Every year since its inception in 1965, Chicagoans have flocked to the the Chicago International Film Festival; it celebrates the best that cinema has to offer. Showcasing films from established masters and emerging storytellers, the Festival welcomes films from around the world. Offering an impressive selection of competitive and non-competitive programming, the Chicago International Film Festival brings films both domestic and international to Chicago.
This year, the 54th Chicago International Film Festival presented by Cinema Chicago will run from October 10 through October 21, 2018. All screenings will be held at AMC River East 21 Theater, 322 E. Illinois Street, Chicago.
As one of the main cultural importers of world cinema to the Midwest, the Chicago International Film Festival is a place for audiences and filmmakers to engage with one another. The Festival features a host of screenings, panels, educational events, and Q&A’s that foster cultural understanding and artistic engagement.
In 2018, the 54rd Chicago International Film Festival staff received almost 6,000 submissions and will screen more than 125 feature films including numerous feature-length documentaries and short subject films from dozens of countries. The Festival welcomed films from many new directors to Chicago this year, exemplifying the spirit of discovery that has long been its calling card.
The Chicago International Film Festival is a promoter of diversity, access and inclusion in the arts. This year, the 54th includes a Women in Cinema program as an exceptional part of this year’s Festival; the Women in Cinema program showcases the accomplished work of several emerging directors. Female-driven cinema is on display throughout the festival and over 40% of the Festival’s shorts program, comprising 21 films, are directed or co-directed by women.
The Festival will also be presenting it’s 22nd Black Perspectives Program featuring nine feature-length films and a program of seven short films showcasing excellence in filmmaking from African American filmmakers and the African diaspora. In addition to the films, this year’s Black Perspectives Program features a tribute to Ruth Carter, costume-designer extraordinaire who has been nominated for two Academy Awards® for her work on Malcolm X (1993) and on Amistad (1996). Playwright Regina Taylor will lead a wide-ranging conversation with Carter as the acclaimed costume designer reflects on her body of work and opens up about her creative process.
INTERVIEW WITH MIMI PLAUCHÉ:
This reviewer had the opportunity to interview Festival Artistic Director Mimi Plauché the week before the opening to gain a perspective on the year-round work of the Festival staff. She shared with me the enormous efforts it takes to put on a Festival that does a lot more for Chicago than is commonly appreciated.
Debra Davy: “Can you give us a behind-the-scenes look at the work of Cinema Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival?”
Mimi Plauché: “The call for entries begins in early January, and we begin watching films right away. The programming team also travels to other festivals- naturally in order to find films- but also to meet producers, filmmakers and representatives from film commissions in other countries. We will take note of unfinished films with work in progress so as to continue the conversations when that work is finished. We want to see a diversity of different voices and perspectives represented in the Festival”.
Debra: “Most people don’t realize that the Festival does a whole lot more than grace Chicagoland with 2 weeks of great films each year! Can you tell the readers about the educational aspects of the Festival’s work?”
Mimi: “At Cinema Chicago we recognize that film is a powerful tool to expose audiences to diverse cultures, viewpoints and subject matter. Since 1992, our year round Education Screening Program has brought a broad spectrum of films to more than 7,000 Chicago Public School students in grades 6-12. During the Festival, when films are screened especially for students in the mornings at the AMC River East 21, students have the opportunity to engage with world-class cinema and interact with filmmakers and film subjects in post-screening discussions. Bus transportation, study guides and curriculum support are provided to students and educators free of charge.
Also, our Student Film Council brings together public, private and suburban high school students for exciting film-related events and experiences that nurture their shared passion for film. Throughout the school year, the Council attends numerous film festivals, and film events, and engages in conversations with directors, producers and Festival programmers, with the goal of developing their understanding and appreciation of film, its relationship to audiences, and the role that film organizations play in the cultural life of the city.
Finally, the CineYouth Film Festival highlights the creativity of the next generation of directors, writers and performers by showcasing the work of filmmakers 22 years and younger. The event also offers young filmmakers exciting internship scholarship opportunities and hands-on development workshops.”
The Chicago International Film Festival is the longest-running competitive film festival in North America. Films programmed in these competitions are eligible for awards across a variety of categories:
1) The International Feature Film Competition
Representing a wide variety of styles and genres, these works compete for the top honor, the Gold Hugo – as well as awards for best actor, actress, director, writer, and more – in North America’s longest-running competitive film festival.
2) New Directors Competition
This selection of first and second feature films, receiving their U.S. premiere in Chicago, celebrates the spirit of discovery and innovation upon which the Festival was founded. To be eligible for the competition, films must be at least a U.S. premiere if selected for the Festival.
3) Documentary Competition
Global in scope and representing a wide range of approaches to documentary form, this program offers a diverse cross-section of contemporary non-fiction filmmaking in both competitive and non-competitive sections. To be eligible for the International Documentary Competition, films must be at least a U.S. premiere if selected for the Festival.
4) Out-Look Competition
From the edgy to the tender, these bold LGBTQ-themed films exhibit new artistic perspectives on sexuality and identity, and compete for the Q Hugo Award.
5) Short Film Competitions
Annually showcasing the best short films from around the globe, this competition highlights the work of both upcoming artists and masters of the short subject form. Programmed films are eligible for awards in the following categories: Animation, Documentary, and Live Action. The winners of the Best Live Action and Best Documentary Short awards are eligible to be considered by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for the Academy Awards®.
6) City & State
This program celebrates Illinois’ rich filmmaking tradition, showcasing the best features, documentaries, and short films with their roots right here in Illinois. Films in this section compete for the Chicago Award, given to the year’s best Illinois film.
For information, tickets and passes to the 54thChicago International Film Festival, go to the Chicago film festival website
Unless otherwise noted, all images courtesy of the 54th Chicago International Film Festival
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