by noise rock legends Gibby Haynes and Paul Leary. The fevered filmmaking process of master director John Boorman is brilliantly explored in the ultimate double feature comprised of BOORMAN AND THE DEVIL and a very special screening of the rarely seen EXORCIST II: THE HERETIC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Surrounding these big theater screenings is a jaw-dropping 15-feature program of global, genre cinema and cult discoveries that are all FREE courtesy of our lead presenting sponsor MUBI. Crossing borders, defying convention, and exploding sensibilities, this special selection includes the MidWest Premiere of Sidharta Tata\u2019s blistering action assault, IKATAN DARAH, produced by Iko Uwais, the World Premiere of Gene Gallerano and William Pisciotta\u2019s brilliant American creature feature, THE YETI, Algeria\u2019s brilliantly bone-chilling horror, ROQIA from director Yanis Koussim, SXSW\u2019s mind melding sci-fi shocker, IMPOSTERS from director Caleb Phillips, Ben Wheatley\u2019s unhinged lo-fi sci-fi epic BULK, and Jessica Vogt\u2019s heartbreaking independent sci-fi PHASE, Gr\u00e9gory Morin\u2019s riotous midnighter FLUSH, Avalon Fast\u2019s thrilling coming-of-age witchcraft story CAMP, the sumptuous and enthralling 16mm nightmare CRUEL HANDS from director Al Kalyk, as well as two dedicated short blocks highlighting the best of home-grown talent as well as international newcomers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From April 2 to April 5, the Music Box Theatre becomes a home for cinema that is fearless, transgressive, excessive, confrontational, and most importantly, best experienced together. Beyond Chicago is coming to eat you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BUTTHOLE SURFERS: THE HOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUTT<\/strong> OBSESSION<\/strong> ROSE OF NEVADA<\/strong> THE TAKING OF PELHAM ONE TWO THREE<\/strong> NORMAL<\/strong> SPEED RACER<\/strong> THE KID WITH THE GOLDEN ARM<\/strong> LADY SNOWBLOOD<\/strong> FEMALE PRISONER SCORPION: JAILHOUSE 41<\/strong> THE FURIOUS<\/strong> ONE SPOON OF CHOCOLATE<\/strong> FLESH FOR FRANKENSTEIN<\/strong> BOORMAN AND THE DEVIL<\/strong> EXORCIST II: THE HERETIC<\/strong> OVER YOUR DEAD BODY<\/strong> FACES OF DEATH<\/strong> CAMP<\/strong> WANDERING GINZA BUTTERFLY 2: SHE-CAT GAMBLER<\/strong> THE YETI<\/strong> FLUSH<\/strong> BLOOD BROTHERS + other delights<\/strong> PHASE<\/strong> BULK<\/strong> IMPOSTERS<\/strong> SMALL KILL<\/strong> SHEILA AND THE BRAINSTEM<\/strong> ROQIA<\/strong> IKATAN DARAH (BLOOD BOND)<\/strong> CRUEL HANDS<\/strong> 1-800-TIME-TRAVEL<\/strong> | Canada | 4 min. Dir. by Michael Nusair Tickets are on sale to members on March 5th and general public on March 6th. Beyond Fest is presented by MUBI and sponsored by Chicago-area distributor Dark Sky Films.
MidWest Premiere
Director: Tom J. Stern
Country: United States
Runtime: 106 minutes
Year: 2025
Guests: Tom J. Stern, Paul Leary, Gibby Haynes<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MidWest Premiere
Director: Curry Barker
Country: United States
Runtime: 108 minutes
Distributor: Focus Features
Year: 2025
Guests: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MidWest Premiere
Director: Mark Jenkin
Country: United Kingdom
Runtime: 114 minutes
Distributor: 1-2 Special
Year: 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Special Screening \u2013 35mm
Director: Joseph Sargent
Country: United States
Runtime: 104 minutes
Distributor: Park Circus
Year: 1974
Guests: Bob Odenkirk<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MidWest Premiere \u2013 35mm Screening
Director: Ben Wheatley
Country: United States \/ Canada
Runtime: 90 minutes
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Year: 2025
Guests: Bob Odenkirk<\/p>\n\n\n\n
World Premiere \u2013 4K Restoration
Director: Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
Country: United States
Runtime: 135 minutes
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Year: 2008
Guests: Lilly Wachowski<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Special Screening \u2013 35mm Print
Director: Chang Cheh
Country: Hong Kong
Runtime: 86 minutes
Distributor: Celestial Pictures
Year: 1979
Guests: RZA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Special Screening \u2013 2K Restoration
Director: Toshiya Fujita
Country: Japan
Runtime: 97 minutes
Distributor: Janus Films
Year: 1973
Guests: Meiko Kaji<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Special Screening \u2013 35mm Print
Director: Shun\u2019ya It\u00f4
Country: Japan
Runtime: 87 minutes
Distributor: AGFA
Year: 1972
Guests: Meiko Kaji<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MidWest Premiere
Director: Kenji Tanigaki
Country: Hong Kong, China
Runtime: 113 minutes
Distributor: Lionsgate
Year: 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MidWest Premiere
Director: RZA
Country: United States
Runtime: 112 minutes
Distributor: Variance Films
Year: 2025
Guests: RZA<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Special Screening \u2013 3D Presentation
Director: Paul Morrissey
Country: Italy \/ France \/ United States
Runtime: 95 minutes
Distributor: AGFA
Year: 1973<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MidWest Premiere
Director: David Kittredge
Country: United States
Runtime: 112 minutes
Year: 2025
Guests: David Kittredge<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Special Screening \u2013 35mm Print
Director: John Boorman
Country: United States
Runtime: 117 minutes
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Year: 1977
Guests: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MidWest Premiere
Director: Jorma Taccone
Country: United States
Runtime: 105 mins
Distributor: Independent Film Company
Year: 2026
Guests: Jorma Taccone<\/p>\n\n\n\n
World Premiere \u2013 35mm Print
Director: Daniel Goldhaber
Country: United States
Runtime: 98 minutes
Distributor: Independent Film Company & Shudder
Year: 2026
Guests: Daniel Goldhaber, Isa Mazzei<\/p>\n\n\n\nScreen 2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
MidWest Premiere
Director: Avalon Fast
Country: Canada
Runtime:111 minutes
Distributor: Dark Sky Films
Guests: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
World Premiere \u2013 2K Restoration
Director: Seijun Suzuki
Country: Japan
Runtime: 88 minutes
Distributor: Kadokawa
Year: 1972
Guests: Meiko Kaji<\/p>\n\n\n\n
World Premiere
Director: William Pisciotta, Gene Gallerano
Country: United States
Runtime: 93 minutes
Distributor: Well Go USA
Year: 2026
Guests: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MidWest Premiere
Director: Gr\u00e9gory Morin
Country: France
Runtime: 70 minutes
Distributor: Dark Sky Films
Year: 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n
World Premiere \u2013 Remaster
Director: Mike Diana
Country: USA
Runtime: 83 min
Distributor: Factory 25
Year: 1987 \u2013 1990<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MidWest Premiere
Director: Jessica Vogt
Country: United Kingdom
Runtime: 80 minutes
Distributor: TBA
Year: 2025
Guests: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MidWest Premiere
Director: Ben Wheatley
Country: United Kingdom
Runtime: 95 minutes
Year: 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MidWest Premiere
Director: Caleb Phillips
Country: United States
Runtime: 102 mins
Distributor: TBA
Year: 2026
Guests: Caleb Phillips<\/p>\n\n\n\n
World Premiere of 4K Restoration
Director: Gary Burghoff, Rob Fresco
Country: United States
Runtime: 86 minutes
Distributor: Terror Vision \/ Culture Shock
Year: 1992
Guests: Brad Henderson<\/p>\n\n\n\n
World Premiere \u2013 4K Restoration
Director: Matt McDowell, Russell Bates
Country: USA
Runtime: 79 minutes
Distributor: Severin Films
Year: 1989
Guests: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MidWest Premiere
Director: Yanis Koussim
Country: Algeria
Runtime: 94 minutes
Distributor: Watermelon Pictures
Year: 2025
Guests: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MidWest Premiere
Director: Sidharta Tata
Country: Indonesia
Runtime: 110 minutes
Distributor: TBA
Year: 2024
Guests: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\n
MidWest Premiere
Director: Al Kalyk
Country: Australia
Runtime: 76 minutes
Distributor: Dark Sky Films
Guests: N\/A<\/p>\n\n\n\nSHORTS PROGRAM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A Story of Divine Wind (\u795e\u98a8\u7269\u8a9e)<\/strong> | Japan | 9 min. Dir. by Johnson Cheng
Blossom Needs A Ride Home<\/strong> | United States | 9 min. Dir. by Tim Schwagel
Burro<\/strong> | United States | 12 min. Dir. by Hannah Lerner
CH\u00c4IR<\/strong> | United States | 6 min. Dir. by Chris McInroy
Check Please<\/strong> | United States | 10 min. Dir. by Shane Chung
Final Form<\/strong> | United States | 6 min. Dir. by Jesse Rothenberg
God Doesn\u2019t Love Me<\/strong> | United States | 16 min. Dir. by Thomas Miller
Halfway Haunted<\/strong> | Canada | 17 min. Dir. by Sam Rudykoff
Jacuzzi Man<\/strong> | United States | 8 min. Dir. by Jesse Rothenberg
Lichemoth<\/strong> | United States | 12 min. Dir. by Carla Nichamin
Metal<\/strong> | United States | 15 min. Dir. by Samuel McIntosh
Rabbit<\/strong> | United States | 2 min. Dir. by Nathan Catucci
Spanked by a Ghost<\/strong> | United States | 12 min. Dir. by Katelyn Douglass
Tame<\/strong> | United States | 12 min. Dir. by Will Schneider
The Chair<\/strong> | United States | 7 min. Dir. by Dustin Tan
Uncle Morris<\/strong> | United States | 9 min. Dir. by Victor Tadashi Suarez & Max Azulay
Wall Udder<\/strong> | United States | 9 min. Dir. by Alexandra Hayden
We\u2019re Not Them<\/strong> | United States | 8 min. Dir. by Stirling McLaughlin & Wilder Konschak<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Free tickets for Screen 2 will be available to Music Box members on Wednesday 1st April and general public on Thursday 2nd April.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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