Film Feature: 5 Ways to Love the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival

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CHICAGO – They’re warming up the spotlights, and gathering up all the glam for the next two weeks. The 53rd Chicago International Film Festival opens on Thursday, October 12th, 2017, with the film “Marshall” (details below), and it’s time for movie lovers to come together in the Windy City.

CIFF17
The 53rd: ‘Because Life is a Movie’
Photo credit: Chicago International Film Festival

Besides the obvious incredible selection of international cinematic treats, the Chicago International Film Festival offers a prestigious line-up of tributes, themes, perspectives and interactions with the movies, all in a whirlwind of events and screenings. HollywoodChicago.com offers five ways to love the festival, as a guide to getting the most out of the Film Fest experience.

Star150 Movies from 50 Countries

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’Ali’s Wedding’ (Australia)
Photo credit: Chicago International Film Festival

The obvious first tip is to see the films, whether short or feature, especially those from far off or nearby countries that you have visited or are interested in. There is no finer way to see a reflection of culture than in the modern cinema, and there is no finer way to see ourselves in that reflection. Besides the big event pictures, go to the festival guide (click here) and see the world.

StarTributes and Appearances

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Patrick Stewart, Alfre Woodard and Vanessa Redgrave to Appear at the 53rd
Photo credit: Chicago International Film Festival

For two weeks, Chicago becomes the center of the cinema universe, and the stars, filmmakers and influencers of the movies descend onto the Festival scene. There will be special tributes to iconic actors Patrick Stewart, Vanessa Redgrave and Alfre Woodard, as well as directors, actors and producers representing their works throughout the run of the fest. Keep an eye out for the red carpet events and director/performer Q&As as part of the screenings.

StarThemes, Spotlights and Perspectives

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One of the Exciting Spotlights of the 53rd
Photo credit: Chicago International Film Festival

If you have specific interests, the Film Festival can fulfill them. Take a deep breath, and indulge in International, New Directors and the Documentary Competitions. Partake in the U.S. Indies and extremely popular “After Dark” series. Get illuminated by the “Spotlight” category, honoring Architecture and International Film Noir. Engage in the Festival’s panorama on local “City & State” films, Black Perspectives, the LGBTQ+ Outlook Competition, the Cinemas of the Americas and the Short film programs, which encompass all of those subject categories in a more compact running time. Exhale.

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