Return to the Screen

Keeping with tradition, it’s time to begin the great screening and writing nights and days for the 48th Chicago International Film Festival. Last year proved difficult at times, mainly because after a day of working, I had a night of watching and writing, but overall was greatly rewarding. Aside from seeing films in advanced, your write-ups are what people use to make their movie watching decisions. Plus last year, a few of the directors offered their gratitude for spot-on summaries. It’s a great networking tool to say the least.

I’ve screened three thus far and have yet to be disappointed. A lot of previous festival winners (Cannes, Sundance), which I think patrons of Chicago will greatly enjoy. So very confident the fest this year will be just as fantastic as last year. Schedules will hit stands later in September with the Festival running from October 11-25.

 

Dancin’ in the Sun

It’s no secret my love, passion and obsession with Indie films and film festivals. Seeing as Sundance is the one on my list of “Must-do,” I was immensely excited to learn of Sundance Film Festival U.S.A. last year. This one night event selects cities throughout the US to screen a Sundance film and hold a Q&A with filmmakers. Last year I saw Jack Goes Boating and Philip Seymour Hoffman came out to hold a Q&A. I think these Q&As with filmmakers really make the festival atmosphere. Even if a film is not something I enjoyed, a director can totally change my mind just be detailing all of his trials and tribulations in the film.

One of these days, I will make it to Sundance. But until then, I’ll keep my fingers crossed for the Sundance Film Festival U.S.A. coming to Chicago.

And another cool thing about Sundance U.S.A., you get a Festival program, as if you’re in Park City. I even got swag this year with a really cool Festival mug and gloves.

This year, Chicago got to see The Music Never Stopped. It was amazing. Truly amazing. And thankfully, the film got picked up by Roadside Attractions before Sundance even started. So it should be hitting most markets around March/April. It’s one I’m definitely going to see again and buy the soundtrack to. If you’re a music lover of the 50s, 60s, 70s; then you’ll enjoy as well. My review of the film is on The Parallax Review.