Festival How To

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How To Enjoy This Year’s Festival

The 59th Chicago International Film Festival welcomes you to enjoy the films and the moviegoing experience you love, from in-person screenings to on-demand streaming. The detailed instructions below will assist you in navigating the membership, pass, and ticket-buying process as well as enjoying our virtual screenings.

If you have additional questions, you can visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact our technical support at:

Festival Support: 312.332.3456 (FILM)

techsupport@chicagofilmfestival.com

On Sale Dates

September 19, 2023 at 10:00am
Exclusive Members-Only Pre-Sale:
Individual Tickets and Pass Redemption

September 21, 2023 at 10:00am
General Public: Pass Redemption

September 22, 2023 at 10:00am
General Public: Individual Tickets on Sale

How to Buy Tickets

chicagofilmfestival.com

September 19-October 22, 2023
Get your Festival tickets directly on the Festival website.

In-Theater Box Office

October 11-22, 2023
Each venue’s Festival box office opens one hour before the start of the first screening, and closes at the start of the last screening.

312.332.FILM (3456)

Ticketing and Tech Support

September 19-October 11:
Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm

October 12-October 22:
Monday-Sunday, 12pm-8pm

How to Make Purchases

A Membership is the best way to take advantage of what Cinema Chicago has to offer, including discounts on festival passes and tickets, as well as year-round members-only screenings and other perks.

  1. Visit https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/donate/membership/
  2. Click the red “Add To Cart” button on your preferred Membership type
  3. The membership has been added to your cart. If you’d like to add additional items like passes or tickets to your cart, select “Continue Shopping.” Otherwise, select “Checkout.”
  4. Your cart will be displayed. Review your selections and click “Continue to Checkout.”
  5. An option appears: Donate to Cinema/Chicago. You may donate or select “Not Today” and continue with purchase.
  6. Log-in to your Elevent account, or register for an account if you have not done so already.
  7. Fill out your billing information and click “Complete Purchase.”
  8. Once the transaction is complete, you will receive an email confirmation (with confirmation number). Please save for your records.

A Membership is the best way to take advantage of what Cinema Chicago has to offer, including discounts on festival passes and tickets, as well as year-round members-only screenings and other perks.

  1. Visit https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/donate/membership/
  2. Click the red “Add To Cart” button on your preferred Membership type
  3. The membership has been added to your cart. If you’d like to add additional items like passes or tickets to your cart, select “Continue Shopping.” Otherwise, select “Checkout.”
  4. Your cart will be displayed. Review your selections and click “Continue to Checkout.”
  5. An option appears: Donate to Cinema/Chicago. You may donate or select “Not Today” and continue with purchase.
  6. Log-in to your Elevent account, or register for an account if you have not done so already.
  7. Fill out your payment information and click “Complete Order.”
  8. Once the transaction is complete, you will receive an email confirmation (with confirmation number). Please save for your records.

Passes provide a packaged experience for the 59th Chicago International Film Festival. Choose between 10-ticket and 20-ticket options for regular screenings. There are separate Pass Types for in-person and virtual festival experiences, so review your pass package selections carefully. Passes are not valid on Opening, Closing, Centerpiece, Special Presentations, or Special Events.

  1. Visit https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/festival/tickets/
  2. Click the red “Add to Cart” button on your preferred pass type (Members, locate the “Member Passes” section)
  3. The pass package has been added to your cart. If you’d like to add additional items like memberships or tickets to your cart, select “Continue Shopping.” Otherwise, select “Checkout.”
  4. Your cart will be displayed. Review your selections and click “Continue to Checkout.”
  5. An option appears: Donate to Cinema/Chicago. You may donate or select “Not Today” and continue with purchase.
  6. Log-in to your Elevent account (for members, this will link your pass purchase to your membership on file), or register for an account if you have not done so already.
  7. Fill out your information and click “Continue to Payment.”
  8. Fill out your payment information and click “Complete Order.”
  9. Once the transaction is complete, you will receive an email confirmation (with confirmation number). Please save for your records.

Passes provide a packaged experience for the 59th Chicago International Film Festival. Choose between 10-ticket and 20-ticket options for regular screenings. There are separate Pass Types for in-person and virtual festival experiences, so review your pass package selections carefully. Passes are not valid on Opening, Closing, Centerpiece, Special Presentations, or Special Events.

  1. Visit https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/festival/tickets/
  2. Click the red “Add to Cart” button on your preferred pass type (Members, locate the “Member Passes” section)
  3. The pass package has been added to your cart. If you’d like to add additional items like memberships or tickets to your cart, select “Continue Shopping.” Otherwise, select “Checkout.”
  4. Your cart will be displayed. Review your selections and click “Continue to Checkout.”
  5. An option appears: Donate to Cinema/Chicago. You may donate or select “Not Today” and continue with purchase.
  6. Log-in to your Elevent account (for members, this will link your pass purchase to your membership on file), or register for an account if you have not done so already.
  7. Fill out your information and click “Continue to Payment.”
  8. Fill out your payment information and click “Complete Order.”
  9. Once the transaction is complete, you will receive an email confirmation (with confirmation number). Please save for your records.

Beginning with Member Pre-sale on September 19 and Early Pass Redemption on September 21, passholders will have the ability to redeem tickets to regular screenings, both in-person and virtual.

  1. Visit https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/ and SIGN IN to your Elevent account (select Continue with Elevent) to access your pass package information.
  2. Navigate to the Film Festival page and click on the Films List.
  3. Browse the list of films until you find your preferred selection. Click on the film image or film title.
  4. On the individual film page, right above the red “Add to Cart” button, there will be an option to “Click here to begin fulfilling your package.” Select that option.
  5. Your pass package information will appear. Click “Fulfill Package.”
  6. You will now have the option to add tickets to your pass package fulfillment (you can choose multiple tickets for in-person screenings and only one ticket for virtual access). Choose your desired number of tickets and click “Add to Cart.”
  7. The tickets have been added to your cart. If you’d like to add tickets to other films, click “Continue Shopping.” Otherwise, click “Checkout.”
  8. Your cart will be displayed. Review your selections and click “Continue to Checkout.”
  9. Enter your information and click “Complete Fulfillment.”
  10. Your order/fulfillment is complete! You will receive a confirmation email (with confirmation number). Please save for your records.

OR

  1. Visit https://www.goelevent.com/ and log-in using the credentials created during your pass purchase.
  2. You will be directed to a fulfillment selection page, and should see your pass type listed. Click “Fulfill Package.”
  3. You will be directed back to the main Elevent page. Select “Search Events” in the Chicago International Film Festival section.
  4. Film selections will appear as individual events. Select “Get Tickets” on your preferred selection.
  5. This will bring up the selected screening. Add tickets to your order and select “Add to Cart”. You can repeat Step 4 until you have fulfilled your entire package. Review your selections and click “Checkout.”
  6. Fill out your information and select “Complete Fulfillment.”
  7. Once the transaction is complete, you will receive an email confirmation (with confirmation number). Please save for your records.

Beginning with Member Pre-sale on September 19 and Early Pass Redemption on September 21, passholders will have the ability to redeem tickets to regular screenings, both in-person and virtual.

  1. Visit https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/ and SIGN IN to your Elevent account (select Continue with Elevent) to access your pass package information.
  2. Navigate to the Film Festival page and click on the Films List.
  3. Browse the list of films until you find your preferred selection. Click on the film image or film title.
  4. On the individual film page, right above the red “Add to Cart” button, there will be an option to “Click here to begin fulfilling your package.” Select that option.
  5. Your pass package information will appear. Click “Fulfill Package.”
  6. You will now have the option to add tickets to your pass package fulfillment (you can choose multiple tickets for in-person screenings and only one ticket for virtual access). Choose your desired number of tickets and click “Add to Cart.”
  7. The tickets have been added to your cart. If you’d like to add tickets to other films, click “Continue Shopping.” Otherwise, click “Checkout.”
  8. Your cart will be displayed. Review your selections and click “Continue to Checkout.”
  9. Enter your information and click “Complete Fulfillment.”
  10. Your order/fulfillment is complete! You will receive a confirmation email (with confirmation number). Please save for your records.

OR

  1. Visit https://www.goelevent.com/ and log-in using the credentials created during your pass purchase.
  2. You will be directed to a fulfillment selection page, and should see your pass type listed. Click “Fulfill Package.”
  3. You will be directed back to the main Elevent page. Select “Search Events” in the Chicago International Film Festival section.
  4. Film selections will appear as individual events. Select “Get Tickets” on your preferred selection.
  5. This will bring up the selected screening. Add tickets to your order and select “Add to Cart”. You can repeat Step 4 until you have fulfilled your entire package. Review your selections and click “Checkout.”
  6. Fill out your information and select “Complete Fulfillment.”
  7. Once the transaction is complete, you will receive an email confirmation (with confirmation number). Please save for your records.

Beginning on September 22, you will have the option to purchase individual tickets.

  1. Visit https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/festival/
  2. Browse the list of films until you find your preferred selection. Click on the film image or film title.
  3. On the individual film page, click the red “Add to Cart” button.
  4. The ticket has been added to your cart. If you’d like to add additional tickets to your cart, select “Continue Shopping.” Otherwise, select “Checkout.”
  5. Your cart will be displayed. Review your selections and click “Continue to Checkout.”
  6. An option appears: Donate to Cinema/Chicago. You may donate or select “Not Today” and continue with purchase.
  7. Log-in to your Elevent account, or register for an account if you have not done so already.
  8. Fill out your information and click “Continue to Payment.”
  9. Fill out your payment information and click “Complete Order.”
  10. Once the transaction is complete, you will receive an email confirmation (with confirmation number). Please save for your records.

Beginning on September 22, you will have the option to purchase individual tickets.

  1. Visit https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/festival/
  2. Browse the list of films until you find your preferred selection. Click on the film image or film title.
  3. On the individual film page, click the red “Add to Cart” button.
  4. The ticket has been added to your cart. If you’d like to add additional tickets to your cart, select “Continue Shopping.” Otherwise, select “Checkout.”
  5. Your cart will be displayed. Review your selections and click “Continue to Checkout.”
  6. An option appears: Donate to Cinema/Chicago. You may donate or select “Not Today” and continue with purchase.
  7. Log-in to your Elevent account, or register for an account if you have not done so already.
  8. Fill out your information and click “Continue to Payment.”
  9. Fill out your payment information and click “Complete Order.”
  10. Once the transaction is complete, you will receive an email confirmation (with confirmation number). Please save for your records.
  1. Use the email address we sent vouchers to (look for an email with subject line, “Order Confirmation # – Chicago International Film Festival”). To create a Password, simply follow the “Forgot Password” instructions.
  2. You will be logged in and on the Elevent home page that lists active film festivals. Navigate to the listing for Chicago International Film Festival, and click “Search Events.”
  3. Film selections will appear as individual events. Select “Get Tickets” on your preferred selection.
  4. This will bring up the selected screening. Add 1 ticket (virtual admission) to your order by selecting “Add to Cart”. You can repeat Step 3 until you have as many films in your cart as you have vouchers. Review your selections and click “Checkout.”
  5. An option appears: Donate to Cinema/Chicago. You may donate or select “Not Today” and continue with the transaction.
  6. You will see a message notifying you of your vouchers waiting to be redeemed. Click “Redeem Now.”
  7. Click “Redeem” and then “Checkout.
  8. Click “Complete Purchase.” Once the transaction is complete, you will receive an email confirmation (with confirmation number). Please save for your records.
  1. Visit https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/festival/tickets/
  2. Under the Single Virtual Tickets section, click the red “Films and Events” List button.
  3. Browse the list of films until you find your preferred selection. Click on the film image or film title.
  4. On the individual film page, click the red “Get Tickets” button.
  5. Add 1 ticket (virtual admission) to your order and select “Add to Cart”. Review your selection and click “Continue to Checkout.”
  6. An option appears: Donate to Cinema/Chicago. You may donate or select “Not Today” and continue with purchase.
  7. Log-in to your Elevent account, or register for an account if you have not done so already.
  8. On the billing information page, you will see an option to apply an “Extra Code.” Enter the code you have been gifted and click “Apply.” This will reduce the payment amount to $0, and you will not need to enter a payment method (please still fill out all other required information).
  9. Click “Complete Purchase.”
  10. Once the transaction is complete, you will receive an email confirmation (with confirmation number). Please save for your records.
Tickets & Passes

Access Films Virtually

Streaming films will be accessible via our virtual streaming portal.

For Laptops/Desktops/Phones/Tablets:

  1. We will send an email with a link to the viewing platform an hour before the scheduled showtime. If the virtual event is already available for viewing, you will be presented with a link on the order confirmation screen immediately after purchase to start watching. If you have trouble receiving this email before the scheduled showtime, please contact us.
  2. In the email, click “View on Chicago International Film Festival”
  3. You will be taken to the virtual streaming portal. Select “Play Now” and enjoy the show!

For TVs:

  • Our virtual streaming portal will be available via Roku or Apple TV.

Setting Up Your Roku Streaming Stick+

Setting up your Roku Streaming Stick+ will give you the ability to stream your films from the 56th Chicago International Film Festival. Set up can be accomplished in a few easy steps!

Before set up, in each Roku Streaming Stick+ box, you should have the following items:

  • 1 Roku Streaming Stick+ (4k HDMI)
  • 1 Roku remote with voice control (with 2 AAA batteries)
  • 1 USB power cable with long-range wireless receiver
  • 1 Power Adapter and extender cable

STEP 1

Plug your Roku Streaming Stick+ into one of your television’s HDMI slots. Connect the USB included with your device into one end of the Streaming Stick+, and the other end either into your television’s USB slot or into the power adapter included with your Roku device. Then set your television source/input to the Streaming Stick+’s corresponding HDMI slot.

STEP 2

Let’s establish your wireless connection. Using the Roku Voice Remote, choose the network you would like to connect your device to (we recommend the network with the strongest internet connection to maximize the resolution, stream quality, and functionality of your Roku Streaming Stick+.)

Enter the network password and Roku will run the connection. If you see three green checks on the screen, your Roku device is now connected to the internet.

STEP 3

Creating your Roku account is required to move forward. Follow the on screen steps to create your Roku account. You will need to verify the account through the email address you entered during the account creation process. Once you press the link emailed to you from Roku, your account will be all set!

STEP 4

To stream the films you purchased tickets for, you’ll need to download our festival channel from the Roku Channel Store.

You can add Roku channels on the Roku device homepage, from your Roku app, or from your Roku account online. Find ADD CHANNELS and search “CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL.” Navigate to the channel icon and press ADD CHANNEL. The Chicago International Film Festival channel will be added to Roku devices listed under your account.

Once installed, all you need is the 9-digit voucher code which will be emailed to you prior to the event’s screening. Enter this code on The Chicago International Film Festival Roku Channel and you will be able to stream the event!

At this point, you are all set and ready to enjoy the festival’s programming!

JUST NEED TO INSTALL THE FESTIVAL CHANNEL TO YOUR ROKU DEVICE?

To stream films you purchased tickets for, just go to the Roku Channel Store and search: CHICAGO INTL FILM FESTIVAL.

Navigate to the icon with our logo and press ADD CHANNEL. Once installed, you just need to open up the channel on your device and enter the 9-digit voucher code sent to your email address sent by us! Press SUBMIT and your film will begin streaming to your television!

 

EXTRAS

You can control your Roku device from your smartphone! Just download the Roku mobile app and follow the instructions to pair with your device. Once set up, you can:

  • Use it as a convenient second remote
  • Search with your voice or mobile keyboard
  • Enjoy private listening with connected headphones
  • Stream free TV on The Roku Channel anytime, anywhere
  • Cast videos, music, and photos to your TV

Your Roku device is also compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant!

 

TROUBLESHOOTING

In the event that you encounter issues with your Roku device or have questions about your device, here are some quick tips and FAQ  to help you navigate through the troubleshooting steps: https://support.roku.com/category/115001360548

Here is a quick installation video to set up your Roku Streaming Stick+

Airplay video from your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch

  1. Connect your iOS device to the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV.
  2. Find the video that you want to AirPlay.
  3. Tap Apple Airplay icon. In some third-party apps, you might need to tap a different icon first. In the Photos app, tap Apple upload icon, then tap Apple Airplay icon
  4. Choose your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV.

To stop streaming, tap Apple Airplay icon in the app that you’re streaming from, then tap your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from the list.

 

Airplay video from your Mac

  1. Connect your Mac to the same Wi-Fi network as your Apple TV or AirPlay 2-compatible smart TV.
  2. On your Mac, open the app or website that you want to stream video from.
  3. In the video playback controls, click Apple Airplay icon.
  4. Select your Apple TV or smart TV.

Ensure that mirror screen is disabled as it will cause the stream to be disrupted/unable to play on your television.

In your browser, navigate to watch.chicagofilmfestival.com

System Requirements:
PCs running Windows 7+
[Browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Opera]
Intel-based Macs running macOS 10.12+
[Browsers: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera]

In your browser, navigate to watch.chicagofilmfestival.com

System Requirements:
Android: use Chrome on Android 6.0 or later
iPhone/iPad: use Safari on iOS 11.2 or later [screen mirroring is not supported, set to OFF]

Still have questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.