The Girl from Chicago (1932) concludes our Capital Pictures: In Body and Soul series spotlighting pioneering filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. Blending romance, suspense, and social commentary, The Girl from Chicago follows  a Secret Service agent who falls in love while undercover in Mississippi. After rescuing a young teacher from a local crime boss, the couple escapes to Harlem, only to become entangled in a new world of danger when they are swept into a murder investigation.

With its vibrant nightclub scenes and gripping plot twists, the film captures the complexity and energy of Black life in the early 20th century from the Deep South to the Harlem Renaissance.

This screening will feature a live, improvised musical set by talented Jackson-based pianist Chris Nash, known for his dynamic performances rooted in blues and boogie woogie.

Ticket $5; Registration required. Cash bar available.

About the filmmaker
The country’s first major black filmmaker, Oscar Micheaux (sometimes written as “Michaux”) directed and produced 44 films over the course of his career. Throughout the first half of the 20th century Micheaux depicted contemporary Black life and complex characters in his films, countering the negative on-screen portrayal of Blacks at the time.

About the performer
Chris Nash is a Mississippi-raised pianist, teacher, and performer known for his high-energy blend of blues, boogie-woogie, gospel, and ragtime. Drawing from the deep roots of Mississippi’s music traditions, he brings a historically grounded yet fresh approach to the piano. Nash focuses on preserving the legacy of the state’s music while highlighting its powerful influence on American culture.