Cinema/Chicago News

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Director Spotlight: Jason Park on Transplant

Published: October 9, 2024  |  Filed under: Behind the Scenes, Festival News

headshot: Jason ParkJason Park is a Chicago-raised filmmaker whose award-winning short film BJ’s Mobile Gift Shop chronicles a young hustler in the streets of Chicago. We’re thrilled to present the World Premiere of his debut feature, Transplant, at the 60th #ChiFilmFest. We chatted with Jason about his inspirations, what it’s like working with a K-pop star, and more.

From where did you originally draw inspiration for this fast-paced, psychological drama?

Early in my filmmaking journey in Los Angeles, I had several friends and family in medical school, and some of the stories they would share about the intense challenges, the hierarchical culture, and their eventual transition from idealism to numbness and cynicism were eye-opening (and ripe for some cinematic storytelling).[…]

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Cinema/Chicago News

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Mike Myers to Receive Career Achievement Award at 60th #ChiFilmFest

Published: August 9, 2024  |  Filed under: Festival News

Comedy legend and The Second City alumnus Mike Myers is set to receive a Career Achievement Award at the 60th Chicago International Film Festival, running October 16 – 27, 2024. “An Evening with Mike Myers” will be presented on the first Saturday of the Festival, October 19, and will be hosted by fellow comedy legend Dave Foley.

“With his creation of iconic characters from Wayne Campbell to Austin Powers, to performances in So I Married An Axe Murderer to the cross-generational phenomenon that is Shrek, Mike Myers’ incredible career has had an unmistakable influence on comedy, film, and our broader culture,” said Chicago International Film Festival Artistic Director Mimi Plauché.[…]

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A Look Back: Retro screenings this summer & fall to celebrate our 60th anniversary

Published: August 1, 2024  |  Filed under: News & Announcements

We’re thrilled to announce multiple series of retrospective screenings honoring the 60 year legacy of the Chicago International Film Festival in the lead up to our 60th Festival this October.

We’re partnering with theaters and cultural organizations across Chicago to host four unique retrospective series of films that screened at the #ChiFilmFest: visionary directorial debuts at the Gene Siskel Film Center this August, a selection of films by Italian woman directors at the Italian Cultural Institute beginning this September, cinematic masterpieces that deserve to be seen on the big screen at the Music Box Theatre weekend mornings in September, and two days of animated classics at FACETS.[…]

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Chicago International Film Festival Secures $35,000 Grant from the NEA

Published: January 30, 2024  |  Filed under: News & Announcements

The Chicago International Film Festival is pleased to announce it has been approved by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for a Grants for Arts Projects award of $35,000.

This grant will support the 60th Chicago International Film Festival taking place October 16-27, 2024. In total, the NEA will award 958 Grants for Arts Projects awards totaling more than $27.1 million that were announced as part of its first round of fiscal year 2024 grants.

“The NEA is delighted to announce this grant to the Chicago International Film Festival, which is helping contribute to the strength and well-being of the arts sector and local community,” said National Endowment for the Arts Chair Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD.[…]

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