Event Overview:

Our Mission
Cinema/Chicago, the presenting organization of the Chicago International Film Festival, is a year-round non-profit cultural and educational organization dedicated to fostering better communication between people of diverse cultures through the art of film and the moving image.

Our Beginning
The Chicago International Film Festival was started in 1964 by filmmaker and graphic artist Michael Kutza to provide an alternative to the commercial Hollywood movies that dominated the city’s theaters. Seeking out the best in international cinema, the Festival has opened windows to a world of film previously or otherwise unavailable in Chicago.  In addition, at more than half of the screenings each year, filmgoers have the rare and exciting chance to meet directors, producers, writers and cast members who introduce their films and hold discussion sessions after the screenings.

The Festival has a rich history of discovering hundreds of ground-breaking directors including Martin Scorsese, John Carpenter, Taylor Hackford, Susan Seidelman, Victor Nunez, Wim Wenders, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Bertrand Tavernier, Peter Weir, Dariush Mehrjui, Mike Leigh, Alan Parker, Michael Apted, Peter Greenaway, Vincent Ward, Krzysztof Kieslowski, Krzysztof Zanussi, Dusan Makavejev, Victor Erice, Jan Troell and Maria Louisa Bemberg. The 51st Chicago International Film Festival will take place October 15-29, 2015.

 Attendee Information:

The oldest competitive international film festival in North America, the Chicago International Film Festival is a two-week celebration of cinema, that includes movie premieres, tributes to stars and directors, while experiencing red carpet excitement. After a very successful 50th anniversary celebration that included such industry luminaries as Kevin Kline, Robert Downey Jr., Colin Farrell, Kathleen Turner and Oliver Stone, the 51st anniversary is fast approaching and is sure to be just as exciting! Internationally renowned for its excellence in discovering the finest in U.S. and World Cinema, the Film Festival offers Chicagoans the opportunity to discover innovative and inspiring works from first-time filmmakers as well as notable masters while previewing the season’s award contenders. Highlights include: • 175 films from more than 50 countries • 200 international guests, including A-list stars • 325 screenings on 8 screens • 60,000+ attendees from the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond

Exhibitor Information:

We offer customized partnership packages designed to meet your marketing, advertising, and sales needs. Your association with the Chicago International Film Festival along with our Education Outreach Program and year-round special events will provide you with access to our diverse and loyal audiences.

Partnership with the Festival allows you to:
• Build brand recognition and offer unique branding experiences with our audiences
• Showcase your company’s commitment to the arts and education
• Receive year-round benefits designed to keep you in front of your target market
• Capitalize on the Festival’s world-wide and local reputation

Let us help you create a unique opportunity for your company to engage your brand with our audiences!