Synopsis

Directed by Pablo Larraín (ChicagoIFF selections Spencer, Jackie, Neruda, The Club) and starring Academy Award®-winner Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the world’s most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as La Callas negotiates the blurred boundaries between her public image and private self. The film also stars Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer and Kodi Smit-McPhee.

Synopsis

September 5 unveils the decisive moment that forever changed media coverage and continues to impact live news today. Set during the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics, the film follows an American Sports broadcasting team that quickly adapted from sports reporting to live coverage of the Israeli athletes taken hostage. Through this lens, September 5 provides a fresh perspective on the live broadcast seen globally by an estimated one billion people at the time.

At the heart of the story is Geoff (John Magaro), a young and ambitious producer striving to prove himself to his boss, the legendary TV executive Roone Arledge (Peter Sarsgaard). Together with German interpreter Marianne (Leonie Benesch) and his mentor Marvin Bader (Ben Chaplin), Geoff unexpectedly takes the helm of the live coverage. As narratives shift, time ticks away, and conflicting rumors spread, with the hostages’ lives hanging in the balance, Geoff grapples with tough decisions while confronting his own moral compass.

Synopsis

With her loyal otter friend by her side, a brave child embarks on a mission to save her hometown from a water crisis. This calm and inspiring story is stylishly illustrated with beautiful 2-D animation.

This film screens as part of the Family Animated Shorts: Me and Magical You program.

Synopsis

Audiences of all ages will enjoy these stories about companionship between characters navigating wild worlds. From fantastical to familial, this collection offers a colorful look into the push and pull of close camaraderie. Featuring works by Justine Aubert, Cassandra Bouton, Grégoire Callies, Maud Chesneau, Anna Danton, Loic Girault, Gatien Peyrude, Justine Raux, Sera Mun, Malin Neuman, Alex Weight, Shiqi Xiao, Ignas Meilūnas, Ruihan Zhang, Wenzi Shan, Xingyi Chen, Laurine Bocquet, Ilona Caucal, Inès Fechner, Jahnice Laurent, Sarah Robert, Emma Roussel, Kevin Vandenbeuck, and Clara Chan.

Without any dialogue, Shellfish (Coquille) (France) shows how a loss can lead to a gain when a hermit crab makes a new friend after losing his shell. Bouncing from one reality to the next, Hana undergoes a kaleidoscopic and kinetic adventure in This World Is a Soda Can We Are Shaking It (South Korea) after an explosion interrupts a music festival. A brave child and her loyal otter friend embark on a mission to save the girl’s hometown from a water crisis in the calm and inspiring Mû (Germany). Venturing into the heart of true friendship, Alone (Australia) follows a lonesome robot facing a tough decision after creating a companion for itself. In the spirit realm of Reunion (China), little Yuan Yuan falls into the hands of a powerful deity who offers to grant her greatest desire. When two friends spend a winter day ice skating on a lake, they encounter a surprise that teaches them to overcome their fears in the delightful Hoofs on Skates (Lithuania). When an old man mistakenly discards a precious memento, a faithful raccoon makes it his mission to return it in the innocent and heartfelt So Long Memories (China). A bunny facing his fear of the dark makes an otherworldly discovery in the enchanting and picturesque As the Sun Goes Down (France). And a heartfelt conversation between an immigrant mother and her daughter comes to life in the colorful and compassionate Have I Swallowed Your Dreams (Canada).

This screening is relaxed and family friendly. Young film enthusiasts are welcome and should feel free to talk or move about the space as needed. If you have questions email access@chicagofilmfestival.com.

Synopsis

Carol bristles at an unexpected proposal from her girlfriend Ray. Matters worsen as disturbing changes take hold of Ray, and Carol must decide how to respond.

This film screens as part of the Animated Shorts: Major Developments program.