Chicago International Film Festival

CHICAGO – The issue of women’s rights in Muslim majority countries in the Middle East and elsewhere is often overshadowed by the other back-and-forth circumstances in relationship to Western countries. The documentary “Honor Diaries” is an exposure of the misogyny within the Muslim majority countries, and how it permeates into the entire Islamic culture. The film will be presented on October 15th, before the general release in March of 2014.

CHICAGO – We’re sure that our loyal readers have been busy at the excellent 49th Chicago International Film Festival but the event is far from over. What should you see in the next three days? What are the highlights of part two of 2013 CIFF? Patrick McDonald and Brian Tallerico guide the way…

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Oscar Winner Jennifer Hudson of ‘The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete.’

CHICAGO – Black Perspectives Night is in its 17th year at the Chicago International Film Festival, and the 2013 event featured the new film, “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete,” starring Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson and directed by George Tillman Jr., a filmmaker based in Chicago. The festivities took place on the second day of the Festival, Friday October 11th.

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Opening Night! Director James Gray of ‘The Immigrant.’

CHICAGO – It was a spectacular opening night for the 49th Chicago International Film Festival on October 10th, 2013. Director James Gray (“Two Lovers,” “We Own the Night”) presented his new film, “The Immigrant,” featuring Marion Cotillard and Joaquin Phoenix. Plus on this Opening Night – taking place at the historic Chicago Theatre – there was a tribute to Roger Ebert, who passed away earlier this year.

CHICAGO – The 49th Annual Chicago International Film Festival starts tonight, October 10, 2013, with a tribute to Roger Ebert and the premiere of James Gray’s “The Immigrant,” starring Joaquin Phoenix and Marion Cotillard. Wasting no time, there are at least a dozen flicks this weekend that could grab your attention. It’s one of the strongest CIFF line-ups in memory, with a few nearly-certain Oscar candidates next to some films that are unlikely to play again in Chicago any time soon.

CHICAGO – The Chicago International Film Festival revealed their schedule for the 2013 incarnation, which runs from Oct. 10-24, 2013, and it’s their most impressive in years, including new works by Alexander Payne, Joel & Ethan Coen, Steve McQueen, John Wels, Abdellatif Kechiche, Dario Argento, Bill Condon, John McNaughton, Kore-eda Kirokazu, Stephen Frears, Tsai Ming-Liang, Errol Morris, and dozens more.

CHICAGO – The 2013 Chicago International Film Festival is almost here and the programmers have unveiled their first slate of titles, including hits from other festivals like “Blue is the Warmest Color,” “Heli,” “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete.” The 49th annual fest runs from October 10-24, 2013. Official, CIFF-provided descriptions below of what we know will play there so far:

CHICAGO – The annual CineYouth Festival in Chicago opened on May 9th with a very special guest – John Francis Daley – who is an actor (“Bones,” “Freaks and Geeks”) screenwriter (“Horrible Bosses”) and director. The CineYouth Festival is May 9th-11th and is presented by the Chicago International Film Festival.

CHICAGO – Travis Fine’s “Any Day Now” is an old-fashioned social problem film painted in the broadest of strokes. Fairly early on, the audience is faced with two choices: either resist the film’s assuredly tear-jerking formula or submit to it. Though some critics will always opt for the first choice, regardless of a film’s merits, I’m willing to praise a formula as long as it’s well-executed.

CHICAGO – It was Sarah Burns, the daughter of legendary documentarian Ken Burns, that brought the passion for her first project with her famous father, along with husband and co-director David McMahon. “The Central Park Five” also features Raymond Santana, one of “five” who were wrongly accused in the famous New York City trial. They were all here in October at the Chicago International Film Festival.