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Film Screening and Special Guest: Tom Palazzolo and Surrealism in Chicago
Join us on October 8, 2025, at the International Museum of Surgical Science (IMSS) for a unique conversation with local artist Andy Somma about the surrealist films of Tom Palazzolo. Discover the creative process behind Palazzolo's work, featuring films that showcase his ability to capture the absurdities of Midwestern life.
The evening will end with a film tribute to the legacy of Luis Buñuel.
Format: 16MM and Digital
Director Tom Palazzolo in attendance.
Program 1 at 7:00 PM
Bride Stripped Bare (Bride Unveiled), Dir. Tom Palazzolo (1967, color, sound, 14 mins)
Palazzolo's cameras are there as Mayor Richard Daley reveals the Picasso gifted to the city from the famed artist. Nicknamed "the Bride" and bad mouthed almost universally upon its unveiling, we get some of that social commentary here, as well as lots of souvenirs.
O, Dir. Tom Palazzolo (1967, color, sound, 12 mins)
From the "Chicago-Scope: The Films of Tom Palazzolo, 1967–1976" catalogue: "One of Tom Palazzolo's first films, this inspired in part by René Clair’s 1924 film starring Francis Picabia, Entr’acte. O’s use of double exposure, free association and improvisation, chiaroscuro, and a nonsensical “musique concrète” soundtrack pay homage to these masters of Dada and Surrealism."
The Tattooed Lady of Riverview, Dir. Tom Palazzolo (1967, color, sound, 15 mins)
Tom Palazzolo documents "The Tattooed Lady of Riverview," part of the freak show in the waning days of Chicago's Riverview amusement park.
TRT = 41 mins
Program 2 at 8:00 PM
A Conversation between Director Tom Palazzolo and artist Andy Somma. Questions and commentary welcome from the audience. (30 min)
Luis Buñuel Film Tribute (15 min)
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3289117-0
