Accessibility at Cinema/Chicago
Cinema/Chicago is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment at all of our programs and events. 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 foreign-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.
Please submit any accommodation requests at least 1 week prior to the scheduled event.
We strive to provide an enjoyable viewing experience for all patrons. We invite feedback on how to better 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
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 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…
Accessibility at the 58th Chicago International Film Festival
Please visit our individual venue pages for specific venue accessibility details.
Screenings with Assistive Listening Devices available
All screenings at the Gene Siskel Film Center have assistive listening devices available.
Screenings with Open Captions
Streaming Films with Closed Captions
Official Festival Accessibility Partner
212 W Van Buren St., Suite 400
