Film News

CHICAGO – It’s Week Two of the 52nd Chicago International Film Festival, and with Closing Night coming next Thursday, what film gems still are yet to see? The film reviewers of HollywoodChicago.com has been previewing several second week screenings, and offers the following capsule summaries.

CHICAGO – It’s Week One of the 52nd Chicago International Film Festival, and with so many film opportunities to experience, what are some of the highlights? The intrepid film reviewers of HollywoodChicago.com has been sampling the cinema fare for the first week, and offers the following capsule summaries.

CHICAGO – The 52nd Chicago International Film Festival kicks off on Thursday, October 13th, 2016, with the highly anticipated film, ‘La La Land.’ The modern day musical, directed by Damian Chazelle (“Whiplash”) features Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling as two star crossed lovers.

CHICAGO – The 2016 52nd Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) Kicks Off on Thursday, October 13th, with the Opening Night Film, “LA LA Land.” After the first night ceremony, the main event starts, and navigating this amazing selection of films can make or break the most ardent film fan. HollywoodChicago.com offers the following tips on what to “seek out” during the two week cinema buffet.

CHICAGO – The Shortcut 100 International Film Festival, presented by Nebula Creatives, is now in its fourth year, and gaining momentum as one of the premiere short film festivals in Chicago. The one day short film fest is Saturday, October 8th, 2016, and will take place at The Throne Room in Chicago, from 5pm to 8pm.

CHICAGO – The Asian Pop-Up Cinema Series, spotlighting a variety of diverse Asian films, continues its 2016 Fall Season with three films in the next week, ”Paths to the Soul” (Tibet), on Wednesday, Oct. 5th; ”When the Curtain Rises” (Japan), on Sunday, Oct. 9th; and ”Siti” (Indonesia), on Wednesday, Oct. 12th. Click each individual title for more details.

CHICAGO – Television continues to be a hot medium for new voices and creativity. Among the official selections for the Independent Pilot Competition at the 12th Annual New York Television Festival are seven pilots made right here in the Midwest. Those seven will be featured at the Midwest Pilot Showcase, at this month’s Midwest Independent Film Festival, Tuesday, Oct. 4th, 2016 (6pm). The festival takes place at the Landmark Century Centre in Chicago.

CHICAGO – The Asian Pop-Up Cinema Series, spotlighting a variety of diverse Asian films, continues its 2016 Fall Season with a Filipino film, “Hamog,” directed by Ralston Jover. The film, making its Chicago premiere, will screen at 2pm on Sunday, Sep 25th, 2016, at the Wilmette Theatre in Willmette, Ill.

CHICAGO – The second oldest LGBTQ+ International Film Festival in America, Reeling2016, is about to launched its 34th edition in Chicago at the historic Music Box Theatre on Thursday, September 22th (details below). The Opening Night film will be “Hurricane Bianca,” featuring famed comedian Roy Haylock, and his outrageous alter ego Bianca Del Rio. Haylock/Del Rio will walk the Red Carpet with writer/director (and Chicago native) Matt Kugelman.

CHICAGO – The Asian Pop-Up Cinema Series, spotlighting a variety of diverse Asian films, premieres its 2016 Fall Season with the South Korean film, “Sori: Voice of the Heart,” directed by Lee Ho-Jae. The director will make an appearance at the screening, beginning at 1:30pm on Saturday, Sep 17th, 2016, at the Wilmette Theatre in Willmette, Ill. (details below).