Film News

CHICAGO – The vital information for the 58th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) was released this week, including the COMPLETE FILM SCHEDULE, general TICKET PURCHASE info and

CHICAGO – The 40th edition of the REELING International LBGTQ+ Film Festival kicks off on Thursday (9-22-22) with the film “The Shiny Shrimp Strike Back,” at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre, followed by a legendary After Party. For info/tickets on both, click REELING40.

CHICAGO – The 58th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) recently launched its 2022 promotional campaign with the release of its official poster, centered on the theme of “Life Subtitled.” The 58th edition will take place October 12-23, 2022, and Early Bird passes (through 9/16/22) are available by clicking 58th CI

CHICAGO – Get out your Lucha Libre Mexican Wrestling masks, a special film double feature is being presented by The National Museum of Mexican Art at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre. “The Bat-Woman” (1968) and “The Panther Women” (1967) have both had a 4K Restoration, score tickets and details by clicking FEMALE LUCHA LIBRE.

CHICAGO – “The Class,” a film with strong Chicagoland ties – both in the past and present – will have a one-night-only premiere at Chicago’s iconic Music Box Theatre on September 8th, 2022 (7pm). Select stars and production crew will attend, and all the deets are available by clicking THE CLASS.

TOPANGA, CALIF – Tony Dow is still dead. The featured cast member of the iconic 1950s sitcom “Leave it to Beaver” joined the ranks of Mark Twain and Generalissimo Francisco Franco on the list of deaths that were announced before the individual had died. On July 26th, 2022, a rep inadvertently leaked that Dow had passed, after a battle with cancer. His family had to intervene, expressing that he was still alive. Dow officially died on July 27th at his home in Topanga, California.

CHICAGO – The 29th Chicago Underground Film Festival (CUFF29) Closing Day/Night is July 31st, 2022, and will present both short and feature films. One such work of art is the short film “Hermit Day,” written, directed and featuring Caroline Dean. It will be screened at SHORTS 7 on July 31st, for more info and tickets, click HERMIT.

CHICAGO – In one of my trips to New York City, I saw him in the distance on the street (this actually happens often in NYC. Pay attention!). Actor Paul Sorvino, Paulie Cicero of ‘Goodfellas’ legend, as well as many other films/stage/TV/opera work, was unmistakably walking right towards me. “Hey Paulie,” I instinctively said. “Hey,” he said back. Fast forward several years later, Mr. Sorvino was honored by the Chicago Film Critics Awards in 2013, I was a newly minted Chicago Film Critic, and I met him again (see below). Paul Sorvino died on July 25th, 2022, in Jacksonville, Florida. He was 83.

CHICAGO – The 29th Chicago Underground Film Festival (CUFF) highlights many short films in several programs, and local filmmaker Jim Vendiola will screen his latest “Pretty Pickle” on July 28th, 2022 in SHORTS 2. For ticket information, click PICKLE JIM.

CHICAGO – The 29th Chicago Underground Film Festival (CUFF) is back from July 27th-31st, 2022, and the Opening Night film is “Provo” – about a road trip to the title city – written, directed and lead acted by Emma Thatcher.