Chicago Critics Film Festival

The first annual Chicago Critics Film Festival runs April 12-14 at the Muvico Rosemont 18, 9701 Bryn Mawr Ave. in Rosemont. Today's screenings begin at noon; see the schedule below. Films are $10-12 each; single-day tickets for Saturday and Sunday are $50 or $80 for both, and full-festival passes are $100. Get tickets here.

12pm Shorts Program #2 w/director Q&A
12:15 The Artist and the Model
2:30pm Sparks
2:45 When I Walk
4:30pm I Declare War
5pm The Spectacular Now w/James Ponsoldt Q&A
6pm The Friedkin Connection book signing w/William Friedkin
7:30pm Sorcerer

Writer's House Pop Up Book Store @ Empty Bottle

This afternoon from 1:30 to 7pm, Empty Bottle (1035 N. Western Ave.) transforms into the Writer's House pop up book fair. Hosted by Curbside Splendor, the event features 40 independent publishers, presses, and booksellers, including Another Chicago Magazine, Chicago Zine Fest, Quimby's, Rose Metal Prees and others. Live music by Mr. Mayor and the Highballers, Warm Bones, and If Trees Could Write. $5 admission or free with RSVP; 21 and over unless minors accompanied by adult.

The Chicago Children's TV Show @ Gallery Cabaret

This afternoon, Gallery Cabaret (2020 N. Oakley Ave.) hosts Chicago historical reenactment group Pocket Guide to Hell as they put up their second installment of The Chicago Television Project: The Chicago Children’s TV Show. In the style of a variety hour revue, Pocket Guide performers incorporate a Magician, a Clown, the Young Stracke All-Stars, cartoons by local artists, and much more in this celebration of children’s entertainment past and present. There will be two performances: one at 3 pm for kids and family, and one at 5 pm for everybody else. Free! RSVP to pocketguidetohell@gmail.com.

Motown in Motion @ Auditorium Theatre

The Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Pkwy, presents the Eisenhower Dance Ensemble's Motown in Motion today at 3pm. The show will feature a dance and theater salute to the "Motown sound," made famous by recording artists including Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye and more. Tickets are $25-$35; for more information, call 800-982-ARTS (2787).

Chicago Latino Film Festival

The 29th annual Chicago Latino Film Festival, organized by the International Latino Cultural Center, runs April 11-25 at the AMC Loews Theatres 600, 600 N. Michigan Ave. Today's screenings begin at 3:30pm; see the schedule for full details. Tickets to each film are $11.

That's All She Wrote @ Swim Cafe

The live lit series That's All She Wrote, co-hosted by GB contributor JH Palmer and Angela Benander, returns to Swim Cafe with a stunning lineup of guest readers: Ian Belknap, Arlene Malinowski, Beth Cummings, and Monte LaMonte. Come out to Swim Cafe, 1357 W. Chicago Ave. Doors open at 7:30pm, show starts at 8pm. This is a free event, and BYOB.

Entertaining Julia @ Town Hall Pub

Chicago's favorite comedy sister duo act, The Puterbaugh Sisters, host Entertaining Julia, a free comedy, music and variety show every Sunday at Town Hall Pub (3340 N Halsted) at 9:30pm.