The last 12 days in Chicago have been a cinephile’s dream. In its 60th year, Chicago International Film Festival, North America’s longest-running competitive international film festival, featured many classic and new films.
The festival included 122 feature films and 71 shorts, four world premieres, 19 North American premieres and 16 U.S. premieres produced in more than 60 countries. Once again, AMC NEWCITY 14 served as the festival hub, joined by other theaters including Music Box Theatre and Gene Siskel Film Center.
This year I went in a completely new direction when picking my films. Starting with The Piano Lesson on opening night, I chose movies I ordinarily wouldn’t pick. The result was mostly good, with only a couple leaving me underwhelmed. My favorites were After Dark Shorts: Disturbing Diversions, Hard Truths, We Were Dangerous and After the Storm. It felt good to get out of my comfort zone and watch films I never would have selected at home.
Malcolm Washington receives the Breakthrough Award at the Chicago International Film Festival; photo credit Barry Brecheisen.
Special events are also a big part of CIFF. Aside from the glitz of opening night, the best event easily was An Evening with Mike Myers. Hosted brilliantly by actor Dave Foley, it featured a conversation with Myers, who was presented with a career achievement award.
Dave Foley and Mike Myers; An Evening with Mike Myers; photo credit Rob Grabowski.
Mike Myers accepts the Career Achievement Award; photo credit Rob Grabowski.
I always look forward to CIFF because it makes movie-going seem special again.
—John Wroblewski, special projects manager
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Oct 30, 2024Winnipeg’s Indigenous-Owned and -Led Tour Operators Offer Array of Authentic Cultural Experiences
In Canada, Winnipeg’s indigenous population is the largest in the country, with numerous indigenous-owned and -led tour operators offering a variety of authentic cultural experiences. From dog-sledding adventures through old forests to cultural workshops and culinary treats, Winnipeg, Manitoba, offers a unique opportunity to engage with indigenous traditions firsthand in all four seasons.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Relaunches Direct Casablanca–Beijing Route, Debuts Toronto Flight
As part of its international network expansion, Royal Air Maroc will reinstate the direct Casablanca–Beijing route initially launched in January 2020 and suspended just a few weeks later due to the health crisis.
October 2024
Oct 30, 2024Enhance Your Flying Experience with These Handy Devices
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones These wireless over-ear headphones from Bose won multiple awards and received rave reviews for best-in-class noise-cancelling technology and amazing sound quality. Available in white, sandstone or black, QuietComfort Ultra boast up to 24 hours battery life and are compatible with the Bose app, letting you customize your audio settings. Immersive Audio technology brings sound to life, and multipoint connectivity means you can easily switch between two devices at once. $429.
Daily
Oct 30, 2024Things to Do in Santa Barbara’s ARTS District
Formerly known as the Historic Theatre District, the recently renamed ARTS District in Santa Barbara, California, offers travelers an array of cultural attractions.
Sponsored Content
New Suites Brand Prototype Variations with Enhanced Flexibility for Business Travelers
IHG Hotels & Resorts unveiled new prototype options for three suite brands: Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites and Atwell Suites. By offering expanded design choices, IHG looks to meet the growing demand for flexibility among guests in the rapidly expanding suites space. Coupled with IHG Business Edge, these suite brands provide business travelers with a multitude of destinations worldwide, ideal for their stays.
eFlyer Reviews
Oct 30, 2024Art Hotel Villa Fiorella Review
Perched on the hillside town of Massa Lubrense, just beyond Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Villa Fiorella Art Hotel brings modern sensibility to an ancient town, emphasizing artistic expression throughout the property. Less than 5 miles from the more crowded town of Sorrento, Villa Fiorella is a refined escape in an idyllic region.
eFlyer Lead
Oct 30, 2024American Airlines Fined for Mistreating Disabled Travelers
On Oct. 23, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $50 million penalty against American Airlines for violations of laws protecting airline passengers with disabilities between 2019 and 2023.
Sponsored Content
Elevate Your Travels with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
What if you could earn rewards and benefits when traveling, shopping and relaxing at any IHG-branded hotel? Well, you can with the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.
Daily
Oct 30, 2024Small-Ship Cruise Line Launches 2025 Trips to Remote Hebrides, Scotland
Skirting the unspoiled coastlines of Scotland’s remote sea lochs and Hebridean landscapes, St. Hilda Sea Adventures revealed its 2025 season of wildlife and specialty tours will venture to traditional island villages, ancient castles, whisky distilleries and even the famed Isle of Skye.
ShareThis