Film News: Mimi Plauché Named New Artistic Director at Chicago International Film Festival

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CHICAGO – Cinema/Chicago – the parent organization of the Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) – announced today that Mimi Plauché will take over as Artistic Director for the festival, effective immediately. She assumes the position formerly head by Michael Kutza, the Founder of CIFF. Kutza will continue with the festival as President & CEO, overseeing operations, the branding of Cinema/Chicago, fundraising and the education programs.

Mimi Plauché, the New Artistic Director for the Chicago International Film Festival
Photo credit: Timothy M. Schmidt for Cinema/Chicago

Mimi Plauché had been part of the programming department of Cinema/Chicago since 2006, rising to her most recent position of Programming Director. As Artistic Director, she will be responsible for all film programming at the Chicago International Film Festival, Cinema/Chicago’s year-round programming and community partnering. She will also identify established and emerging filmmakers for inclusion into the festival, and will represent CIFF at other festivals throughout the world.

Michael Kutza, Founder, President & CEO of CIFF Photo credit: Timothy M. Schmidt for Cinema/Chicago

Michael Kutza was the longest serving Artistic Director in film festival history, serving in that capacity since founding CIFF in 1964. As Governing Board Chair Penelope Steiner said, “Having Michael’s time and attention focused on helming the organization’s year-round branding and fundraising efforts will enable us to expand in a multitude of ways. Mimi’s extensive knowledge of film, her longstanding relationships with studios and filmmakers and - more than anything — her impeccable taste, make it clear that the artistic leadership of the Festival is in extraordinarily capable hands.”

“It is a great honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading the organization’s artistic direction, and I am excited to be guiding the continued evolution of our world-renowned film festival,” Mimi Plauché added. “Michael has been my mentor and collaborator for more than a decade.  I look forward to carrying on the tradition of bringing the finest in international and independent cinema to Chicago’s adventurous and informed Festival audiences. I am also working to expand the Festival through strategic growth and dynamic community partnerships to better support the international and local filmmaking communities and best serve our audiences.”

Cinema/Chicago, the parent organization of the Chicago International Film Festival, is a non-profit arts and education organization dedicated to fostering better communication between people of diverse cultures through the art of film and the moving image. Cinema/Chicago’s programs include the Chicago International Film Festival, Chicago International Television Festival, the CineYouth Festival, international screenings, and a year-round education program. Celebrating its 53rd edition October 12-26, 2017, the Chicago International Film Festival is North America’s longest running competitive film fest.

By PATRICK McDONALD Writer, Editorial Coordinator HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com