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

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

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

Better Makers: Chicago International Film Festival Honors Filmmaking, Raises Nearly $35K for Cinema/Chicago

The Chicago International Film Festival celebrated its 58th year with a hybrid event running October 12- 23, 2022. The 12-day fest raised $34,818 for its presenting organization, Cinema/Chicago, a nonprofit enriching the community through year-round programming devoted to international and independent cinema.  As the longest-running competitive film festival in North America, the Chicago International Film […]

by Jessica Braun Gervais

Kathryn Hahn Introduces New ‘Knives Out’ Film ‘Glass Onion’ and Receives Career Achievement Award at Chicago International Film Festival

One of the 58th Chicago International Film Festival’s centerpiece tributes brought a beloved hometown hero back to the Windy City. Emmy-nominated actress and Northwestern University graduate Kathryn Hahn, who stars in the upcoming Netflix Film “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” was honored with a Career Achievement Award on Oct. 18 ahead of a screening […]

by Brooke Geiger McDonald

Q&A: Chicago International Film Festival Board Member Jacolyn Bucksbaum Discusses What Sets North America's Longest-Running Competitive Film Festival Apart

The 58th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) is now in full swing, running Oct. 12-23, 2022. The longest-running competitive film festival in North America, CIFF examines, through the lens of a camera, international storytelling and its impact at home and abroad. Thanks to a dedicated support system of board members and donors, the festival is […]

by Margaret Smith

Double Your Contribution: Support Access to Cinematic Storytelling With The Chicago International Film Festival

This year, the Chicago International Film Festival will be celebrating its 58th consecutive, enriching year. The fest, which doubles as North America’s longest-running competitive film festival, will begin its showcase October 12 and run until the 23. During that time, audiences will come from far and wide to take in the fest’s lineup — which […]

by Chicago International Film Festival

The Chicago International Film Festival — A Tenured Champion for Cinematic Excellence — Wraps 57th Iteration

With all due respect to Tinseltown, Chicago has made a few rather significant contributions to the endlessly inspiring world of film. In fact, famed directors Martin Scorsese and John Carpenter’s breakthroughs share a common thread belonging to none other than Chicagoland. Carpenter’s “Halloween,” now a worldwide, spine-tingling sensation, earned recognition at the 14th annual Chicago […]

by Chicago International Film Festival | Partnership