Chicago International Film Fest Turns 50

In the Spotlight today is the 50th Annual Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF), dissolving the boundaries of language, countries, and classes to create an inclusive, exciting cinematic platform unlike anything else on the festival circuit. Though varied in themes and interests, CIFF upholds a legacy of fantastic storytelling and a mission of discovery, exemplified by its New Directors competition, a program showcasing films by first- and second-time directors. This Academy Award qualifying festival features an array of competitive and non-competitive screening categories, including DocuFest (featuring non-fiction filmmaking), the After Dark Competition (featuring horror films, thrillers, and dark comedies), Black Perspectives (featuring films that celebrate the richness and diversity of black cultures) and City and State (honoring works from Illinois).

Last year's celebration screened 175 films hailing from more than 55 countries - including 20 documentaries, 50 short subject films, and 40 films from first-time directors. Maintaining a reputation for excellence, CIFF has screened premieres from the likes of Martin Scorsese, Peter Weir, Mike Leigh, and Wim Wenders.

Throughout this two-week celebration, CIFF visitors will have opportunities to meet and mingle with talents in all areas of filmmaking. In 2013 alone, the festival hosted Bruce Dern, James Grey, Oscar Isaac, George Tillman, Jr., and Haskell Wexler. This year's guest list is sure to be no less impressive, and the festival's unpredictable slate of films is likely to be second to none.

UPCOMING DEADLINE
June 20, 2014 - Regular Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
An annual, not for profit, competitive film festival organized to encourage better understanding between people and to make a positive contribution to the art of the moving image.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
CIFF began 50 years ago with the goal of introducing Chicago and the world to new filmmakers, new stories and new points of view. For their 50th year, they're looking to discover something new, and that all starts with you, the filmmaker.

http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/