Celebrating 50 years of making Chicago an international destination for acclaimed filmmakers, bold young directors and lovers of cinema, The Chicago International Film Festival, returning October 9-23, 2014, has teamed with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) to produce two special events leading up to the Festival. On September 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Chicagoans will be treated to a special screening of director Baz Luhrmann’s first film “Strictly Ballroom,”which won the Best First Feature Award at the Festival in 1993. That day will also see the opening of an exhibit of photography, video and posters looking back over the Festival’s 50 years. “Because Everybody Loves Movies,” will remain on display through October 30 at Expo 72 (72 E. Randolph St.). Both events are open to the public and free of charge.
About “Strictly Ballroom”
“Strictly Ballroom,” along with “Romeo + Juliet” and “Moulin Rouge,” make up “The Red Curtain Trilogy,” Luhrmann’s three successive films with theatre-related motifs. The film follows ballroom dancer Scott Hastings as he struggles to insert his personal dance style, which is not “strictly ballroom,” into his routines. After finding a new competition partner, Scott learns how important it is to dance from the heart, and not for the prize. Film buffs can enjoy the screening from the Jay Pritzker Pavilion’s 4,000 seats or lounge on the Great Lawn.
About “Because Everybody Loves Movies”
Sponsored by Dark Horse Wines, the Chicago International Film Festival will host a special exhibit, “Because Everybody Loves Movies,” an expansive display of posters, images and videos from its venerable five-decade history. Upon entering, visitors will be greeted by the iconic “eyes” logo that has been the Festival’s logo since 1967. Along one wall, guests will enjoy an assortment of four-foot by four-foot photographs by Victor Skrebneski highlighting the many film icons that have attended the Festival throughout the years, including Sigourney Weaver, François Truffaut, Orson Welles, Kathleen Turner, Robin Williams, Bette Davis, Colleen Moore, Oliver Stone, Dennis Hopper, Liv Ullmann and others.
Also included in the exhibit will be archival Festival trailers voiced by Ken Nordine, as well as interviews with celebrity honorees and Festival guests. Rounding out the exhibit will be photos of past Festivals and a colorful mosaic comprised of posters from other international film festivals, speaking to cinema’s global reach.
The exhibit will be on display from September 4 through October 30 at Expo 72, 72 E. Randolph St., and will be open to the public Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-7 p.m., Fridays 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m-6 p.m.
ABOUT DCASE
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors.
ABOUT DARK HORSE WINES
At Dark Horse Wines their passion is crafting bold wine that deliver the unexpected. They marshal the best agricultural and winemaking practices from around the world to guarantee the highest quality. Their winemaker Beth Liston, believes winemaking is a treasure hunt. She is constantly experimenting with different grape varietals and new winemaking techniques. From bold Red Blend to smooth Chardonnay, her passion for creating exceptional wines that out perform their price is unsurpassed.
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