60th Anniversary Cinema Soirée
Saturday, June 1 • 6:00pm
The Geraghty, 2520 S Hoyne Ave
Hosted by Al Roker,
NBC News’ TODAY
Join us in celebrating 60 years of cinematic excellence!
You’re invited to an unforgettable evening of philanthropy and fun-raising, where film enthusiasts, arts advocates, and special guests will come together to indulge in delectable cuisine, sip on curated drinks, and enjoy lively entertainment in support of the Chicago International Film Festival and its vital year-round public and educational programming.
The Cinema Soirée raises crucial funds to bring the transformative power of movies to more people throughout our community, connecting filmmakers and audiences, sparking dialogue, and driving discovery.
Be a part of our community of supporters who believe in the power of cinema and the arts to make a difference that resonates long after the credits roll. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Cinema Soirée Chair
Brenda Robinson
Host Committee
Lee Blackwell Baur, Jacolyn Bucksbaum, Phil Clement, Charles Droege, Chaz Ebert, Sonia Evans, Jon Harris, Jason Delane Lee & Yvonne Huff Lee, Bill Melamed, and Gigi Pritzker
Special Guests
Career Achievement Award
John C. Reilly
Tour de Force Award recipient
Jennifer Reeder
Hosted by NBC News TODAY’s
Al Roker
All proceeds from the event support Cinema/Chicago’s year-round public and education programs
Chicago International Film Festival
Now in its 60th year, the Chicago International Film Festival is North America’s longest-running competitive film festival.
Summer Screenings
This free film series that casts a spotlight on a different country’s national cinema each week all summer.
Community Cinema
Free neighborhood-based screenings at Harrison Park in Pilsen and Hamilton Park in Englewood throughout every autumn.
CineYouth Festival
Showcasing and encouraging the work of creative youth from around the world, this annual program provides free training for the next generation of filmmakers.
Accessibility
Fostering an inclusive and accessible environment with Open Captions, Audio Descriptions, and Sensory-Friendly Spaces.
Chicago Industry Exchange Lab (CIX:Lab)
Our year-long feature film development lab for Illinois filmmakers, with a focus on BIPOC, women, and non-binary filmmakers
Sponsorship
Join an elite class of Chicago institutions by sponsoring the Cinema Soirée. Sponsorship packages include special privileges at the Cinema Soirée and the 60th anniversary Chicago International Film Festival.
Download the Soirée Sponsor Deck
For sponsorship inquiries, contact Sponsorship Manager Jackie O’Connor at jackie@chicagofilmfestival.com
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsor
The Clement Family
Bronze Sponsors
Lee Blackwell Baur & Tom Baur, Jacolyn & John Bucksbaum, Conagra Brands, CBRE, Chaz Ebert, Michelle Hayward & Jeremy Anderson, Christopher Keogh, Jason Delane Lee & Yvonne Huff Lee, Susan Lyons & Eric d’Arbeloff, Mark Mitten, Rohit Panikkar & Lakshmi Murali, Gigi Pritzker, Brenda Robinson, and William Blair
Event Partners
Special Thanks
Get Your Tickets
Secure your table or tickets now to join us for this once-in-a-lifetime event. By supporting Cinema/Chicago, you help ensure that we will remain one of Chicago’s most vibrant cultural institutions dedicated to enriching our community through year-round film programming in 2024 and the years to come.
A portion of ticket purchases are tax-deductible. Donations are 100% tax-deductible.
For ticket and event inquiries: Development Manager Sheena Laird at sheena@chicagofilmfestival.com
Can’t Make It? Donations Welcome!
Can’t attend this event? Your donation of any amount is appreciated and will support our year-round public and educational programs.
Buy Tickets
Sponsor Benefits
- Seating for one (1) guest at Cinema Soirée (includes cocktails, dinner, evening program, after party, gift bags)
- Seating for ten (10) guests at Cinema Soirée (includes cocktails, dinner, evening program, after party, gift bag)
- Recognition on invitation, marketing materials, event website
- Seating for 10 guests at Cinema Soirée (includes cocktails, dinner, evening program, after party, gift bag)
- Recognition on invitation, marketing materials, event website
- Sponsorship of a General Film at 60th Chicago International Film Festival (October 16-27, 2024; includes VIP seats for 10 guests and recognition at a screening).
- Prime seating for 10 guests at Cinema Soirée (includes cocktails, dinner, evening program, after party, gift bag)
- Prominent logo recognition on invitation, marketing materials, event website
- Verbal recognition from the stage during the evening program
- Access to VIP areas at Cinema Soirée
- Premium wine & champagne during dinner
- Sponsorship of a Special Presentation Film at 60th Chicago International Film Festival (October 16-27, 2024; includes VIP seats for 10 guests and recognition at a screening)
- Premium seating for 20 guests at Cinema Soirée (includes cocktails, dinner, evening program, after party, gift bag)
- Prominent logo recognition on invitation, marketing materials, event website
- Verbal recognition from the stage during the evening program
- Access to VIP areas at Cinema Soirée
- Seated with a filmmaker/special guest for dinner
- Premium wine & champagne during dinner
- Sponsorship of a Premium Film (Opening or Closing Night) or a Film Program at 60th Chicago International Film Festival (October 16-27, 2024; includes VIP seats for 10 guests and recognition at a screening)
212 W Van Buren St., Suite 400
