After not going to a movie theater in a couple years, I made up for lost time at the Chicago International Film Festival. I am happy to report I enjoyed every movie I saw.
Opening Night screening of THE FRENCH DISPATCH at the 57th
Chicago International Film Festival. Photo by Timothy M. Schmidt.
Started in 1964 by filmmaker and graphic artist Michael Kutza, it is North America’s longest-running competitive film festival. All of the festival’s films are Chicago premieres. Some are even U.S. and world premieres. More than half of the theater screenings featured actors and directors introducing their films and hosting discussions upon the conclusion of the film.
Sir Kenneth Branagh on stage before a Special Presentation of
BELFAST. Photo by Barry Brecheisen.
This year, the 57th Chicago International Film Festival held screenings of more than 80 movies at four theaters across the city, as well as virtually on the festival’s streaming platform. I saw movies at Gene Siskel Film Center and Music Box Theatre, two iconic Chicago theaters. My favorites were horror film Antlers, biopic The Velvet Underground and biopic Julia.
Gianfranco Rosi receives the Artistic Achievement Award. Photo by Timothy M. Schmidt.
One interesting note involves the festival logo. While some speculate the eyes are Charlie Chaplin’s or Liza Minnelli’s, they are a combination of silent screen sirens Theda Bara, Pola Negri and Mae Murray. Director Kutza created the logo.
Photo by Chicago International Film Festival.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
Read This Next
Hôtel de Sers Reopens in Paris
Daily
Jul 18, 2025
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jul 18, 2025Hôtel de Sers Reopens in Paris
One of Paris’ most elegant addresses has reopened following a full renovation. Hôtel de Sers, part of the B Signature Hotels & Resorts portfolio, was once the private mansion of Henri-Léopold Charles, Marquis de Sers. Located within the illustrious Triangle d’Or, close to the Champs-Élysées and Avenue Montaigne, the property’s refined décor and original Haussmannian architectural elements have been carefully preserved. These include a spectacular marble staircase and the structure’s original carriage entrance, along with period features such as wrought-iron details and magnificent moldings and ceilings of the original salon de réception.
Sponsored Content
Explore Europe with the Best River Cruise Line this November
Experience Europe from a fresh perspective with AmaWaterways, just awarded Best River Cruise Line by Global Traveler for the third consecutive year. Step aboard, unpack once and embark on a cruise through iconic capital cities and awe-inspiring landscapes. AmaWaterways' ships, which accommodate an average of just 156 guests, offer a spacious yet intimate setting. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy exquisite farm-to-table dining; unparalleled service; and a variety of included excursions, from city tours for gentle walkers to thrilling bike rides along the rivers.
Global City Guidebook 2025
Jul 18, 2025Global City Guidebook: Rome
With its rich culture, storied history, delicious food and excellent wine, it’s no wonder travelers flock to Rome. The Eternal City takes visitors back to the Golden Age as they explore the beauty, monuments and remains of ancient Rome.
Daily
Jul 18, 2025Historic Washington, D.C., Hotel Unveils Renovations
Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. recently unveiled its reimagined guestrooms and suites. The design project pays homage to key moments in American history across its 335 restored accommodations, including 69 suites and 14 signature suites.
Sponsored Content
Sail Unique with Explora Journeys
SAIL UNIQUE: A New Chapter in Luxury Ocean Travel Imagine a place where modern European elegance meets the rhythm of the sea — where time slows down, and every detail is crafted to inspire connection and quiet indulgence. This is Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean brand from MSC Group created to redefine how we explore the world.
July 2025
Jul 18, 2025Global City Guidebook: Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is not only one of the capitals of South Africa but also the oldest city in the country. Cape Town hugs the Port of Cape Town in Table Bay, extending to the Hottentots Holland Mountains. The city endured years of segregation during apartheid, including uprisings. Today the city continues to rebound in a post-apartheid era, with many major companies headquartered in the city center, popular beaches teeming with visitors in warmer months, engaging museums and aquariums, and a thriving tourist industry promoting the city’s culture and natural beauty.
Global City Guidebook: Riyadh
Global City Guidebook 2025
Jul 17, 2025Fairmont Golden Prague Unveils Culinary Experiences
Daily
Jul 17, 2025eFlyer Reviews
Jul 16, 2025Hotel Saint Augustine Review
Blending with its Montrose neighborhood like the indigenous and cultivated plants hugging the property’s walkways, the newly built Hotel Saint Augustine opened mid-January 2025. The first Bunkhouse hotel in Houston, Texas, is easily mistaken for garden apartments. Seventy-one guest rooms and suites encompass a tree-lined block. The hotel’s buildings are only two stories tall and also house a lobby, lounge, restaurant and event space. Tucked into a corner of the grounds sits a circular outdoor pool.
Sponsored Content
Lech Walesa on Tour: A Conversation with a Man Who Changed the World
Some events change a nation. Some change the world.
eFlyer News
Jul 16, 2025UNESCO Adds New Sites to World Heritage List
At UNESCO’s 47th World Heritage Convention, it announced 26 new inscribed properties to its World Heritage list, with many sites reflecting a greater focus on conservation and the natural environment.
ShareThis