Film News: Chicago Underground Film Fest, Sep. 13-17, 2023

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CHICAGO – The longest running underground film festival in the world kicks off its 30th Edition on Wednesday, September 13th, 2023. The Chicago Underground Film Festival opens with “Hello Dankness” at the Gene Siskel Film Center. For tickets and info, click CUFF30.

A global champion of the underground scene, the Chicago Underground Film Festival (CUFF) showcases and celebrates some of the most original films and video art being made today … all supplemented through screenings, panels, and nightly after-parties. After the Gene Siskel Center Opener, the Fest moves to Chicago’s South Side this year, with screenings at the Harper Theater in the Hyde Park neighborhood. According to CUFF Artistic Director Bryan Wendorf, “By embracing Hyde Park’s rich cultural mosaic, we ignite a vibrant tapestry of diversity, inviting artists and audiences from all walks of life to experience our boundary-pushing cinematic offerings.” 

30th CUFF
Photo credit: CUFF30.org

“Hello Dankness” is a fable-like collage film depicting the psychotropic spectacle of American politics from 2016 to 2021, and makes its Chicago debut after premiering at the Berlinale in February. Other film highlights include the Closing Night’s “For Kicks,” a world premiere documentary feature about the extraordinary life of a semi-retired security guard and his 10-year stint as an internationally famous martial-arts-film star. Other world premieres include the documentary features “Jan Terri: No Rules,” concerning the star of the viral “Worst Music Video Ever” and “Melomaniac,” about Aadam Jacobs “Chicago’s Taping Guy” and the impact of his mass archive of 1980’s and 90’s live music.

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