Film News: Three Opening Night Films at 57th Chicago International Film Festival, Oct. 13, 2021

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CHICAGO – This is Week One. The 57th edition of the Chicago International Film Festival opens on October 13th, 2021, with ”The French Dispatch” (Music Box Theatre), ”The Velvet Underground” (Chi-Town Movies Drive-In) and ”Halloween Kills” (late night, Music Box Theater). Click title for tickets and info.

The 57th Chicago International Film Festival
Photo credit: Chicago International Film Festival

Events of the 57th Chicago International Film Festival

The 57th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) will be a hybrid event this year, with both virtual/online film offerings and in theater/drive-in screenings. Click on the categories below to access special events and other aspects of the fest, and Happy 57th CIFF!

The 57th Chicago International Film Festival Industry Days
Photo credit: Chicago International Film Festival

Let’s start with the link to the COMPLETE FILM LIST OF THE 57TH CIFF

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Festival Programs like Special Nights, Awards Competition and Genre Presentations (Black Perspectives, LGBTQ+ OutLook, After Dark and More) are all neatly summarized in FESTIVAL PROGRAMS.


Want to be an insider? Then participation during INDUSTRY DAYS is a must.



More special feelings available for special TRIBUTES.

What big names are coming? Maybe meet an up-and-comer after an in-person screening? Click here for ATTENDING ARTISTS (bookmark this … the schedule is ever changing). 



Finally, the ultimate 57th CIFF HOW-TO GUIDE.

Capsule Review of THE FRENCH DISPATCH

The Opening Night Film is ‘The French Dispatch’ on October 13th, 2021
Photo credit: Chicago International Film Festival

Rating: 4.5/5.0

This beginning point for the 57th CIFF is the perfect and exciting OPENING NIGHT FILM. “The French Dispatch” is filmmaker Wes Anderson’s latest, suited for his laconic and low key presentations. It refers to adventures of the overseas writers – based on the real-life NEW YORKER magazine – wrapped in a fictional mid-20th Century heartland publication THE FRENCH DISPATCH. Bill Murray portrays editor Arthur Howitzer Jr., overseeing a plethora of iconic reporters in a quirky French setting (laughingly called Ennui, France). It’s an all star cast portraying these past icons (fictionally), which includes Owen Wilson, Elisabeth Moss, Jeffrey Wright, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand and many surprises in the more. It’s a beautiful film, embedded with fun idiosyncrasies and ardent scenic elements, both real and digital (there is even animation). Not all the episodes are equal, but all are fantastic. Another triumph for Wes Anderson.

Preview trailer for the 57th CIFF …

By PATRICK McDONALD Editor and Film Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com