47th CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL TO HOST FREE PANELS
Filmmakers to Discuss the Latest Trends
Free tickets will be available on a first-come first-served basis at Festival box offices, AMC River East 21 (322 East Illinois St.) and Cinema/Chicago (30 E. Adams St.), starting at 10 a.m., Monday, October 3rd. Eight free discussion panels hosted by the Festival will be open to members of the general public.
From leveraging social media to create and market films (Social Media: Spreading the Word) to using the power of film to create social change (Art as Activism), navigating the challenge of starting a filmmaking career (New Directors: Camera Ready?), and the rapidly changing future of distribution (New Models of Distribution), panels at the 47th Festival will spark lively discourse on the topics most relevant to film today.
BLACK PERSPECTIVES: BUILDING A COMMUNITY
Saturday,
8 October 12pm;
For the 15th
Anniversary of our Black Perspectives program, we are turning our focus to
independent production and distribution models for Black cinema in
ART AS
ACTIVISM
Monday, 10 October 12:30pm;
We
all know first-hand that film has the power to move us emotionally, but does it
also have the power to create social change? How does a film go beyond
entertainment and become a call to action? Do filmmakers consider themselves
activists as well as auteurs? Join a panel of Festival filmmakers as well as
local voices for a discussion about the importance of looking at film with
education and social awareness in mind. With dir. David Fine (SALAAM DUNK),
National Engagement Consultant Naomi Walker [ITVS], Author/Producer Alex
Kotlowitz (THE INTERRUPTERS), with other panelists TBA
SPOTLIGHT
Monday, 10
October 2pm;
South Asia, and
NEW
DIRECTORS: CAMERA READY?
Thursday, 13 October 4:30pm;
Join an exciting line up of Festival directors discussing the process of developing and workshopping scripts in preparation for production. This ever-popular event offers a rare opportunity to ask questions of directors at the beginning of their careers who have successfully crafted a feature but still clearly remember the trials and tribulations of starting out in the industry. With directors Daniel Mitelpunkt (WOMEN AND CHILDREN) Hagar Ben Asher(THE SLUT), Prashant Bhargava (PATANG), and Michale Boganim (LAND OF OBLIVION), and Karen Loop, Assistant Professor Film & Video, Columbia College Chicago, with other panelists TBA.
ANIMATION: BLURRING THE LINES
Friday,
14 October 2pm;
We might associate animation with Disney and children’s cartoons, but it also has a long history as an alternative art form. Join a group of Festival filmmakers whose shorts and features use animation in all of its guises to satirize, criticize and generally push the envelope of what we expect to see in animated work.
With directors Tor Fruergaard (VENUS) and Jakub Tarkowski (GEORGE THE HEDGEHOG), and SAIC Professor/Independent Filmmaker Jim Trainor, with other panelists TBA.
DOCUMENTARY CURRENTS
Friday,
14 October 4pm DePaul
University CDM Theater, Daley Building, lower level,
NEW MODELS OF DISTRIBUTION
Saturday,
15 October 12pm;
The
increasing popularity of Video On Demand platforms is just the latest
development to rock the ever-changing world of independent film distribution.
Join a stellar line up of panelists from leading
SOCIAL MEDIA: SPREADING THE WORD
Sunday, 16 October 12pm
Love it or hate it, there’s no
denying that social media can be a valuable tool for filmmakers, whether it’s
used as a marketing device or a fundraising platform. Join a number of
filmmakers who have used social media effectively in promoting their work and
other experts in the field to share wisdom and discuss ideas. Then tweet about
it! With directors Rider Strong (METHOD),
Braden King (HERE) and Xan Aranda (ANDREW BIRD: FEVER YEAR), independent
producer and Marketing Director for The
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TICKET INFO
All events,
except Opening Night, are at the AMC River East 21,
FESTIVAL SPONSORS
Led by Presenting Partner, Columbia College Chicago, the
47th Chicago International Film Festival’s sponsors include: Premiere Partners-- American Airlines, Lincoln; Producing Partners-- AMC Theaters, DePaul
University's School of Cinema and Interactive Media, The Academy of Motion
Picture Arts and Sciences; Major Partners-- Allstate, Intersites; Supporting
Partners--Applitite, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Brugal Rum, Kodak, Second
City Computers, WBBM, and the Festival's Headquarters Hotel, JW Marriott
Chicago.
ABOUT CINEMA/CHICAGO
Cinema/Chicago is a not-for-profit cultural and educational organization dedicated to encouraging better understanding between cultures and to making a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image. The Chicago International Film Festival is part of the year-round programs presented by Cinema/Chicago, which also include the International Screenings Program (May-September), the Hugo Television Awards (April), CineYouth Festival (May), Intercom Competition (October) and year-round Education Outreach and Member Screenings Program.
For images and press materials go to http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/press/ ;
