Chicago International Film Festival Closes 60th Year With Tribute to Robert Zemeckis and Screening of 'Forrest Gump' Reunion 'Here'

The Chicago International Film Festival concluded its 60th annual celebration on Sunday, October 27, 2024, by honoring legendary director and Chicago native Robert Zemeckis with the Founder’s Legacy Award. Festival founder Michael Kutza presented the award at the Music Box Theatre during the festival’s Closing Night, which featured a special screening of Zemeckis’ latest film, Here. […]

by Jessica Braun Gervais

Penelope Steiner’s Lifelong Love of Film Sparks $2M Gift, Fueling the Chicago International Film Festival’s 60th Year and Beyond

Penelope Steiner is a philanthropist and cinephile in equal measure. While Steiner has long supported prestigious cultural institutions like the Lyric Opera, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Joffrey Ballet, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Newberry Library, she walks into every movie screening with an open mind. Whether it’s a Bollywood import or Joker: Folie A […]

by Claire Zulkey

John C. Reilly Dedicates Career Achievement Award to His 'Sweet Home, Chicago,' Commends Chicago International Film Festival for Helping 'Keep the Flame of Film Alive'

“Long live the movies, and long live my sweet home, Chicago!”  With those words, actor John C. Reilly captured the spirit of the Chicago International Film Festival, which celebrated a milestone earlier this summer during Cinema/Chicago’s 60th Anniversary Cinema Soirée.  Cinema/Chicago’s June 1 event at the Geraghty recognized Reilly with a career achievement award celebrating […]

by Claire Zulkey

From Blockbuster Movies to Lollapalooza: How Chicago Philharmonic Is Breaking Genre Barriers and Changing the Game for Orchestras

The Chicago Philharmonic, now celebrating its 35th season, is asking a very important question: How do we make orchestra concerts for everyone? The orchestra, founded in 1989 by principal musicians of the Lyric Opera Orchestra, has long occupied a unique space within the city’s performing arts ecosystem.  The organization eschews the traditional audition/tenure system for […]

by The Chicago Philharmonic Society

31 Best Things to Do in Chicago and the Suburbs This March 2024

Whether you’re celebrating Women’s History Month; the traditions of St. Patrick’s Day; or merely the resurgence of spring, Chicagoland is blossoming with events and celebrations of community, food, art and more — for everyone. For those who patiently waited for winter to pass, the time has come to explore the city once again. Read on for our […]

by Margaret Smith

Peter Sarsgaard Honored at Chicago International Film Festival Screening of 'Memory' — A Movie That Could 'Never Be Replicated by AI'

“When people ask you about this movie,” said Peter Sarsgaard, “I don’t want you to say, ‘It’s about a guy with dementia.’” Sarsgaard made this comment during an interview with Northwestern University’s Nick Davis at Music Box Theatre on Friday, October 20, immediately following the screening of Memory. This film, written and directed by Michel […]

by Msmith

31 Best Things to Do in Chicago and the Suburbs in August 2023

Those sweet summer days we’ve waited for all year long are flying by. In the spirit of squeezing all we can from Chicago’s most spectacular season, we’ve compiled the best things to do in Chicago and the suburbs this August. Don’t forget to tag us in your posts on Instagram @betterchicago All Month No Man’s […]

by Margaret Smith