The Chicago International Film Festival Partners With the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for Two Special Events Commemorating the Festival’s Illustrious 50-Year History

A Special Screening of “Strictly Ballroom” Lights Up Millennium Park and Retrospective Photography/Video Exhibit “Because Everybody Loves Movies” Opens September 4, 2014

CHICAGO, IL – Celebrating 50 years of making Chicago an international destination for acclaimed filmmakers, bold young directors and lovers of cinema, The Chicago International Film Festival, returning October 9 – 23, 2014, has teamed with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) to produce two special events leading up to the Festival. On September 4 at 6:30 p.m. at Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Chicagoans will be treated to a special screening of director Baz Luhrmann’s first film “Strictly Ballroom,” which won the Best First Feature Award at the Festival in 1993. That day will also see the opening of an exhibit of photography, video and posters looking back over the Festival’s 50 years. “Because Everybody Loves Movies,” will remain on display through October 30 at Expo 72 (72 E. Randolph St.). Both events are open to the public and free of charge.

Also included in the exhibit will be archival Festival trailers voiced by Ken Nordine, as well as interviews with celebrity honorees and Festival guests.  Rounding out the exhibit will be photos of past Festivals and a colorful mosaic comprised of posters from other international film festivals, speaking to cinema’s global reach.

The exhibit will be on display from September 4 through October 30 at Expo 72, 72 E. Randolph St., and will be open to the public Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Fridays 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

2014 Festival Schedule and Ticket Information

The 2014 Chicago International Film Festival will be presented October 9 – 23, 2014.  The complete schedule will be announced at a future date. Passes are now on sale. Moviegoer (10 regular admissions) and Passport (20 regular admissions) passes are available at www.chicagofilmfestival.com at a discounted rate until August 31 by using promotional code 50PASS10.

ABOUT DARK HORSE WINES

At Dark Horse Wines their passion is crafting bold wine that deliver the unexpected.  They marshal the best agricultural and winemaking practices from around the world to guarantee the highest quality.  Their winemaker Beth Liston, believes winemaking is a treasure hunt.  She is constantly experimenting with different grape varietals and new winemaking techniques.  From bold Red Blend to smooth Chardonnay, her passion for creating exceptional wines that out perform their price is unsurpassed.

ABOUT DCASE

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors.

ABOUT CINEMA/CHICAGO

Cinema/Chicago is a not-for-profit arts and education organization dedicated to encouraging better understanding between cultures and to making a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image. The Chicago International Film Festival is one of the year-round programs presented by Cinema/Chicago, which also include the Hugo Television Awards, CineYouth Festival, INTERCOM Competition, International Screenings Program, and Education Outreach.