Film News: 5 Perks of Chicago Critics Film Festival, With Closing Night on May 26, 2016

CHICAGO – One of the greatest film festivals of the year is curated by the Chicago cinema critics you know and love…so the films themselves are spectacular. The 4th Annual Chicago Critics Film Festival (CCFF) is ongoing at the historic Music Box Theatre in Chicago through May 26th, 2016. The closing night film is “Operator.”

The Chicago Critics Film Festival, May 20-26, 2016, at the Music Box Theatre
Photo credit: CCFF

Throughout the 2016 festival, audiences can expect amazing cinema from the first quarter major festivals – including Sundance and South X Southwest – and celebrity appearances, special Q&As and opportunities for discussion in the attached lounge at the Music Box Theatre. But what are the six greatest “perks” to expect? Here’s a modest list…

CLOSING NIGHT CELEBRATION

The film “Operator” is a made-in-Chicago film, which is perfect for closing the festival. Joe (Martin Starr), a programmer and obsessive self-quantifier, and Emily (Mae Whitman), a budding comedy performer, are happily married until they decide to use one another in their work. Director Logan Kibens, co-screenwriter Sharon Greene and Martin Starr will introduce the screening and participate in an audience Q&A.

For more information on Closing Night, click here. [15]

Closing Night Film: ‘Operator’
Photo credit: CCFF

SPECIAL APPEARANCES

Besides the opening night celebrity bling, there will be appearances throughout the week of the stars, directors and movers/shakers that make up the film line-up at the CCFF – and for the most part, it’s a casual meet and greet atmosphere!

For a complete list of special appearances, click here. [16]

Martin Starr will Appear at the 2016 CCFF for ‘Operator’
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

CINEMA AWE!

The films that the members of the Chicago Film Critics Association find during their quests through the major festivals of the first quarter of 2016 culminates in the CCFF. This is a Chicago film buff’s opportunity to see the BEST of those festivals, without paying through the nose for accommodations and fighting the hoy polloi. It’s all at one venue, and it’s all available.

Check out the cinema awe line-up by clicking here. [17]

MUSIC BOX THEATRE

The gem of Chicago lives on, and has evolved to a deserved status of the greatest movie venue in the city. Founded in 1929, the theater maintains its old school integrity, while continuing to challenge the programming tastes of the Windy City’s thirsty film lovers. If you’ve never been to this spectacular movie house, coming to the CCFF to experience is pretty much a feverish film dream. I’ll see you in the lounge.

Get the whole story of the Music Box Theatre, by clicking here. [18]

Chicago Film Critics are Just Dying to Meet You!
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO MOVIE CRITICS!

Continuing the tradition of the “Chicago school” of film criticism, best exemplified by the late great Roger Ebert, the Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA) is not only curating the whole festival, but will be hanging around throughout the week. Approach them if you dare, they won’t bite, and are excited to talk about any film that has screened at this seminal (and annual) event.

For some deserved CFCA braggadocio, click here. [19]

[20]	By PATRICK McDONALD [21] Writer, Editorial Coordinator HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com [20]