2023

CHICAGO – The first awards show of the season takes off on Thursday, November 2nd, as the BEST OF THE MIDWEST Awards will be presented by the Midwest Film Festival at CineCity Studios in Chicago. Tickets are rapidly selling out, so click on BEST OF THE MIDWEST for the levels of tickets that are available.

CHICAGO – When one man wanted to screen independent films beyond Chicago, he founded the Lake County Film Festival (LCFF). That Founder and now Executive Director is Nat Dykeman, and the 13th LCFF will take place over the next two weekends, with Opening Night on Halloween. For details and tickets, click 13th LCFF.

CHICAGO – The director debut is the flourishing element of any film festival, and the Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) has always been a nurturing place for the latest cinema talent. “Pet Shop Days” is the debut of director and co-writer Olmo Schnabel, and screened at the 59th CIFF.

CHICAGO – The stature and talent of actor Matthew Modine has loomed large for nearly two generations. He began his career in his early twenties, and continues to make an impact as he takes on new roles … for instance, that of a social worker in “Hard Miles,” which screened at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF).

CHICAGO – That’s a wrap! The 59th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) Closing Night is October 22nd, 2023, with “The Bikeriders,” which is set in Chicago and directed by Jeff Nichols (“Mud,” “Take Shelter”), who will make an appearance on behalf of the film. Click CLOSING for info and tickets.

CHICAGO – The 59th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) announced its competitive award winners on October 20th 2023, and the recipient of The Gold Hugo in the International Feature Film Competition – the festival’s top honor – is ‘Explanation for Everything” (directed by Gábor Reisz), a coming-of age story.

CHICAGO – Writer, Director and Actor Emerald Fennell is leading a new revolution of commentary in her feature films. She began with “Promising Young Woman” in 2020 – for which she won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay – and her follow-up is “Saltburn,” which screened at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival on October 19th.

CHICAGO – David Dastmalchian’s star is rising rapidly. The actor, who studied locally at DePaul University, brought his new role on film – “Late Night with the Devil” – to the 59th Chicago International Film Festival. A reprise screening will take place on October 19th, 2023. Click LATE NIGHT for info and tickets.

CHICAGO – Michael Shannon is also a film director. The distinctive actor, who has wowed cinema fans with his performances over the years, showcased his directorial debut at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) with “Eric Larue.” Shannon did a master class on directing, walked the Red Carpet and appeared at the film screening.

CHICAGO – It’s officially launched! The 59th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) began on October 11th, 2023, with a Block Party near the historic Music Box Theatre and continues through October 22th. HollywoodChicago.com caught up with the director of the Opening Night film, “We Grown Now,” and offers a preview to this weekend’s Industry Days.