Marjane Satrapi @ Women and Children First

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood creator Marjane Satrapi appears at Women and Children First today at 7:30 pm to promote the publication of its sequel, Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return, following "her journey to high school in Vienna in 1984 and her return to her native Tehran four years later."

Songs from the Second Floor @ Film Center

The Swedish film Songs from the Second Floor screens at 6:00 PM at the Siskel Film Center. One of the strangest films that you will ever see, this 2000 film by Roy Andersson invites comparisons to Bergman, Buñuel, Terry Gilliam, even the ghastly portraits by local artist Ivan Albright. A plot synopsis wouldn't help you; a film like this is all about the outrageously bizarre scenes, which are usually self-contained masterpieces of Surrealist imagery. The final scene, with all the people suddenly appearing (you'll know it when you see it), is one of the most fantastic images that I've seen in the last few years at the movies. Most highly recommended for the adventurous movie-goer. Siskel Film Center: 164 N. State. (312) 846-2600.

Chicago Turkish Festival

This week brings the 2nd annual Chicago Turkish Festival, running September 13–18th in downtown Chicago. Events include a fashion show, live music, rug weaving demonstrations, and cultural programs galore. You can even enter to win a free trip to Turkey. Free events take place in Daley Plaza (55 W. Randolph) downtown, and others are ticketed and in various downtown venues. For more information, check out the festival website. Events run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day in the plaza. Email info@chicagoturkishfestival.com for more information.