The 44TH ANNUAL Chicago International Film Festival kicked off this weekend!

It is the city’s biggest true film festival. With 175 films from 47 countries, this festival counts as the most international of Chicago’s cinema showcases. In an era when the label “film festival” is applied to mere series of screenings, the city’s oldest is a true festival — one of the few that brings in a jury to judge its films.

Founded by Michael Kutza, this fest-of-fests showcases films from Cannes, Toronto and other big festivals. Special events this year include the Black Perspectives Tribute,  (which was just held this past Saturday night) where Sidney Poitier  received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Director Mike Leigh also  picked up a Lifetime Achievement Award. Chicago native Jennifer Hudson  received an Artistic Achievement Award.

Movies will  be running thru October 29th.

Tickets and Passes are available by  phone 312-332-FILM
also  ONLINE   at  Ticketmaster. And also in person at several locations.

Tickets for a sold out film might become available at the film's screen time if there are any empty seats in the theatre. These are called RUSH TICKETS and they are available only at the box office where the film is screening. For more details  visit the Festival site.

Free admission to selected screenings is available to both students and seniors (62 and older). In this new program, 100 seats to every film starting before 5 p.m. will be set aside. Eligible viewers with a valid ID may pick up one ticket at the box office before the screening.

For a complete listing of films and events, stop by their site.


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