60th Anniversary Cinema Soirée

60th Anniversary Cinema Soirée

Saturday, June 1 • 6:00pm
The Geraghty, 2520 S Hoyne Ave

logo: The Geraghty

Headshot of Al Roker
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!

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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

headshot: John C. Reilly

Career Achievement Award
John C. Reilly

headshot: Jennifer Reeder

Tour de Force Award recipient
Jennifer Reeder

headshot: Al Roker

Hosted by NBC News TODAY’s
Al Roker

All proceeds from the event support Cinema/Chicago’s year-round public and education programs

Actress Kathryn Hahn speaks onstage to a full house at the Music Box Theater.

Chicago International Film Festival

Now in its 60th year, the Chicago International Film Festival is North America’s longest-running competitive film festival.

In a crowded movie theater, an audience member asks a question while speaking into a microphone.

Summer Screenings

This free film series that casts a spotlight on a different country’s national cinema each week all summer.

A film shown on a small screen in a darkened room full of seated viewers.

Community Cinema

Free neighborhood-based screenings at Harrison Park in Pilsen and Hamilton Park in Englewood throughout every autumn.

A roup of diverse young filmmakers pose in front of a festival banner

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.

Presenters on stage with live captioning projected on a screen behind them.

Accessibility

Fostering an inclusive and accessible environment with Open Captions, Audio Descriptions, and Sensory-Friendly Spaces.

Young filmmakers sit behind a pair of camera on a film set.

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

Logo: Baker Tilly 270x75

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

logo: Kehoe Designers 247x65Logo: Eli's Cheesecake - 175x143logo: Four Seasons Hotel Chicagologo: J&L Cateringlogo: Black Oak Technical Productions 228x75Logo: Revolution Brewing 355x100logo: Tito's Handmade Vodka 187x85

Special Thanks

logo: Make It Better Foundation

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.

Donate now

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)