Film News: Chicago’s REELING42 Opening Night ‘Young Hearts’ at Music Box, Sept. 19, 2024

Submitted by PatrickMcD on September 18, 2024 - 1:03pm

CHICAGO – The 42nd edition of the REELING International LBGTQ+ Film Festival (Reeling42) kicks off on September 19th, 2024, and runs through October 6th. The Opening Night film is “Young Hearts” at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre. For info/tickets click REELING42.

“Young Hearts” captures the pain and joy of falling in love for the first time in a beautifully filmed coming-out story. Set in a charming town in the Belgian countryside, the emotionally guarded fourteen-year-old Elias finds his world turned upside down when he meets his new neighbor and classmate, Alexander, who is an open book and confidently gay. As they adventure together around the idyllic countryside and become filled with emotions they are too young to fully comprehend, an innocent first love blossoms.

Director Anthony Schatteman of “Young Hearts” will walk the Red Carpet Opening Night, along with director Cory Wexler Grant of “Screams From the Tower” (9/21, 12:30p). Director Mike Spears of “Moving In: A Modern Musical (9/23. 8:45p) and producer Trey Tetreault of “Holding Back the Tide’ (9/21, noon).

REELING42 Opens with ‘Young Hearts,’ Directed by Anthony Schatteman (inset)
Photo credit: REELINGFilmFestival.org

With programs including narrative features, documentary features, a virtual program and shorts, there many ways to enjoy REELING42. To check out the schedule for all films and options, click SCHEDULE. For ticket and pass options, click TICKETS. The in-person festival runs through September 29th, the online virtual fest will have select titles available September 27th through October 6th. Click VIRTUAL REELING42 for more info on that option.

REELING42: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival is the second longest-running film festival of its kind, and prides itself on showcasing the best LGBTQ+ films and videos each year. From award-winning international feature films to social documentaries to experimental shorts, REELING has always presented a range of genres that demonstrate the rich diversity of work being produced. Not only has REELING become one of the most important cultural events for Chicagoans, it also attracts LGBTQ+ people from throughout the Midwest who consider the festival to be the highlight of their cinematic year.

The 42nd edition of REELING International LBGTQ+ Film Festival runs from September 19th through October 6th, 2024. For tickets, schedule and all information, click REELINGFilmFestival.org.