News Archive
Category: Behind the Scenes
October 11, 2026
Filmmaker Spotlight: Kelly O’Sullivan & Alex Thompson on Mouse
Behind the ScenesFestival News
Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson are the Chicago-based filmmaking duo behind tender, coming-of-age dramas Saint Frances and Ghostlight. We honored them at our 2026 Cinema Soiree with our Vanguard Award and are thrilled to present their new film, Mouse, as the Centerpiece screening of o...
October 2, 2026
Filmmaker Spotlight: Chef Curtis Duffy & Frankie Nasso on Ever After
Behind the ScenesFestival News
Curtis Duffy was the decorated chef behind one of Chicago’s most celebrated restaurants, Grace, until he abruptly left the restaurant after disputes with the owner in 2017. In the years since, Duffy rebuilt his life and career – from mass-producing burgers to opening his new restaurant, ...
October 9, 2025
Hidden Gems at the 61st #ChiFilmFest
Behind the ScenesFestival News
We’re thrilled to screen more than 110 feature films at the 61st Chicago International Film Festival, from acclaimed awards-winners making their Chicago premieres to special retrospective screenings, works from new directors, inspiring documentaries, sizzling shorts, and more. Our Progra...
October 7, 2025
Filmmaker Spotlight: Esta Isla with Lorraine Jones Molina & Cristian Carretero
Behind the ScenesFestival News
Lorraine Jones Molina & Cristian Carretero are award-winning Puerto Rican filmmakers who’ve worked in documentary, shorts, and TV. Their narrative debut feature, This Island, or Esta Isla, debuted at Tribeca where it won Best Cinematography, Best New Narrative Director, and a Special...
September 28, 2025
Director Spotlight: James Choi on Before the Call
Behind the ScenesFestival News
James Choi is an award-winning Chicago-based filmmaker and an assistant professor at DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts. He’s produced multiple award-winning films, including Made in China, which won our Silver Hugo in 2009, and Saint Frances, which won the SXSW Special Jury Aw...
