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NEW YORK – It’s over, but the memories echo. The 23rd edition of the Tribeca Festival wrapped up on June 16th, 2024, but not without a sendoff celebrating Melissa Etheridge’s new documentary, the 25th Anniversary retrospect of the iconic series, “The Sopranos,” and a nod to fest co-founder/savior of democracy Robert De Niro.

The 2024 Tribeca Festival, presented by Web3 tech company OKX, brings artists and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, VR, gaming, music, and online work. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is a platform for creative expression and entertainment. For all information, including more on the final weekend, CLICK TRIBECA 2024.

That’s a Wrap on the 23rd Edition
Photo credit: TribecaFilm.com

The two-part Melissa Etheridge: I’m Not Broken is premiering on Paramount+ on July 9th. It’s unbelievable that The Sopranos celebrates the 25th Anniversary of its 1999 premiere with most of the original cast and creator David Chase walking the red carpet. And finally, what better way to wrap the 2024 Tribeca Fest then with De Niro Con, a three day celebration of all things Bobby D.

In video clips from the Red Carpet, Melissa Etheridge, “The Sopranos” creator/cast and a mute Bobby and Marty provide the way home …

The 2024 Tribeca Festival took place June 5th-16th, 2024. For all information click on TribecaFilm.com. Onto 2025! Save us Bobby D!

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Robot Dreams,” a co-directorial collaboration between Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan of 2019’s “Saint Frances,” from a Kelly O’Sullivan script. Currently in theaters, including Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center.

Based on a popular graphic novel, this Best Animated Feature nominee from this year’s Oscars was created by Pablo Berger in a co-production from Spain/France. The story involves a lonely Dog who finds joy and companionship with a mail order Robot. Their adventures together are interrupted by a beach outing that causes the Robot to be trapped, rusting away on the beach. Can they overcome this separation?

”Robot Dreams” is in theaters NOW, including (click link) the Gene Siskel Film Center. Screenplay adapted and directed by Pablo Berger. Not Rated.

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Robot Dreams”

Robot Dreams
Photo credit: Neon

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Robot Dreams”

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Ghostlight,” a co-directorial collaboration between Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan of 2019’s “Saint Frances,” from a Kelly O’Sullivan script. Currently in theaters since June 14th.

Dan (Keith Kupferer) is a middle-aged construction worker grieving a family tragedy, and has cut himself off from his devoted wife Sharon (Tara Mallen) and talented but troubled daughter Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer), Through an accidental circumstance, Dan finds comfort and community in a misfit company of amateur actors. While performing for the first in a low-rent production of a Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, Dan is forced to confront his buried emotions.

”Ghostlight” is in theaters NOW, since June 14th. Featuring Keith Kupferer, Katherine Mallen Kupferer, Tara Mallen, Dolly De Leon, Dexter Zollicofer and H.B. Ward. Written by Kelly O’Sullivan. Directed by Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan. Rated “R”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Ghostlight”

Ghostlight
Photo credit: IFC Films

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Ghostlight”

CHICAGO – Just in time for Pride Month, Strawdog Theatre Co. presents an updated staging of the Oscar Wilde classic, “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Strawdog policy … the tickets are FREE (donations encouraged), but you must put in a reservation by clicking EARNEST.

“Earnest” – which was first staged in 1895 – is updated to modern day Chicago, within a chic apartment in the first half and a summer home in Michigan in the second. It’s a brunch being thrown by Algernon (Jack Seijo) at the apartment, and his friend Jack (Johnard Washington) is there to announce his hopeful engagement to the flamboyant Gwendolen (Kade Cox). However Jack is not known by Jack, for in the city he is Earnest, a fake name he has given himself to escape the responsibilities he has in the summer home, especially the care for his niece Cecily (Andi Muriel). Gwendolen accepts Earnest’s proposal, and the gang … including the skeptical queen Bracknell (Michael Reyes) and Algernon’s Butler (Matt Keely) head to Michigan. While there, unknown to Jack, Algernon is about to propose to Cecily. Except now they say THEIR NAME is Earnest. Who will find their elusive importance?

Rivendell Theatre Through June 30th, 2024
Photo credit: Strawdog.org

Audio Theater Review of “The Importance of Being Earnest” by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com …

Strawdog Theatre Co. presents “The Importance of Being Earnest,” through June 30th at the Rivendell Theatre, 5779 North Ridge Avenue, Chicago. Besides cast list above, featuring Lynne Baker as Miss Prism and Crystal Claros as Dr. Chasuble. Written by Oscar Wilde. Adaptation by Elizabeth Swanson & Dusty Brown. Directed by Elizabeth Swanson. For more information on the Strawdog Theatre Co., click here. Happy Pride!

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Treasure,” a feature film pairing the odd couple acting of Lena Dunham and Stephen Fry, as a daughter and father trying to bond in the backdrop of his memories of Auschwitz. Currently in theaters since June 14th.

The film is set in 1991, and Dunham is Ruth, the daughter of Edek (Fry), a Polish immigrant that has not been back to the Auschwitz death camp since he was confined there as a teenager. Ruth has meticulously planned the trip, which includes a side journey to the former family factory and house in the Polish town of Lodz. Edek acts strange and elusive throughout the midst of the trip, leading to a further tear in the fabric of their relationship. What they will learn is about to become very important.

“Treasure” is in theaters since June 14th. Featuring Lena Dunham, Stephen Fry, Tomasz Wlosak, Iwona Bielska and Maria Mamona. Screenplay adapted by Julia von Heinz and John Quester. Directed by Julia von Heinz. Rated “R”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Treasure”

Treasure
Photo credit: Bleecker Street Media

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Treasure”

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Ben Thompson on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on June 13th, reviewing “Brats,” a new documentary about the infamous “Brat Pack” of the 1980s, directed by Pack member Andrew McCarthy. Streaming on HULU since June 13th.

Remember the “Brat Pack” from the 1980s … especially the main members Andrew McCarthy, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson, among other adjacent members? In movies like “St. Elmo’s Fire,” “The Outsiders,” “The Breakfast Club,” and “Pretty in Pink,” among others? Well, Andrew McCarthy decided to make a documentary on how that “grouping” affected them, what resentments they hold onto, and how they think about it today.

“Brats” is streaming on HULU since June 13th. Featuring memories from Andrew McCarthy, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore and Ally Sheedy. Directed by Andrew McCarthy. Not Rated.

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Brats”

Brats
Photo credit: HULU

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s on-air review of “Brats”

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review for “Tuesday,” the debut directorial effort of filmmaker Daina Oniunas-Pusić and featuring the continued performance growth and evolution of actor Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Currently in theaters since June 14th.

Dreyfus portrays Zora, the emotionally distraught mother of a wheelchair-bound daughter named Tuesday (Lola Pettigrew). When an odd talking Macaw bird (voice of Arinzé Kene) infiltrates Tuesday’s bedroom, it’s representing the imminent death of the girl. Zora is unwilling to accept the bird’s premise, using any means to destroy the death by getting rid of the bird … which of course comes with consequences.

“Tuesday” is in theaters since June 14th. Featuring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lola Pettigrew, Leah Harvey, Arinzé Kene and Ellie James. Written and directed by Daina Oniunas-Pusić. Rated “R”

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Tuesday”

Tuesday
Photo credit: A24

CLICK HERE for Patrick McDonald’s audio review of “Tuesday”

NEW YORK – The 23rd annual Tribeca Festival, presented by OKX, today announced the winners in its competition categories at an awards ceremony at Racket NYC. The top honors went to “Griffin in Summer” for the Founders Award for Best U.S. Narrative Feature, “Bikechess” for Best International Narrative Feature, and “Hacking Hate” for Best Documentary Feature. 

“Griffin in Summer” (Dir: Nicolas Colia) involves 14-year-old Griffin Nafly, who during summer vacations gets down to the serious business of putting on his dramatic new play … an ambitious cross between “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf” and “American Beauty.” However, when his tween collaborators get distracted by more trivial pursuits like boys and camp, Griffin’s attention drifts toward Brad, the zoned-out handyman working at his house.

2024 Tribeca Best U.S. Narrative: ‘Griffin in Summer’
Photo credit: TribecaFilm.com

Best International Narrative Feature “Bikechess” (Dir: Assel Aushakimova) involves Saltanat Nauruz as Dina, a disenchanted Kazakh broadcast journalist who is much more capable than the propaganda she is forced to cover. Challenged by her radical sister and the job, Dina confronts her coping mechanism.

Best Documentary Feature “Hacking Hate” (Dir: Simon Klose) profiles My Vingren, a well-regarded and award-winning Swedish journalist. She is known for her in-depth investigations, especially into white supremacist networks. However, her latest journalistic pursuit is about to bring her into considerably dangerous territory.

Awards were given in the following competition categories … U.S. Narrative, International Narrative, Documentary, Short Film, Audio Storytelling, Games, Human/Nature, Nora Ephron, Viewpoints, AT&T Untold Stories, and Tribeca X.

“After a banner year of Tribeca programming, I do not envy our jurors’ task of selecting this year’s winners,” said Cara Cusumano, Tribeca Festival Director/Programming SVP. “I’m delighted to see they’ve chosen to honor a diverse, international, adventurous group of films that truly reflect the Tribeca spirit. We can’t wait to continue to follow and support all these films’ journeys into the world.”

FOR THE LIST AND DETAILS OF ALL Tribeca Festival 2024 Award Honorees, CLICK HERE.

The 2024 Tribeca Festival is taking place through June 16th. For tickets, events schedule and all information click on TribecaFilm.com

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO –Pixar Studios rediscovers some of its movie magic with the thoughtful and sophisticated “Inside Out 2.” It’s the sequel that doesn’t feel like a retread of what came before but instead is a natural progression of the story we’re already invested in … as early adolescence and puberty arrive to crash the kid party.

We pick up the story with Riley, now a 13-year-old girl, still obsessed with hockey and getting a surprise invite to a big weekend hockey camp. The first emotional hiccup to handle for Joy (voice of Amy Poehler) and her “mission control” is when Riley’s two best friends reveal they’re going to a different high school next year.

But Joy’s positivity seems to have things all wrapped up, with a system of banishing bad memories to the back of the mind so Riley’s sense of positive self can blossom.This all changes the night before the camp when puberty arrives like a literal wrecking ball into mission control headquarters. The onset is accompanied by three new emotions … Anxiety (Maya Hawke), Envy (Ayo Edebiri of “The Bear”) and Ennui (Adele Exarchopoulos).

”Inside Out 2” is in theaters on June 14th. Featuring the voices of Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Tony Hale, Liza Lempira and Ayo Edebiri. Screenplay by Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein. Directed by Kelsey Mann. Rated “PG”

Continue reading for Spike Walter’s full review of “Inside Out 2”

Inside Out 2
Photo credit: Pixar/Walt Disney Studios

Continue reading for Spike Walter’s full review of “Inside Out 2”

CHICAGO – “Scrap” is a scrappy new film that is building anticipation through the film festival circuit. The writer, director and lead actor of “Scrap” is Vivian Kerr, and it also features familiar character actors Anthony Rapp and Lana Parrilla. The release date for this set-in-Los Angeles family drama is to be determined.

Beth (Vivian Kerr) has recently been laid off and struggles to maintain the appearance of a successful middle-class lifestyle as she bounces around Los Angeles. Hoping to land a new job and change her situation before her estranged older brother Ben (Anthony Rapp) finds out, Beth must confront her own pride in order to reconnect with him and provide for her young daughter Birdy (Julianna Layne). Meanwhile, Ben and his wife Stacy (Lana Parrilla) – a successful attorney – consider a third round of IVF, while she begins to re-evaluate her own conflicted relationship with motherhood.

Scrap
Photo credit: Rue Dangeau

Vivian Kerr is an LA-based actor, writer, director, and producer with her company Rue Dangeau. Some of the awards “Scrap” has won on the film festival circuit include the NYWIFT Award for Excellence in Narrative Directing at the SOHO International Film Festival, a Special Jury Prize in Acting Achievement at Phoenix Film Festival, Outstanding Actress at Micheaux Film Festival, Best Director at Mystic Film Festival and the MINT Spirit Award at the Montana International Film Festival.

In Part One of a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Filmmakers Vivian Kerr breaks down the themes in “Scrap” …

In Part Two, more on “Scrap” and stories from a working actor …

In a video clip, the filmmaker pitch …

Trailer, “Scrap” …

”Scrap” will next screen at the (click links) Long Island International Film Expo and Waco Independent Film Festival. Featuring Vivian Kerr, Anthony Rapp, Lana Parrilla, Khleo Thomas and Julianna Layne. Written and directed by Vivian Kerr. Not Rated. For more information, click here.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

NEW YORK – They’re celebrities, silly, and they were on the Red Carpet at the 2024 Tribeca Festival. Jake Gyllenhaal was representing his new miniseries on Apple TV+ called “Presumed Innocent.” It was Dakota Johnson talking about her highly anticipated film “Daddio.” And finally, Andy Cohen talking about talking with Anderson Cooper.

The 2024 Tribeca Festival, presented by Web3 tech company OKX, brings artists and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, VR, gaming, music, and online work. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is a platform for creative expression and immersive entertainment. For all information, CLICK TRIBECA 2024.

23rd Edition: June 5th-16th, 2024
Photo credit: TribecaFilm.com

Presumed Innocent is premiering on Apple TV+ on June 19th. Lily Rabe and Peter Sarsgaard joined Jake on the Carpet. Daddio co-stars Sean Penn, and will be theatrically released on June 27th. Andy Cohen in Conversation with Anderson Cooper hopefully had a large cocktail set-up in the green room.

In video clips from the Tribeca 2024 Red Carpet, Jake Gyllenhaal, Dakota Johnson and somewhat subdued Andy Cohen crack wise …

Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com will be providing coverage of 2024 Tribeca Festival throughout the duration of the Festival.

The 2024 Tribeca Festival is taking place through June 16th. For tickets, events schedule and all information click on TribecaFilm.com

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

NEW YORK – It’s the middle of the 23rd Tribeca Film Festival and the narrative feature films … with an emphasis on the independent … are in competition. Themes of transition are strong in this year’s line-up, as story tellers have emerged from the pandemic years, and the reflections thereafter.

The 2024 Tribeca Festival, presented by Web3 tech company OKX, brings artists and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, VR, gaming, music, and online work. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is a platform for creative expression and immersive entertainment.

’Adult Best Friends’ at 23rd Tribeca Film Fest
Photo credit: TribecaFilm.com

Capsule Reviews, 2024 Tribeca Film Festival

Adult Best Friends At 32 years old, two female best friends are going in different directions … one toward marriage/domesticity and one desiring to keep the familiar party going. Can there friendship survive?

CAPSULE REVIEW: This dramatic confrontation is also achingly funny. The two lead actors, Delaney Buffet (also director) and Katie Corwin co-wrote the screenplay, and have a natural rhythm to their movie relationship. This film is highly relatable, either to persons within that transition age group, or to those of us who have been there and done that. What was notable was how human the characters were, making themselves vulnerable within and around the transitioning relationship. Even Zachary Quinto in a small role gets some laughs and heart.

Boys Go To Jupiter An animated film set in the in the period between Christmas and New Year’s, it follows the adventures of Billy 5000 (Jack Corbett), a teenage gig worker with a rise-and-grind mindset whose quest to make $5,000 is derailed by the appearance of a gelatinous little dude from outer space.

CAPSULE REVIEW: From cartoonist/animator Julian Glander, this unique style and story is notable as much for its distinct character and character voices, giving heart to the modern mendacities of current society, including Billy’s ability to hack into his delivery app and switch currencies to heighten his pay. The side story about an evil hybrid juice company is less subtle, but the interactions between the teen delivery man, his gang, and a space alien that the company wants to capture is fine entertainment, visually compelling and yet another example of the golden age of animation.

Bitterroot How about being a thirtysomething Asian immigrant man who is divorced, jobless and living with his mother … and part of a superstitious Hmong language community in Montana? It’s conflict upon conflict upon transitioning.

CAPSULE REVIEW: This World Premiere from director Vera Brunner-Sung is resonate in that place between the old country tradition and new home calamity. Set in the beautiful and sometimes terrifying wild fire country of Montana, the symbolism is within the setting as the Hmong man is beset with demons and an aging mother, who represents everything he’s trying to escape. A fascinating character study and a dive into the mystery of the forces that are behind the development of who we are.

Brats Remember the infamous “Brat Pack” from the 1980s … the main members being Andrew McCarthy, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson, among others? Well, Andrew McCarthy decided to make a documentary on how that “grouping” affected them.

CAPSULE REVIEW: This film is for everybody who went through the era, for these group of then 20something actors defined so much of their lifetimes. What is remarkable about the doc is that it’s not so much a look back, but a perspective from now older and wiser people on what it all meant. There is some highlighted philosophy from Demi Moore, of all people, and Rob Lowe. Yet it is Andrew McCarthy who most seems to be benefitting, and finding a sense of representative peace. This one took me by surprise, and is a must see for again the transitions. Streaming on HULU beginning Friday, June 14th.

Trailer, “Brats” …

The 2024 Tribeca Festival takes place through June 16th. For tickets, events schedule and all information click on TribecaFilm.com

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – Two of the finest filmmakers who have roots in Chicago (college) are Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan. After Kelly wrote the acclaimed “Saint Frances” with Alex directing, their second film is a co-directing effort that is a brilliant meditation on finding one’s self after loss, and doing it through … acting.

Dan (Keith Kupferer) is a middle-aged construction worker grieving a family tragedy, and has cut himself off from his devoted wife Sharon (Tara Mallen) and talented but troubled daughter Daisy (Katherine Mallen Kupferer), Through an accidental circumstance, Dan finds comfort and community in a misfit company of amateur actors. While performing for the first time in a low-rent production of a Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, Dan is forced to confront his buried emotions.

Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan, Music Box Theatre, Chicago
Photo credit: Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com

Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson are up-and-upward cinema creators, Kelly a noted actor/writer and Alex a director of visual and auteur-style sensitivity. Besides being the lead role/writing the sublime and beautiful “Saint Frances” … which partially was about abortion, but not in the way anybody would think … Ms. O’Sullivan has appeared in the notable Chicago indie “Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party,” the festival favorite “Cha Cha Real Smooth” and “Hangdog.” Alex Thompson has also directed a horror-thriller film he wrote with this brother, “Rounding.”

In Part One of a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Filmmakers Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson talk themes in writing, of acting and a pause to reverse the curse of the “Scottish Play” …

In Part Two, on nuts/bolts of filmmaking, the creative life and “Saint Frances” …

In Part Three, the perils of Googling one’s self, the big screen and storytelling …

”Ghostlight” is in theaters on June 14th, including Chicago’s Music Box. Featuring Keith Kupferer, Katherine Mallen Kupferer, Tara Mallen, Dolly De Leon, Dexter Zollicofer and H.B. Ward. Written by Kelly O’Sullivan. Directed by Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan. Rated “R”

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

NEW YORK – The first weekend of the 23rd Tribeca Film Festival made all the right Red Carpet moves with the Opening Night featuring Diane Furstenberg, the “Brat Pack” doc director Andrew McCarthy on Friday, and legendary rocker Steven Van Zandt on Saturday. For all information, CLICK TRIBECA 2024.

The 2024 Tribeca Festival, presented by Web3 tech company OKX, brings artists and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, VR, gaming, music, and online work. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is a platform for creative expression and immersive entertainment.

23rd Edition: June 5th-16th, 2024
Photo credit: TribecaFilm.com

Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge was the Opening Night Film on June 5th, 2024, and besides the title honoree the Red Carpet included Gayle King, Ariana Huffington and Festival Co-Founder Jane Rosenthal. Brats is directed by former Brat Packer Andrew McCarthy and he was joined by Ally Sheedy, Demi Moore and Jon Cryer on June 7th. Steven Van Zandt: Disciple honored the title rocker, who was joined, naturally, by his “Sopranos” co-star Vinny Pastore on June 8th.

In video clips from the Red Carpet, Diane Furstenberg, Andrew McCarthy and Steven Van Zandt provide good copy …

Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com will be providing coverage of 2024 Tribeca Festival throughout the duration of the Festival.

The 2024 Tribeca Festival will take place from June 5th through June 16th. For tickets, events schedule and all information click on TribecaFilm.com

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – The Red Carpet was for rock … er, cinema … stars at the the 60th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) Summer Gala, and the directors, actors and film VIPs were present and feted. Patrick McDonald and Photographer Joe Arce of HollywoodChicago.com were also there, and got the stars to pose and talk.

Hosted with raucous glee by “Today Show” personality Al Roker, the night was a luminous event with brilliant speeches, highlighted by Career Achievement Awardee John C. Reilly, who thanked his born-and-bred Chicago upbringing for his movie star career. Also honored was filmmaker Jennifer Reeder (“Knives and Skin”) who received the Tour De Force Award for her progressive feminist filmography, and took us through her journey in a screenplay speech format. CIFF Founder Michael Kutza was also honored, and received a standing ovation.

Also among the Red Carpet attendees were documentarian Steve James (“Hoop Dreams”), co-filmmakers Alex Thompson & Kelly O’ Sullivan (the upcoming “Ghostlight”), filmmaker Davy Chou (“Return to Seoul”), actor/CIFF Black Perspective co-chair Regina Taylor, filmmaker McKenzie Chinn (“Olympia”), filmmaker Haroula Rose (“All Happy Families”) and actor/improver David Pasquesi (TJ & Dave).

The 60th Chicago International Film Festival’s (CIFF) Summer Gala kicks off a milestone year for the famous fest. HollywoodChicago.com photographer Joe Arce got the Exclusive Portraits on June 1st, 2024.. Click “Next” and “Previous” to scan through the slideshow or jump directly to individual photos with the captioned links below. All photos © Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com, except McKenzie Chinn.

1. CIFFGALA1: John C. Reilly, Career Achievement Award honoree.
2. CIFFGALA2: Host Al Roker, 60th CIFF Summer Gala.
3. CIFFGALA3: Filmmaker Jennifer Reeder, Tour De Force Award Honoree.
4. CIFFGALA4: CIFF Founder Michael Kutza, who started the festival in 1965.
5. CIFFGALA5: Documentarian Steve James (“Hoop Dreams”).
6. CIFFGALA6: Co-filmmakers Alex Thompson & Kelly O’ Sullivan (the upcoming “Ghostlight”).
7. CIFFGALA7: Filmmaker Davy Chou (“Return to Seoul”).
8. CIFFGALA8: Actor/CIFF Black Perspective co-chair Regina Taylor.
9. CIFFGALA9: Actor/Filmmaker McKenzie Chinn (“Olympia”).
10. CIFFGALA10: Filmmaker Haroula Rose (“All Happy Families”).
11. CIFFGALA11: Actor/improver David Pasquesi (TJ & Dave).

Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com got the interviews with the above cinema stars, and they start below with links to Reilly and Roker, and the rest coordinated with the order they are in for the Slideshow above.

CLICK HERE for a profile and Red Carpet interview of 60th CIFF Summer Gala Career Achievement Honoree, actor John C. Reilly.

CLICK HERE for a profile and Red Carpet interview of 60th CIFF Summer Gala Career Achievement Host Al Roker.

Jennifer Reeder …

Michael Kutza over the years …

Steve James …

Alex Thompson & Kelly O’Sullivan …

Davy Chou …

Regina Taylor …

McKenzie Chinn …

Haroula Rose …

David Pasquesi …

The 60th Chicago International will take place take place October 16th-27th, 2024. CIFF is facilitated by Cinema/Chicago, click here for more information, including the FREE Summer Screenings.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com

CHICAGO – One of the open secrets of Chicago is its horrible racist past, which remains like an echo. Playwright Joshua Allen has been exploring this theme in his Grand Boulevard Trilogy – the last chapter talking place during the infamous 1919 race riots – in Raven Theatre’s “The Prodigal Daughter.” For tickets and info, click TPD.

While the riots are taking place outside their home, the Bass family … widower John (Bradford Stevens) and youngest daughter Daisy (Sol Fuller) and Aunt Lottie (RJW Mays) … are hunkering in their home on Chicago’s Grand Boulevard, when a surprise return takes place from oldest daughter Virginia (Stephanie Mattos), who has a white companion name George (Stef Brundage). They are traveling vacuum cleaner sales reps, and Virginia returns home to show off her job and presumably her man. This causes issues with an old lover, Rev Maxwell (Bryant Hayes), and the ingredients are in place for a tense reunion. Meanwhile, the riots’ wolf is outside their door.

Raven Theatre’s ‘The Prodigal Daughter’ through June 22nd
Photo credit: RavenTheatre.com

Audio Theater Review of “The Prodigal Daughter” by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com …

Raven Theatre presents “The Prodigal Daughter,” through June 22nd at the Raven Theatre, 6157 North Clark Street, Chicago. Featuring Stephanie Mattos, Bradford Stevens, Sol Fuller, RJW Mays, Stef Brundage and Bryant Hayes. Written by Joshua Allen. Directed by Jerrell L. Henderson. For more information on the Raven Theatre, click here.

By PATRICK McDONALD
Editor and Film Critic/Writer
HollywoodChicago.com
pat@hollywoodchicago.com

© 2024 Patrick McDonald, HollywoodChicago.com