Author Archive | Alejandro Riera

Cinema/Chicago News

The 50th Chicago International Film Festival Introduces the Roger Ebert Award

Published: October 2, 2014  |  Filed under: Festival News

CHICAGO, IL (October 2, 2014) – In the spirit of film critic Roger Ebert’s sense of discovery, the 50th Chicago International Film Festival introduces the Roger Ebert Award. The award will be presented annually to that emerging filmmaker whose film presents a fresh and uncompromising vision. The fourteen films eligible for the award are also competing in the Festival’s New Directors Competition. The Roger Ebert Award will be presented during the Festival’s annual Awards Night on Friday, October 17 at The Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, 20 E.[…]

Continue Reading

Cinema/Chicago News

Chicago International Film Festival Docufest Program Celebrates the Best in Non-Fiction Filmmaking

Published: October 1, 2014  |  Filed under: Festival News

CHICAGO, IL (October 1, 2014) – The 50th Chicago International Film Festival and Program Partner Columbia College proudly present Docufest, which is comprised of 18 exciting non-fiction features from around the world. Eight of these films are in competition—all of which are without U.S. distribution. Seven are making their U.S. or North American Premieres at the Festival. Winners are selected by a jury of film professionals with awards to be presented at the Festival’s Award Ceremony on Friday, October 17 at 9pm at The Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, 20 E.[…]

Continue Reading

Cinema/Chicago News

The 50th Chicago International Film Festival Announces Three World Premieres in City & State Program

Published: September 30, 2014  |  Filed under: Festival News

CHICAGO (September 30, 2014) — The Chicago International Film Festival’s semi-centennial celebration will feature an exciting lineup of features, documentaries, and shorts made in Chicago and throughout Illinois, including three World Premieres, as part of its City & State program. Recently dubbed the “Best Place to Live and Work as a Filmmaker,” by “MovieMaker” magazine, Chicago has firmly established itself as a haven for both independent and big-budget Hollywood film production. The City & State program is sponsored by Cinespace, Periscope Post & Audio and SAG-AFTRA Chicago.[…]

Continue Reading

Cinema/Chicago News

Writer/Director Richard Lagravenese Presents 50th Chicago International Film Festival Centerpiece Film, “The Last 5 Years”

Published: September 24, 2014  |  Filed under: Festival News

CHICAGO, IL (September 24, 2014) – Academy Award®-nominated writer-director Richard LaGravenese (“The Fisher King”) will introduce his latest film, “The Last 5 Years” as the Centerpiece for the 50th Chicago International Film Festival (October 9 – 23). Starring Academy Award® nominee Anna Kendrick and Tony Award nominee Jeremy Jordan, “The Last 5 Years” will screen Wednesday, October 15, at the AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois St.) at 6 p.m.

The Last 5 Years-Print Version

“The Last 5 Years,” a rousing adaptation of the beloved Off-Broadway hit that originated at Chicago’s Northlight Theatre in 2001, chronicles the tumultuous five-year relationship between struggling actress Cathy (Anna Kendrick) and rising novelist Jamie (Jeremy Jordan).[…]

Continue Reading

Cinema/Chicago News

50th Chicago International Film Festival To Shine A Spotlight On Scandinavian Cinema

Published: September 16, 2014  |  Filed under: Festival News

CHICAGO, IL (September 16, 2014) – The 50th Chicago International Film Festival presents Spotlight Scandinavia, the fourth year of the World Cinema Spotlight Program. This year’s program highlights the exciting, rich, and diverse range of contemporary cinematic cultures across the five Nordic countries. From sizzling tales of passion and murder, to a family-friendly childhood adventure, this selection of highly acclaimed films features innovative works and exciting new voices as well as cinematic classics from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.[…]

Continue Reading