Film News: DAY TEN of 54th Chicago International Film Festival Goes ‘In Search of Greatness'

Submitted by PatrickMcD on October 18, 2018 - 2:27pm

CHICAGO – DAY TEN of the 54th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) on Friday, October 19th, 2018, has one of the more notable documentary screenings, with an appearance by the director. “In Search of Greatness,” by Gabe Polsky, is a examination into the nature of unique genius in sports, with profiles of Wayne Gretzky, soccer icon Pelé and NFL legend Jerry Rice. Also, it’s AWARDS NIGHT, where the festival honors its best.

’In Search of Greatness’ on Day Ten of the 54th Chicago International Film Festival
Photo credit: Chicago International Film Festival/Art of Sport

EVENTS Friday is Awards Night, when film categories in this competitive festival are honored, including Best Film in the International Feature Film Competition, Documentary, New Director, LGBTQ+ and Short Film. For details and tickets, click here.

FILM OF THE DAY “IN SEARCH OF GREATNESS” (USA) How does one athlete stand out from another, given the same parameters available to physically gifted people? Filmmaker Gabe Polsky (“Red Army”) explores the “it” factor, from pro hockey (Wayne Gretzky), pro football (Jerry Rice) and international soccer (Pelé). Polsky delves deeply, with commentary by social scientists and creativity experts. It turns out that uniqueness is a quality that is part mystery, part happenstance and part being in the right place/time at any given moment (click here for more details, including an appearance by Gabe Polsky).

WATCH OUT FOR… The Spotlight on World Cinema, with “Naples in Veils” (Italy), “Soni” (Italy/France/Qatar), “This Magnificent Cake” (Belgium/France/Netherlands), “Hard Paint” (Brazil), “X-The Exploited” (Hungary), “Foam at the Mouth” (Lativia/Lithuania/Poland) and Olympia (USA). (click here for an overview).

The 54th Chicago International Film Festival primarily takes place at the AMC River East 21, 322 East Illinois Street, Chicago from October 10th to October 21st, 2018. Click here for film schedules, information and to purchase tickets.