Archive | Festival News

The 56th Chicago International Film Festival is excited to welcome director Ignacio Márquez to our fair city for the premiere of his film The Special. In this thoughtful and uplifting debut, the profoundly charming Chuo is having to navigate the challenges of early adulthood with Down Syndrome. He feels a growing need for independence from his father José, who struggles to provide and care for his son as he grapples with demons past and the disappointments of dreams deferred. When Chuo lands a job at a small graphic design studio, he begins to find community and discover purpose and a sense of self.[…]

Today, the Chicago International Film Festival announced the competition juries for the 56th Festival!

Featuring a host of acclaimed filmmakers and film professionals from across the globe, the juries will review films competing for prizes in the following competitions: International Competition; New Directors Competition; International Documentary Competition; Out-Look; City & State; and Short Film Competitions.

The International Competition Jury will award the Gold Hugo for Best Film as well as a range of Silver Hugos and Plaques for awards, including Best Director, Best Actor/Actress, Best Cinematography, and Best Screenplay.[…]

We’re excited to announce the World Premiere of Belushi to open the 56th Chicago International Film Festival!

In a hybrid format, with both virtual and drive-in screenings, the 56th Chicago International Film Festival will take place Wednesday, October 14 – Sunday, October 25, 2020 with a full slate of more than 50 feature films and nine short film programs.

The Opening Night film will be the World Premiere of the SHOWTIME ® Documentary Films feature documentary Belushi, chronicling the celebrated career and untimely death of native son and The Second City alumnus John Belushi, Wednesday, October 14, 7pm ET at Pilsen’s ChiTown Movies drive-in theater, 2343 South Throop Street.[…]