Film Feature: 48th Annual Chicago International Film Festival Highlights

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Here are another four titles that may deserve your attention with official synopses from the Chicago Film Festival. If we had the time and money, we’d check these out.

Mekong Hotel Photo credit: The Chicago International Film Festival

“Mekong Hotel”
October 12th, 6:15pm
October 21st, 7:30pm

From Apichatpong “Joe” Weerasethakul (“Uncle Boonmee…”), whose gorgeous, thoughtful films are counted among the most acclaimed masterpieces of the new century, “Mekong Hotel” is a portrait of a hotel near the Mekong River on Thailand’s border with Laos. Blending fantasy and reality, fiction and documentary, the present and the future, this exquisite poem of a film strikingly expresses the bonds of love and family between people, and the looming presence of the river in their lives.

Keep the Lights On Photo credit: The Chicago International Film Festival

“Keep the Lights On”
October 12th, 8:30pm
October 13th, 2pm

A one-night stand between Erik and Paul quickly grows into something more. However, the two men’s drastically different attitudes towards work, life, and intimacy, along with Paul’s struggles with addiction, soon chip away at their chances of happiness. This sensitive, subtle account of an intense, nine-year on-off relationship tenderly reminds us that love is not always enough.

Director Ira Sachs is scheduled to attend both screenings.

Flowerbuds Photo credit: The Chicago International Film Festival

 
“Flowerbuds”
October 13th, 6pm
October 14th, 2:30pm
October 16th, 1pm

Garnering four top Czech Lions (the Czech Oscars®) Flowerbuds presents an incisive snapshot of family life in a small Czech town. Jarda works as a train signal operator but also nurses a petty gambling addiction. His wife, Kamila dreams of her lost youth while their teenage children are without work, money or illusions about life. Over the course of a long winter, a series of small tragedies unfold and collide, bringing the family to the brink.

Director Zdenek Jirasky is scheduled to attend the October 13th and October 14th screenings.

Benji Photo credit: The Chicago International Film Festival

“Benji”
October 14th, 11am
October 17th, 6pm
October 18th, 8:30pm

In 1984, all eyes were on Ben Wilson, a high school senior on the verge of leading Chicago’s Simeon High to its second straight state basketball championship and seemingly destined for NBA greatness. But Benji’s story was cut tragically short when he was shot and killed in broad daylight on his way to school. Interviews with family and friends give fresh insight into Benji’s life and untimely end, illuminating one of sport’s most tragic “what if”s.

Directors Coodie and Chike are scheduled to attend the October 17th and October 18th screenings.

Come back on October 15th, 2012 for a look at more upcoming festival highlights and stay tuned to HollywoodChicago.com for consistent CIFF coverage.

By MATT FAGERHOLM Staff Writer HollywoodChicago.com matt@hollywoodchicago.com