As the CIFF winds down, the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival kicks off. Over the next ten days, kid-friendly films from around the world will be shown at seven different area theaters, from Bronzeville to Lincoln Square and even Wilmette. Some showings feature a full-length film, but most are a thematically assembled collection of shorts.There will be actors on site to read the subtitles for movies directed towards those nine and under. How thoughtful is... more ›

In Chicago, summer film viewing usually means … whatever’s air-conditioned. The Outdoor Film Festival is a notable exception, but generally speaking, summertime is an annual famine where interesting film choices are few and far between. But autumn is a horse of a different color. Suddenly (due in part to the Oscar race) it's time to bulk up. No sooner does the Chicago International Film Festival draw to a close (winners were announced this week) than... more ›

Did you miss seeing the winner of the Gold Hugo at the Chicago International Film Festival last month? If so, you’ve got another chance this weekend. My Nikifor took home the golden boy at the CIFF this year and is one of the many films playing at the 17th annual Polish Film Festival in America, which starts this weekend in Chicago and runs through November 20th. With the largest urban population of Poles outside of... more ›

With the grown-ups film fest out of the way for another year, it’s time for the kids to get theirs with the Chicago International Children's Film Festival. The CICFF kicked off last Thursday with an opening gala hosted by Chicago’s own Harold Ramis. A friend of Chicagoist reports that Ramis kept it real and was nice enough to sign his nephew’s Ghostbusters DVD. You’re all heart, Egon. Though the fest runs through November 6th, screenings... more ›