Rebecca Fons

Rebecca Fons is a prominent figure in the Chicago film community, serving as the Director of Programming at the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.13 She took on this role in 2021, stepping into the position previously held by Barbara Scharres, who had a 45-year tenure at the center.1

Career Highlights

Film Programming Experience:: Fons has over a decade of experience curating films for art houses and film festivals.2 Her expertise lies in connecting films and filmmakers with audiences, showcasing her passion for the art of cinema.

Recognition:: In 2022, Rebecca Fons was named Chicagoan of the Year for Film by the Chicago Tribune, highlighting her significant impact on the local film scene.1

Expanding the Art House Experience:: Since taking on her role at the Siskel Film Center, Fons has been working to broaden the definition of the "art house" crowd. She aims to create programming that appeals to people of all ages, races, genders, and sexual orientations, making the theater a hub for diverse audiences.1

Additional Ventures

Iowa Theater:: In addition to her work in Chicago, Fons is also involved in programming for her hometown movie theater in Winterset, Iowa, which she purchased with her mother in 2015.1

Destroy Your Art Film Festival:: Along with her filmmaker husband, Jack C. Newell, Fons co-founded this unique festival. It challenges Chicago-based filmmakers to create a five-minute video, show it once to an audience, and then destroy it, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of art and the collective viewing experience.1

Rebecca Fons has been instrumental in redefining art house programming in Chicago, balancing respect for the Siskel Film Center's 50-year history with innovative approaches to engage new audiences and support filmmakers.1 Her work demonstrates a deep commitment to the art of film and the importance of the communal filmgoing experience.