CHICAGO – Having an international film festival is one of the reasons Chicago became an international city, and the 54th Chicago International Film Festival is about to crank up the projection machines for 11 days of amazing cinema treats, from October 10th through the 21st, 2018. How does an film buff or curious participant navigate the waters of the festival? HollywoodChicago.com is here to guide you.
Stick with the Film Guide
A first time festival goer will certainly come across, in paper or digital, the film guide that is essential for keep tabs on the 54th fest. All of the over 120 movies, from over 50 countries can be found in the guide, both in categories and alphabetical order. Pick up the guide at the AMC River East Theatre, in many kiosks around Chicago or tap into the digital format (click here [25]) and see the world.
Watch for the Stars
During the Festival period, Chicago becomes the center of the cinema universe, and the stars, filmmakers and influencers of the movies descend onto the scene. There will be special tributes to actress Carey Mulligan; Red-Carpet tributes to director Steve McQueen, Viola Davis and Michelle Rodriguez of “Widows”; the legendary actor Robert Forster walks the carpet for “What They Had” (filmed in Chicago); and three amazing directors… Joel Edgerton (“Boy Erased”), Jason Reitman (“The Front Runner,” on Closing Night) and a tribute to William Friedkin, all appearing at the Fest.
Themes, Spotlights and Perspectives
If you have specific interests, the Film Festival can fulfill them. Take a deep breath, and indulge in International, New Directors and the Documentary Competitions. Take in the Gala Presentations (highly anticipated Fall 2018 films) U.S. Indies, World Cinema and the extremely popular “After Dark” series. Get illuminated by the “Spotlight” category, honoring Women in Cinema and Comedy. Engage in the Festival’s panorama on local “City & State” films, Black Perspectives, the LGBTQ+ Outlook Competition, the Cinemas of the Americas and the Short film programs, which encompass all of those subject categories in a more compact running time. For complete details, click here. [26]
Industry Days
This recent addition to Festival events has proven to be one of its most popular. Industry Days is a hub for filmmakers and industry professional to connect, share ideas and find inspiration. From October 11th through the 14th, the “Days” highlight current and future trends in the art/industry of movie making. Panels are open to the general public and to Industry Days badge holders. If you’re interested in the business of show business, Industry Days can be a vital participation. For more details, click here. [27]
NEW! Virtual Reality Immersive Cinema
For the first time, the Chicago International Film Festival will present Virtual Reality Immersive Cinema, where participants become part of the film. With special eyepieces and interactive digital content, the Festival is providing an opportunity for audiences to experience VR Immersive for FREE! For more details, click here. [28]
Movies as a Celebration of Life
Do you really want to navigate the Festival? Get a bunch of your film fellow travelers and see the films. If your family has immigrant roots in another country – which is virtually every American – then see a reflection of life in that country today by taking in the international selections. Want to discuss films or what you see? The AMC River East will be packed with similarly interested participants. It’s time for the 54th Chicago International Film Festival, it’s time for a celebration.
 [30] | By PATRICK McDONALD [31] |
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[6] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/black-perspectives
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[13] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/film-news
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[21] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/spotlight
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[23] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/us-indies
[24] http://www.hollywoodchicago.com/news/women-in-cinema
[25] https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/festival/
[26] https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/festival/programs/
[27] https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/festival/industry-days/
[28] https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/festival-category/immersive-cinema/
[29] http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/
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