Last year the CIMMFest team was cool enough to let me check out a couple events and sent me some screeners so I could review other movies that I couldn’t see when they showed in theaters. It was a lot of fun, and they’re so passionate about bringing the worlds of cinema and music together it’s hard not to get excited along with them. This year’s lineup is the best yet, so I’ve put together a little “recommended list” for you to ponder before you finalize plans.

FILMS
Looking through the films that they’ll be exhibiting this year, it’s easy to say “Just hit everything you can.” You should totally do that if you have the time. Otherwise, here are the ones I would schedule part of your day around.

Theory Of Obscurity: A Film About The Residents-Showing at The Hideout on 5/3 at 2:30pm

Looking For Johnny-Showing at Logan Theatre on 5/3 at 7:15pm

The Man Behind The Throne-Showing at Society For Arts on 5/4 at 3pm

Winding Stream-Showing at Logan Theatre on 5/3 at 5:10pm

20,000 Days On Earth-Showing at Logan Theatre on 5/3 at 9:30pm

Bayou Maharajah-Showing at Society For Arts on 5/2 at 7pm

Be Here To Love Me-Showing at Logan Theatre on 5/3 at 12:30pm

I Dream Of Wires-Showing at Society For Arts on 5/2 at 9:15pm

Take Me To The River-Showing at Logan Theatre on 5/4 at 4:15pm

Pleased To Meet Me-Showing at Logan Theatre on 5/2 at 9:25

Palestine Stereo-Showing at Logan Theatre on 5/4 at 7pm

There are also a ton of great-looking shorts playing throughout the fest. For more info on those, and to buy tickets to the above movies, check out CIMMFest.org.

MUSIC

If you think the cinema entries are something to get excited about, wait until you hear all the amazing music that’s gonna be swinging through Chicago durning the fest!

Yo La Tengo at Concord Music Hall 5/1

Closed Sessions Showcase featuring Blu & Exile, Alex Wiley, SHOWYOUSUCK at Double Door 5/2

Escort at Concord Music Hall 5/2

Tim Kinsella plays the songs of Marvin Tate with Leroy Bach, Willis Earl Beal, the YEAH babies at The Hideout 5/2

Claudio Simonetti’s Goblin live scoring Suspiria at Metro 5/3

Bloodshot Records Showcase with Murder By Death and Andre Williams at Logan Square Auditorium 5/3

These New Puritans at Empty Bottle 5/3

I heard a rumor that The Residents will play a set after the documentary shows at The Hideout 5/3, but that could be completely fabricated.

Booker T at City Winery 5/4

Ingenuity Of Hip-Hop: Psalm One, Serengeti, A Cross, Ancient Jewelz at Subterannean 5/4

Ema, Trust, Mozart’s Sister, Downtown Boys at Empty Bottle 5/4

For ticket info, again you can check out CIMMFest.org and buy single show tickets or get festival passes.