Michael Kutza

CHICAGO – One of the more pleasant surprises of the 2018 film year was the rise of the connectively expressive film “Roma,” written and directed by Alfonso Cuarón. Not only is it nominated for Best Picture, Best Foreign Language Film and Best Director at the 91st Academy Awards, but the two lead actresses – Yalitza Aparicio and Maria de Tavira – are nominated for Best Actress and Supporting Actress. Jon Lennon Espino, contributor at HollywoodChicago.com, interviewed both actresses last October at the 54th Chicago International Film Festival.

CHICAGO – That’s a wrap. The 54th Chicago International Film Festival ended on Sunday October 21st, 2018, with a screening of “The Front Runner,” directed by Jason Reitman (who made an appearance). Also on Saturday, the Black Perspectives event was a career overview of Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter, who contributed to “Black Panther” and “Selma,” among many others.

CHICAGO – He’s a legendary character actor that began his career in 1967. She’s a first time director interpreting her own script, which that legend called “the best he’s ever been in.” Robert Forster portrays Burt in writer/director Elizabeth Chomko’s “What They Had,” also featuring Hilary Swank, Michael Shannon, Blythe Danner and Taissa Farmiga. Forster and Chomko walked the Red Carpet representing the film at the 54th Chicago International Film Festival on Monday, October 15th, 2018.

CHICAGO – She’s a memorable talent in a different age of movie stars. British-born Carey Mulligan has shown her talent for character roles, making her film debut with “Pride & Prejudice” in 2005, breaking out a year later with “An Education,” and taking on a number of parts as an American in “Drive,” “The Great Gatsby,” “Inside Llewyn Davis” and “Mudbound.” Her latest film is “Wildlife,” directed by Paul Dano.

CHICAGO – It all comes down to the last night, and what a closer on Sunday, October 21st, 2018 for the 54th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF). “The Front Runner,” featuring Hugh Jackman and J.K. Simmons, and directed by Jason Reitman (“Juno”), will bring down the curtain on the Fest.

CHICAGO – The Chicago International Film Festival is competitive, and the 54th edition presented its awards on October 19th, 2018, at the AMC River East Theatre in Chicago. The winner of the Gold Hugo as Best Film was “Happy as Lazzaro” (Italy/Switzerland/Germany/France), directed by Alice Rohrwacher.

CHICAGO – The Founder and CEO of the Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) is Michael Kutza. In 1964, when he had the idea for the festival, legendary Chicago Sun-Times columnist Irv Kupcinet suggested a person who could help start the festivities. That person was silent film-era movie star Colleen Moore.

CHICAGO – One of the buzz films at the 54th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) is “Roma,” the latest from Academy Award winning director Alfonso Cuarón (“Gravity”). This personal and autobiographical film is winning kudos for its beauty and authenticity, as well as its setting in 1970s Mexico City. The film features Mexican actors Marina de Tavira and Yalitza Aparicio.

CHICAGO – DAY ELEVEN of the 54th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) on Saturday, October 20th, 2018, is Black Perspectives Night, with a tribute to behind-the-scenes production leadership that is vital to the look of a film, through one of its best practitioners. And in the week before Halloween, the “After Dark” series goes spookily into the wee hours.

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.