Patrick McDonald

CHICAGO – Sarah Silverman is a one-of-a-kind anarchistic comedian, but she is also making her mark as an actor. She was featured in her new indie film, “I Smile Back,” at the 51st Chicago International Film Festival, where she received the “Breakthrough Performer Award” and walked the Red Carpet on Friday, October 16th.

CHICAGO – Jack C. Newell will ride his bike when he meets you for an interview in Chicago, naturally. The locally based director is a welcome original, with credits in both documentary and narrative films. His latest feature, “Open Tables,” will screen at the 51st Chicago International Film Festival on October 20th, 2015.

CHICAGO – Before the days of 24/7 internet access to every form of entertainment that exists, there were eras of radical performance expression that changed the landscape of attitudes toward everything – think of The Beatles evolving music and also changing social culture. The roots of another evolution, especially in comedy, began with a modest humor magazine that brought together the right mix of anarchists and misfits. What they did would influence comedy for years afterward, and their story is told in “Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead: The Story of National Lampoon,” directed by Douglas Tirola.

CHICAGO – As the 2015 edition of the 51st Chicago International Film Festival kicks into gear, the first week highlights include many award winning and international film offerings. All screenings are taking place at the AMC River North 21, 322 Illinois Street, Chicago, and the festival runs through October 29th.

CHICAGO – The 2015 edition, the 51st Chicago International Film Festival, kicks off tonight on October 15th with a Red Carpet at 5:30pm, and film at 7pm. The premiere will be “Mia Madre” a Italian/French collaboration and a “movie about the movies” directed by Nanni Moretti. The festival will continue through October 29th, with a variety of cinematic treats and international offerings.

CHICAGO – Jewel Kilcher has a long resume of accomplishments in her 20 year career as a singer/songwriter, producer, actress and poet/author. She has just released a new memoir entitled “Never Broken: Songs Are Only Half the Story,” right next to her new album, “Picking Up the Pieces.” She appeared on behalf of the book at North Central College in Naperville, Ill., presented by Anderson’s Book Shop.

CHICAGO – One of the most exciting times of the Fall Season for Chicago film buffs is the Chicago International Film Festival. In 2015, the 51st edition takes place beginning this Thursday, October 15th through October 29th. With over 130 films, which ten are the contributors of HollywoodChicago.com anticipating? Read on…

CHICAGO – Roger Ebert is an icon, in both film criticism lore and his inspirational life. Two years after his passing, the Black Ensemble Theater of Chicago is honoring his legacy by focusing on a love story, the passionate relationship with his wife Chaz Ebert. Actor Kevin Pollack portrays Roger in “The Black/White Love Play.”

CHICAGO – It’s all based on science, they told us! “The Martian” is an old fashion feel-good movie about the hard working astronauts and scientists of the good old American space program, trying to rescue a stranded spaceman from Mars, aided by a brave cast of astro-colleagues.

CHICAGO – The Shortcut 100 Film Festival, presented by Nebula Creatives, is now in its third year, and gaining momentum as one of the premiere short film festivals in Chicago. The one day international film fest is Saturday, October 3rd, 2015, and is split up into several different events. The opening Red Carpet (3pm) and screenings (4pm) will be above Strings Ramen Shop, 1629 North Halsted in Chicago, and the post-screen reception (7pm) will be at Lure Izakaya Pub, 2925 North Halsted.