Chicago International Film Festival Archive

October welcomes the 47^th Annual International Film Festival in Chicago. Join in Chicago’s tradition of settling into a dark theater and watching as the big screen comes to life with pictures and people from far-off lands. Film has the power of illuminating the world, showing us things in a new light and allowing us to experience emotions we have never felt before. Film unites people of every language and background in a way no other popular art form can.

The Festival started with the goal to introduce Chicago and the world to new filmmakers, new stories and new points of view. Today, the 2011 Festival will present more than 180 films from 50 countries, including 45 films by first-time directors. These talented filmmakers could be the next Martin Scorsese, Peter Weir or Bertrand Tavernier, film directors who also showed their first film at the Festival. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience these films and meet some of the artists behind them.

The Festival will feature a diverse selection of features, shorts and documentaries shot in Chicago as well as conversations with those Chicago artists who have left their mark. This year’s lineup includes films that are both visually bold and artistically daring. From a film that presents a last shot at redefining your legacy to one that explores the immigrant experience, the Festival portrays truly original perspectives.

The Film Festival enriches Chicago’s cultural environment by presenting film in contexts that encourage discussion and debate. The diversity of the films promotes a deeper understanding of many world cultures, contributing to Chicago’s identity as an international city.

A few of the special presentations include:

Opening Night Presentation – The Last Rites of Joe May

The International Film Festival kicks off with The Last Rites of Joe May, a locally produced movie written and directed by Festival veteran Joe Maggio and featuring members of the Steppenwolf ensemble. This drama is set in West Town and stars Dennis Farina as Joe May, an aging hustler whose way of life is at a crossroads. Director Joe Maggio and actors Dennis Farina, Gary Cole and Jamie Anne Allman in attendance.

Thursday, October 6, at the Harris Theater on 205 East Randolph Street. 6 p.m. Red Carpet Arrivals, 7 p.m. guest presentation with host Bill Kurtis, and screening of The Last Rites of Joe May. Reception 9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at Sidney Yates Gallery in the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 77 East Randolph Street on the 4^th floor. Cocktail reception with hors d’oeuvres courtesy of The Gibsons Restaurant Group.

Spotlight South Asia Launch – Mausam

Recent Bollywood release Mausam will get a gala presentation, with a red carpet appearance by director Pankaj Kapoor. The film is a romantic epic about a Kashmiri refugee and a Punjabi Air Force officer, starring Sonam Kapoor and the director’s son Shahid Kapoor.

Friday, October 7, 6:30 p.m. at AMC River East on 322 East Illinois Street. After-party hosted by the Privét Nightclub & Lounge on 937 North Rush Street.

Junior Board Presentation – Take Me Home

Starring Sam Jaegar as Thom, and Amber Jaeger as Claire, this comedy finds solace in the back seat of a cab, the landscape of the USA, and even in a complete stranger. Take Me Home is a classic road movie that shows how a little cross-country drive can lead you to a different exit. Director, writer and actor Sam Jaeger in attendance.

Saturday, October 8, 6 p.m. located at AMC River East on 322 East Illinois Street. After-party hosted by the Lincoln Lounge at Lucky Strike Lanes on 322 E. Illinois Street.

Centerpiece Presentation – My Week With Marilyn

The festival’s centerpiece is My Week with Marilyn, a drama starring Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe and Kenneth Branagh as Laurence Olivier. Directed by Simon Curtis and scriptwriter Adrian Hodges in attendance.

Wednesday, October 12, 7 p.m. located at AMC River East on 322 East Illinois Street.

Festival passes are currently available, as well as individual tickets. For additional information, call 312.683.0121 or visit Chicago International Film Festival.

Emmaline Niendorf is an Integrated Marketing Associate with Otherwise Incorporated.