Accessibility at Cinema/Chicago
Cinema/Chicago is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment at all of our programs and events. We strive to provide an enjoyable viewing experience for all patrons. We invite feedback on how to improve our accessibility practices to accommodate a broader, more inclusive audience for all our programs.
For Accommodation requests or feedback, please email us at access@chicagofilmfestival.com, call us at 312.683.0121 x108, or fill out our Accommodation Request Form.
Accessibility Frequently Asked Questions
All event venues are fully wheelchair accessible, with no-step entrances or ramp access, and elevators. All venues offer wheelchair-designated spaces, companion seating, easy-access theater seating, and accessible restrooms.
All of our non-English-language films have English subtitles. Virtually screened English-language films will have Closed Captions when available, and select in-person English-language films will screen with Open Captions. These screenings will be announced and publicized on our website and program guides. ASL interpreters will be made available upon request for filmmaker Q&As and panels, as well as Assisted Listening devices when compatible.
Open captions always are in view and cannot be turned off, whereas closed captions can be turned on and off by the viewer.
An assistive listening device are personal technologies used to improve hearing ability for people in a variety of situations where they are unable to distinguish speech in noisy environments.
While all of our theaters offer wheelchair accessible spaces, these are first-come first-serve. To reserve a spot you can do any of the following:
- Fill out this Accommodation Request Form
- Call our Box Office Hotline at (312) 332-3456
- Email us at ticketing-info@chicagofilmfestival.com
ASL Interpreters are available upon request. Please fill out the Accommodation Request Form to request an interpreter. Please note that any requests made less than a week before your scheduled screening cannot be guaranteed.
Our Accommodation Request Form is great for giving feedback as well! You can also fill out the Film Event Accessibility Scorecard to give us feedback.
You can email us at access@chicagofilmfestival.com or call 312.683.0121 x108
Accessibility at the 59th Chicago International Film Festival
Closed Captions
Closed CaptionsThere are a limited number of films that are available via CCAP at The Music Box and AMC New City. Some of our streaming options have Closed Captions available and are listed further down on this web page. There are a limited number of devices at each location. Please contact access@chicagofilmfestival.com to inquire about the availability for any specific film.
Streaming Films with Closed Captions
DocumentaryDocumentary CompetitionWomen in Cinema
Because We Have Each Other
Sari Braithwaite | Australia
Black PerspectivesShorts Program
Shorts 7: Black Perspectives – Resonance
Various | Tanzania, United States
Open Captions
Open Captions are available for select screenings and are listed further down on this web page. Live Open Captioning via CART will be provided for all Q&A’s following Open Captioned films and for all Industry Day presentations.
Screenings with Open Captions
Open Caption screenings will feature Live Captioning for filmmaker Q&As when applicable.
Black PerspectivesDocumentaryWomen in Cinema
The Space Race
Lisa Cortés, Diego Hurtado de Mendoza | United States
DocumentaryDocumentary CompetitionWomen in Cinema
Because We Have Each Other
Sari Braithwaite | Australia
Audio Description
There are a limited number of film screenings available with Audio Description at The Music Box and AMC New City. They will be listed on this webpage as they are confirmed. Please contact access@chicagofilmfestival.com to inquire about the availability for any specific films.
Assisted Listening Devices
Assisted Listening DevicesScreenings at GSFC, AMC New City, Music Box, Chicago History Museum, Logan Center for the Arts and MCA have Assisted Listening Devices. These devices play the same audio from the theater speakers, not additional descriptive audio. For more information about a particular locations equipment, please contact access@chicagofilmfest.com.
Screenings with Assistive Listening Devices available
All screenings at the Gene Siskel Film Center have assistive listening devices available.
ASL Interpreters
ASL Interpreters are available by request. When they have already been assigned to an event, they will be added to this page. If you would like to request an ASL interpreter, please fill out the Accommodation Request form or email access@chicagofilmfestival.com.
ADA Priority Entrance
In addition to reserved accessible seating, we offer ADA Priority Entrance. This will allow those who need accessible seating priority entrance into the theater so they can choose the seats that will make the film most accessible to them. If you would like to request ADA Priority Entrance, please fill out the Accommodation Request for or email access@chicagofilmfestival.com.
Sensory
For those with sensory sensitivities, there will be sensory items (ear plugs, sunglasses, fidget tools) available at the AMC New City, The Music Box, and GSFC. Staff and volunteers will also be equipped in showing you to a quiet space when asked for assistance.
Venue Descriptions
Please visit our individual venue pages for specific venue accessibility details.
Though all of our venues are ADA accessible, not all access fits everyone’s needs. If you have any specific questions or concerns about venue accessibility (i.e. ramps vs. elevators, accessible door function, ADA restroom details, ect.), please contact access@chicagofilmfestival.com.
Service Animals
Service animals are always allowed. Emotional Support animals are not permitted.
Companion Pass
Attendees who require assistance during the event can request a Companion Pass for an attendant or aid to accompany them. The Companion Pass does not grant access to any events without the ticketed patron. If you would like to request a Companion Pass, please fill out the Accommodation Request form or email access@chicagofilmfestival.com.
Masking
Though masking at our events is recommended, we do not have any mask requirements at this time.
Additional Accommodations
If something that is not listed here would make our event more accessible to you, please fill out the Accommodation Request Form or email access@chicagofilmfestival.com to discuss what options we may have available for you.
Official Festival Accessibility Partners
Accessibility at Summer Screenings
Summer Screenings is Cinema/Chicago’s annual free film series that casts a spotlight on a different country’s national cinema each week all summer. Learn all about Summer Screenings…
Screenings with Open Captions
Wednesday, June 28 @ 6:30pm
Soft
Dir. Joseph Amenta | Canada | 
Three friends fall in love with summertime Toronto’s lively nightlife. Young, queer, and unapologetically self-confident, the trio spends their days holding court and plotting to sneak into a nightclub. When one of their caregivers goes missing under suspicious circumstances, reality comes crashing in and their seemingly unbreakable bond is tested. Featuring…
Wednesday, July 5 @ 6:30pm
Cumar: A Galway Rhapsody
Dir. Aodh Ó Coileáin | Ireland |
Nestled along Ireland’s Western coast, Galway holds a magnetic attraction for artists of all stripes. Through a series of interviews with writers, musicians, poets, and painters, Cumar (Irish for “confluence”) crafts a portrait of the metropolis as seen through the eyes of its artists. This visually sumptuous, reflective ode to the city itself explores…
Wednesday, Aug 9 @ 6:30pm
Keep Stepping
Dir. Luke Cornish | Australia |
In Sydney, Gabi and Patricia train to compete in Destructive Steps, Australia’s largest street dance competition. Both are pushing themselves mentally and physically in hopes that winning the contest will open new doors and possibilities for a better life. The film spans seven years and provides viewers with intimate access to the breathtaking artform…
Wednesday, Aug 23 @ 6:30pm
City, Living: Chicago Stories
Dir. Various | United States |
Chicago-made short films create a patchwork of perspectives on life in the city.Featuring a profile of a busker, an exploration of the city’s bricks, a comedy about a souvenir salesman, a document of the reversal of the Chicago River, an examination of gun violence, a rumination on family and place, and a comedy about a dog sitter.
Wednesday, Sept 6 @ 6:30pm
Nowhere Special
Dir. Uberto Pasolini | United Kingdom |
Thirty-five-year-old window cleaner and single father John has dedicated his life to raising his son. Given only a few months to live, he traverses Belfast, visiting homes of the working class and wealthy alike. He has a singular goal: to find the perfect family to raise his toddler Michael. How can he carry out this impossible task? Inspired by true events…
212 W Van Buren St., Suite 400
