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.
![photo_58fest-blockparty-redcarpet_600x400 Director Steve James answers a reporter's question on the red carpet](https://cinemachicago.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/photo_58fest-blockparty-redcarpet_600x400.jpg)
![photo_58fest-blockparty-coheads_600x400 Executive Director Vivian Teng and Artistic Director Mimi Plauche pose in front of the lighted marquee sign of the Music Box Theatre](https://cinemachicago.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/photo_58fest-blockparty-coheads_600x400.jpg)
![photo_58fest-blockparty-improv_600x400 Three improv performers perform to a crowd at a block party](https://cinemachicago.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/photo_58fest-blockparty-improv_600x400.jpg)
Featuring…
Live performances by local bands
![Photo Blockparty Band Senya 800x533](https://cinemachicago.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/photo_blockparty-band-senya_800x533.jpg)
Senya
Performing at 5:00pm
Listen to music from Senya…
![Photo Blockparty Band Livingthing 800x533](https://cinemachicago.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/photo_blockparty-band-livingthing_800x533.jpg)
Living Thing
Performing at 6:15pm
Listen to music from Living Thing…
![Photo Blockparty Band Omarcoleman 800x533](https://cinemachicago.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/photo_blockparty-band-omarcoleman_800x533.jpg)
Omar Coleman & West Side Soul
Performing at 7:30pm
Learn more about Omar Coleman & West Side Soul…
![Photo Blockparty Band Esso 800x533](https://cinemachicago.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/photo_blockparty-band-esso_800x533.jpg)
ÉSSO
Performing at 8:45pm
Learn more about ÉSSO…
Film trivia from Cinema/Chicago
All trivia will take place at the Video Wall on the north end of the block party (Grace & Southport). Participants will use their phone to answer questions projected on the screen via Crowdpurr. The player with the quickest correct responses will win Chicago International Film Festival merchandise!
Chicago International Film Festival Programmers’ Trivia
Starting at 6:15pm
Join Festival Programmers Anthony Kaufman, Sam Flancher and Christy LeMaster for a round of advanced movie trivia: from general questions about crowd favorites to deeper cuts into cult classics, this round of trivia is sure to engage film buffs of many genres!
Cinema/Chicago Associate Board Film Trivia
Starting at 7:30pm & 8:45pm
Gather ’round for this general movie trivia led by Cinema/Chicago’s Associate Board. From blockbusters to indie darlings, movies from many years and many categories will be featured in this round designed to find the film fan with the biggest range in taste and knowledge!
Short films on the outdoor screen
![FF59 BestofCineYouth2023 1200x600](https://cinemachicago.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/FF59_BestofCineYouth2023_1200x600-1024x512.jpg)
CineYouth Highlights
Showing at 5:30pm & 8:15pm
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.
![FF59 ShortsProgram BlockParty 1200x600](https://cinemachicago.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/FF59_ShortsProgram-BlockParty_1200x600-1024x512.jpg)
City & State Shorts
Showing at 7:00pm & 9:15pm
Directed by Peter Collins Campbell, Dustin Nakao-Haider, and Brian Zahm
![photo_58fest-blockparty-foodtruck_600x400 A man in a hoodie and beard takes food from a food truck vendor while other people wait in line.](https://cinemachicago.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/photo_58fest-blockparty-foodtruck_600x400.jpg)
![photo_58fest-blockparty-crowd_600x300 A crowd of people fill the street of a block party with tents on either side and a dusk sky behind them.](https://cinemachicago.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/photo_58fest-blockparty-crowd_600x300.jpg)
Block Party Partners and Participants
Bad Johnny’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Kitchen • Bill Rush Photography & Design • Cáfe Tola • Camera Ambassador • Chetoni Designs • Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals • CHIRP Radio • Comfortably Queen • Cotacachi Handy Crafts • Dark Matter Coffee • Gene Siskel Film Center • giveash*t • The Illinois Film Office • Indie-Pendant • Japanese Culture Center • Kartemquin Films • Kerwell • Linner Bakery • Lola’s Coney Island • Lolis Designs • Mistura • Mixtape Your Life • Mochinut – Lincoln Park • Music Box Theatre • Nothing Bundt Cakes • NRG • OuroHermetic • Pallay Craft • Peanut Butter Pig • Tori Grace Outfitters • The Bernese Builder • Uncle Nearest • Wander from the Known