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Chicago International Film Festival Opening Night Block Party

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ChiFilmFest Opening Night Block Party written in neon blue letters

ChiFilmFest Opening Night Block Party

October 11, 2023 • 5:00–10:00pm
Southport from Grace to Waveland (in front of the Music Box Theatre)

The Chicago International Film Festival will kick off Opening Night with an Opening Night Block Party encompassing Southport between Grace and Waveland, home of the Music Box Theatre. Neighbors, community groups, and film fans from across Chicago are invited to enjoy live music, outdoor film screenings, retail kiosks, and local food vendors. Entry to the Block Party is FREE.

Director Steve James answers a reporter's question on the red carpet
Executive Director Vivian Teng and Artistic Director Mimi Plauche pose in front of the lighted marquee sign of the Music Box Theatre
Three improv performers perform to a crowd at a block party

Featuring live performances by local bands

ÉSSO • Living Thing • Omar Coleman & West Side Soul • Senya

Short films on the outdoor screen

CineYouth Highlights

Directed by Ryu Sihyun, Andee Williams, Aniya Carey, Antoinette Green, Iyanna Jordan, Shane Dioneda, Adelaide Wilson, Lua Borges, Adora Midderhoff, Jessica Sarmina, Tatiana Mays, Nariah Walker, and Benji Tucker.

City & State Shorts

Directed by Peter Collins Campbell, Dustin Nakao-Haider, and Brian Zahm

A man in a hoodie and beard takes food from a food truck vendor while other people wait in line.
A crowd of people fill the street of a block party with tents on either side and a dusk sky behind them.

Block Party Sponsors

Logo: DCASE Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events 311x100Logo: Lakeview Special Service Area 27 307x75Logo: NEA 293x100logo: Illinois Arts Council 266x200logo: CineCity Studios 156x125logo: Perilllo Chicago 230x125Logo: The Seeker 210x75logo: Sanpellegrino 213x100

Block Party Partners and Sponsors

Bad Johnny’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Kitchen • Bill Rush Photography & Design • Cafe Tola • Camera Ambassador • Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals • Cotacachi Handy Crafts • Dark Matter Coffee • Japanese Cultural Center • Kartemquin Films • Kerwell • Illinois Film Office • Linner Bakery • Lola’s • Lolis Designs • Mixtape Your Life • Nothing Bundt Cakes • Pallay Craft • Game Trailer • Kartemquin Films • Tori Grace Outfitters • The Bernese Builder • Wander From The Known