UPDATE: The 61st Chicago International Film Festival officially opens today, October 15, 2023, showcasing a vibrant mix of films that reflect the city’s cultural heartbeat. Festival director Mimi Plauché shared that audience attendance is already surpassing pre-pandemic levels, with a notable influx of younger viewers, as 42% of attendees last year were under 35.
Festivities kick off with the documentary One Golden Summer, directed by Kevin Shaw, which revisits the controversial saga of the Jackie Robinson West Little League baseball team. The film, featuring a mix of archival footage and interviews with players now in their twenties, delves into the team’s triumphs and subsequent fallout over eligibility disputes. Plauché emphasizes the film’s intimate connection to Chicago, stating, “you get up close and personal with the story.”
Running from October 15 to 26, the festival’s hub is at AMC Newcity 14, with screenings across prominent venues like the Music Box Theatre and the Gene Siskel Film Center. Anticipation builds for Brendan Fraser’s film Rental Family, which follows an American actor in Tokyo who reluctantly takes a job as a “rental” father, further highlighting the festival’s diverse offerings.
The closing night features the high-concept comedy Eternity, starring Elizabeth Olsen, where a woman navigating her afterlife must choose between two love interests—her first love or the man she spent most of her life with. Plauché describes it as “colorful and funny,” promising a captivating finale.
The festival also highlights pressing global issues with films like The Voice of Hind Rajab, which portrays the harrowing experiences of a girl in Gaza. This documentary won accolades at the Venice International Film Festival and underscores the festival’s commitment to showcasing relevant narratives.
Another significant entry is Holding Liat, chronicling the harrowing story of an American couple kidnapped on October 7 and their family’s struggle for their release. Plauché urges audiences to seek out these impactful films, noting their emotional weight amidst current events.
The festival also honors influential filmmakers: Nia DaCosta will receive the Artistic Achievement Award for her unique reimagining of Hedda Gabler, while Gus Van Sant will present his thriller Dead Man’s Wire, featuring Bill Skarsgård and Al Pacino.
A special feature this year is the Criterion Mobile Closet, allowing attendees to select from a curated collection of Criterion DVDs, bridging classic cinema with contemporary audience engagement.
As the festival unfolds, Plauché urges film lovers not to miss smaller films like Franz, an unconventional biopic about author Franz Kafka, which critiques the commercialization of his legacy.
With an exciting lineup and a commitment to representing diverse voices, the Chicago International Film Festival promises to be a highlight in this year’s cinematic calendar. For more details, visit chicagofilmfestival.com.
Stay tuned for live updates and highlights from this year’s festival as it celebrates the power of film to inspire and provoke thought, right here in Chicago.
