CHICAGO, IL (October 20, 2014) – The 50th Chicago International Film Festival will present a unique three-dimensional experience for movie- and architecture-lovers alike on Wednesday, October 22, 6pm, at AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois St.). For Chicago, the center of architectural innovation, “Cathedrals of Culture” is a major cinematic event, as six internationally celebrated filmmakers uncover and explore the secret souls of six iconic edifices from around the globe. “Cathedrals of Culture” will be presented in two 90-minute programs, with a 30 minute intermission, beginning at 6 pm.[…]

CHICAGO, IL (October 17, 2014) – Michael Kutza, Founder and Artistic Director, Mimi Plauché, Programming Director, and Programmers Penny Bartlett, Alex Kopecky and Evan Morehouse proudly announce the winners of the 50th Chicago International Film Festival Competitions.

Hosted by Chicago Sun-Times columnist and Fox News Chicago entertainment reporter and film critic Bill Zwecker, the awards ceremony was held Friday, October 17 at 9 pm and hosted by The Sofitel Chicago Water Tower (20 E. Chestnut St.). Awards were presented in the following competitive categories: International Feature Film Competition, New Directors Competition, Roger Ebert Award, Chicago Award, Q-Hugo Award, DocuFest, and Shorts.[…]

CHICAGO, IL (October 10, 2014) – Opening Night of the 50th Chicago International Film Festival was more than a golden celebration for an institution that has left an indelible mark on the city of Chicago. It was also a gathering of friends, as veteran actress Liv Ullmann, actor Colin Farrell, Festival Jury Member Kathleen Turner and “The Fugitive” director Andrew Davis joined Festival Founder and Artistic Director Michael Kutza on the red carpet for the U.S. Premiere of Ullmann’s latest film “Miss Julie” on Thursday, October 9 at the Harris Theater.[…]

CHICAGO, IL (October 7, 2014) – The 50th Chicago International Film Festival announced today the jury for its New Directors Competition. The jury consists of Swedish producer Anna Croneman; Moroccan director and producer Izza Génini; Director of the Berlin International Film Festival’s Panorama Wieland Speck; and Managing Editor of RogerEbert.com Brian Tallerico.

Celebrating discovery and innovation while representing a variety of styles, genres and viewpoints, this selection of directors’ first or second feature films introduces the next generation of the world’s great filmmakers.[…]

CHICAGO, IL (October 7, 2014) – The 50th Chicago International Film Festival, North America’s oldest competitive international film festival, announced today that Academy Award®-nominated and Golden Globe®-winning actress Kathleen Turner will be the President of this year’s International Feature Competition Jury. Joining her are acclaimed filmmaker and New German Cinema pioneer Margarethe von Trotta; Turkish director Ferzan Ozpetek (whose latest film, “Fasten Your Seatbelts,” is an Official selection at this year’s Festival); award-winning Israeli cinematographer Giora Bejach; and Iranian editor and director Parviz Shahbazi.[…]