New Directors

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 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.

CHICAGO – DAY EIGHT of the 54th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) on Thursday, October 18th, 2018, spotlights one of the most sensitive and important message films of the years, the stark “Boy Erased,” directed, adapted and featuring Joel Edgerton. Also catch up with Short Films in three programs.

CHICAGO – DAY EIGHT of the 54th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) on Wednesday, October 17th, 2018, is filled with two categories of competition films – six in New Directors and three in the International Competition, plus three more “Masters” films, the latest work from today’s most accomplished filmmakers.

CHICAGO – DAY SEVEN of the 54th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) on Tuesday, October 16th, 2018, and features a tribute to the amazing young actress Carey Mulligan (“Drive,” “The Great Gatsby”), the must-see movie “Diane” and four films in the Documentary group.

CHICAGO – It was star power to the max on Saturday, October 13th, 2018, at the 54th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) as the cast and director of the new film Widows walked the Red Carpet, including Liam Neeson, Viola Davis and Michelle Rodriguez.

CHICAGO – DAY SIX of the 54th Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) on Monday, October 15th, 2018, features a tribute to the Chicago-born director William Friedkin (“The Exorcist,” “The French Connection”), two made-in-Chicago films and four films vying in the International Competition.