Film News

CHICAGO – One of the longest running and most important Black film festivals is right here in Chicago, as the 28th edition of the Black Harvest Film Festival has Opening Night on Friday, November 4th, and runs in-person until November 20th at the Gene Siskel Film Center in the downtown Loop. For Opening Night details and ticket information, 28th BHFF OPENING.

CHICAGO – The “Best of the Midwest,” the Awards Ceremony of Chicago’s Midwest Film Festival, were presented on November 3rd, 2022, at CineCity Studios in Chicago. The Grand Prize film was the short “Period Drama,” a clever twist on a woman’s coming of age. Emma Thatcher was a two-trophy BMA recipient, garnering Best Actress and Best Director for her debut feature “Provo.”

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Anna Diop on the Red Carpet for ‘Nanny.’

CHICAGO – The spotlight that is the 58th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) shines on the future big names in the movies, and this years festival was no exception.

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Brian Wallach and Sandra Abrevaya for ‘No Ordinary Campaign.’

CHICAGO – One of the most passionate documentaries at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) was “No Ordinary Campaign.” The story of Brian Wallach and wife Sandra Abrevaya, who decided to use their political acumen to make change when Brian was diagnosed with ALS, was to bring the fight to Washington.

CHICAGO – Writer/Director Sarah Polley is back with her new film “Women Talking,” and attended a screening at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) on October 20th, 2022. After making her name as a in-demand actor, Polley has since directed films like “Away From Her” and “Stories We Tell.”

CHICAGO – The Reverend Al Sharpton has been a “Loudmouth” … as the new documentary on his life and work is called … virtually all his life. His outspoken activism began a year after Dr. King was killed, when Sharpton became Youth Director of Operation Breadbasket at age 15, and continues to today, especially around the killing of George Floyd. Rev. Al Sharpton appeared on the Red Carpet at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival.

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Kathryn Hahn on the 58th CIFF Red Carpet for ‘Glass Onion.’

CHICAGO – The front of Chicago’s historic Music Box Theatre was abuzz with celebrity stardom as Kathryn Hahn appeared on behalf of “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) on October 18th, 2022. Patrick McDonald and photographer Joe Arce were there.

CHICAGO – The final studio album from The Beatles was entitled “Abbey Road,” which was named after the studio they recorded their run of now-iconic musical history. That history and more about the studio is highlighted in the new documentary “If These Walls Could Sing.” The doc is directed by Mary McCartney, daughter of Paul.

CHICAGO – The 58th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) announced its award winners on October 21st, 2022, and the recipient of The Gold Hugo in the International Feature Film Competition – the festival’s top honor – is Hiynu Pålmason’s ‘Godland”, a multi-layered critique of colonialist destruction.

CHICAGO – When Sandra Abrevaya met her future husband Brian Wallach while on the staff of Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, their future seemed exceedingly bright. But then Brian was was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease), and his prognosis was dim. It was time for the couple to use their knowledge to make change.