I just received the following press release.

The 44th Chicago International Film Festival to Debut Major Surprise Film
Audience won’t know what film they’re watching until the curtain rises Monday, October 27, 2008

CHICAGO, October 23, 2008 – Yes, man, the 44th Chicago International Film Festival’s Surprise Film will transport the audience—perhaps to Australia, perhaps to the underworld—through one curious case of filmmaking. Film lovers, soul men, and role models are encouraged to pop a rocknrolla record in their Cadillacs and head to the Music Box Theatre, where the earth will stand still as the seven-pound curtain rises on a Surprise Film—and no one will know what they’re going to see until the credits roll… not Marley, not even me.

Everyone from watchmen to panthers, Argentine revolutionaries to Norse maidens should bolt to the theater for the big Surprise Film—sure to leave you shaken, not stirred. Bring a glass of milk because it’ll feel like many Christmases all at once. I love you, man, but leave the kiddies at home.

The 44th Chicago International Film Festival’s Surprise Film will be held at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., on Monday, October 27. Showtime is at 8:00 p.m. Tickets for the Surprise Film are now on sale and available via Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com [1] or 312-902-1500. Ticket prices are $9 for Cinema/Chicago members and $12 for non-members.

About Cinema/Chicago
Cinema/Chicago is the not for profit, tax exempt cultural and educational organization that presents the annual Chicago International Film Festival, North America’s oldest competitive international film festival, organized to encourage better understanding between cultures and its people and to make a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image. Subscribers to Cinema/Chicago’s membership program form a loyal core audience for the organization and are granted access to more than 15 free film screenings and sneak previews throughout the year. Cinema/Chicago also offers year-round educational programs designed for students and the deaf and hard of hearing to provide new film experiences and offer insight into other cultures, languages, and ideas. These programs include the Educational Outreach Program, the Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Black Perspectives Program.

The Festival continues through Wednesday, October 29, for up-to-date and detailed information, call 312-332-FILM or visit http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com [2].