First Look at the 62nd Chicago International Film Festival
Your sneak peek at some of the films playing this year’s Festival
The Chicago International Film Festival returns for its 62nd edition, running from October 14–25, 2026. This year’s Festival will feature an exciting array of films at venues across Chicago, including AMC NEWCITY 14, Gene Siskel Film Center, the Music Box Theatre, the Chicago History Museum, Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts at the University of Chicago, and the National Museum of Mexican Art and Kennedy-King College for free Community Cinema screenings.
The full film lineup for the Festival will be announced on Thursday, September 17.
Festival passes are now on sale. For early access and the best prices on passes and tickets become a member today.
On-sale dates
Sept 18 at 10:00am
Exclusive Members-Only Pre-Sale begins for Individual Tickets and Pass Redemption
Sept 24 at 10:00am
General Public Festival Pass redemption opens
September 25 at 10:00am
General Public Individual tickets go on sale
Opening Night
Club Kid
DIR. Jordan Firstman
After ten years of living the hard-partying life of a New York City club promoter, Peter (Jordan Firstman) wakes up one morning to find a very unexpected visitor at his door: the 10-year-old British son he never knew he had. At first, he is utterly shocked and comically unprepared to take care of anyone, much less himself, but Peter slowly warms up to his adorable offspring. Soon, he begins attempting to tamp down his hedonistic existence and become a not-so-regular dad.
Director & star Jordan Firstman scheduled to attend & receive Breakthrough Award
Centerpiece
Mouse
DIR. Kelly O’Sullivan & Alex Thompson
2002, North Little Rock, Arkansas. Besties Minnie and Callie are getting ready for their high school senior year. Charismatic Callie, a singer and performer, is the town’s golden child, while the more awkward Minnie has grown up in her protective shadow. When their friendship is suddenly upended by a tragic accident, Minnie is left rudderless. Struggling to find herself and looking for companionship, Minnie forms a complicated relationship with Callie’s mother, who is also seeking solace from her grief. (Sophie Okonedo).
Star Sophie Okonedo scheduled to attend & receive Spotlight Award
Wild Horse Nine
DIR. Martin McDonagh
Paper Tiger
DIR. James Gray
Bitter Christmas
DIR. Pedro Almodóvar
Fatherland Ojczyzna
DIR. Paweł Pawlikowski
Talent Attending
Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu
DIR. Michael LaHaie
Bob Odenkirk scheduled to attend.
Talent Attending
The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd
DIR. Tim Blake Nelson
Director Tim Blake Nelson scheduled to attend.
World Premiere
Ever After
DIR. Frankie Nasso
