The Windy City Wows At This Year's CIFF

48th Annual Chicago International Film Festival

Although it’s traditionally a celebration of the best in global cinema, the 48th annual Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) has taken on a decidedly more homegrown feel this year, with a remarkable slew of local filmmakers and actors being honoured throughout the fortnight-long program. The 150 screening-strong event will be held from October 11-25 at multiple venues across the city, and lucky attendees can expect to get up close and personal with some of Hollywood’s biggest names.

Kicking off the festival with a bang was the world premiere of blockbuster action comedy Stand Up Guys, produced and directed respectively by Chicagoan Academy Award-winners Tom Rosenberg (Million Dollar Baby) and Fisher Stevens (The Cove), and featuring an all-star cast including Academy Award-winners Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin. Local directors Lana and Andy Wachowski’s much-anticipated drama Cloud Atlas will serve as the festival centerpiece on October 17, and famed Forrest Gump director and Chicago-native Robert Zemeckis will close proceedings with a screening of his thriller Flight. Sharing the spotlight with the Windy City are Academy Award-nominees Joan Allen, Viola Davis, and winner Helen Hunt, who will each receive a CIFF ‘Silver Hugo’ for their achievement in film during their respective special event evenings. A full schedule is available online, and tickets can be purchased via phone, web or in person. Pass the popcorn!