Special Events at the Fest
Join other film lovers and meet incomparable artists at these special events at the 61st Chicago International Film Festival.
Sat, Oct 18 @ 5:15pm
Tribute & AwardScreening
Tribute to Gus Van Sant
Tribute, presentation of the Visionary Award, and screening of Dead Man’s Wire
Gus Van Sant’s auspicious body of work is defined by both experimentation and humanity. His latest film Dead Man’s Wire recreates the wild true story of outlaw “Tony” Kiritsis, who in 1977 took a mortgage mogul’s son hostage to seek retribution for feeling cheated.
Sun, Oct 19 @ 10:30am
Film Lecture
Digging Deeper into Movies with Nick Davis
Join Northwestern University Associate Professor Nick Davis for a deep dive into Jean-Luc Godard’s 1960 masterpiece Breathless and Richard Linklater’s new fact-based fable of that film, Nouvelle Vague, both screening at the festival.
Mon, Oct 20 @ 6:30pm
Community Cinema Screening
Leonora in the Morning Light
Presented by Wintrust, Community Cinema brings free indoor screenings and post-film conversations to the Englewood and Pilsen neighborhoods.
Screening at the National Museum of Mexican Art, Leonora in the Morning Light casts a spotlight on the life and work of surrealist artist Leonora Carrington in this textured and insightful reflection on a truly original spirit.
Sun, Oct 19 @ 5:00pm
Tribute & AwardScreening
Tribute to Nia DaCosta
Tribute, presentation of the Black Perspectives Artistic Acheivement Award, and screening of Hedda
One of Hollywood’s most in-demand voices, Nia DaCosta is a versatile writer and director whose latest film Hedda reimagines Henrik Ibsen’s famous play Hedda Gabler.
Mon, Oct 20 @ 6:30pm
Tribute & AwardScreening
Tribute to Joel Edgerton & Clint Bentley
Tribute, presentation of Artistic Achievement Awards in Acting and Direction, and screening of Train Dreams
Joel Edgerton is an acclaimed Australian actor, writer, and filmmaker who has starred in films including The Great Gatsby, Zero Dark Thirty, Warrior, Black Mass, Loving, and The Gift, which also marked his directorial debut.
Clint Bentley is an Academy Award-nominated writer, director, and producer whose feature directorial debut, Jockey, premiered in competition at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival.
Tue, Oct 21 – Thu, Oct 23
Screenings
Kelly Reichardt In-Person Retrospective
Screenings of The Mastermind, Showing Up, First Cow, and Old Joy
Kelly Reichardt is among the most accomplished contemporary filmmakers, interrogating and redefining the American experience. In addition to the Chicago premiere of The Mastermind, this year’s Festival showcases three films that center Reichardt’s unique take on the “buddy film.”
Tue, Oct 21 @ 6:30pm
Tribute & AwardScreening
Tribute to HIKARI
Presentation of the Spotlight Award followed by screening of the Festival’s Centerpiece film, Rental Family
HIKARI is an award-winning writer, director, and producer whose debut feature, 37 Seconds, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and won accolades globally. Her film Rental Family is the Centerpiece film of the 61st Chicago International Film Festival.
Fri, Oct 24 @ 5:30pm
Tribute & Award
An Evening with Spike Lee
Presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award and Conversation with Dr. Jacqueline Stewart
Join Academy Award winner Spike Lee for an illuminating conversation about his iconic body of work, which has made an indelible mark on filmmaking, television, and popular culture.
Fri, Oct 24 @ 6:30pm
Community Cinema Screening
Sun Ra: Do the Impossible
Presented by Wintrust, Community Cinema brings free indoor screenings and post-film conversations to the Englewood and Pilsen neighborhoods.
Screening at Kennedy-King College, Sun Ra: Do the Impossible celebrates Earth’s favorite Saturnist Sun Ra through a cosmic musical journey into the Afrofuturist’s life, artistry, inspirations, and impact.
Sat, Oct 25 @ 5:30pm
Tribute & AwardScreening
Tribute to Euzhan Palcy
Black Perspectives Tribute, presentation of the Career Acheivement Award, and screening of Sugar Cane Alley
Pioneering filmmaker Euzhan Palcy has set the world ablaze with a decades-long body of visionary work, shattering barriers in global cinema and inspiring a generation of storytellers.
212 W Van Buren St., Suite 400
