Film News: 51st Chicago International Film Festival Kicks Off with ‘Mia Madre’

CHICAGO – The 2015 edition, the 51st Chicago International Film Festival, kicks off tonight on October 15th with a Red Carpet at 5:30pm, and film at 7pm. The premiere will be “Mia Madre” a Italian/French collaboration and a “movie about the movies” directed by Nanni Moretti. The festival will continue through October 29th, with a variety of cinematic treats and international offerings.

HollywoodChicago.com contributors Brendan Hodges and Patrick McDonald have been sampling festival films in preview, and on Friday, October 16th, will preview films screening on the first five days of the festival. Check out the entire schedule by clicking here [16].

OPENING NIGHT “Mia Madre”

Margherita Buy and John Tuturro in ‘Mia Madre,’ Opening the 51st Chicago International Film Festival
Photo credit: Alcemy

Perfect for opening night, this “movie about the movies” is also emotionally engrossing, as harried film director Magherita (Margherita Buy) is dealing with a shoot that has a complex capitalism vs. union theme, and an American actor (John Tuturro) whose problems with the Italian language is disrupting take after take. And in the midst of all this, the director’s mother (Giulia Lazzarini) is dying. Written and directed by Nanni Moretti (who also has a supporting role), it strikes a balance between the absurdity of a film set and the sorrow of caring for someone in their last days – within laughter, sadness and poignancy, “Mia Madre” honors the life of life.

[17]	By PATRICK McDONALD [18] Editorial Coordinator, Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com [17]