Released on: October 8, 2008, 4:28 pm

Press Release Author: Laura Silverman

Industry: Entertainment

Press Release Summary: In Addition to the More Than 175 Films to be Screened,
Appearances by Rachel Weisz, Darren Aronofsky, Mike Leigh, Sidney Poitier, Common,
Charlie Kaufman, and Colin Hanks are Expected in the Windy City, October 16-29

Press Release Body: The 44th Chicago International Film Festival, October 16 - 29,
2008, presented by Cinema/Chicago, will offer moviegoers the best new films from
around the world, with several exciting additions, including a "Festival Village"
and the launch of Green Screen, a program celebrating our natural environment, the
power and artistry of filmmaking, and the intersection between the two. In its
fifth decade, the Festival continues to present special appearances by legendary
international actors and directors, along with the impressive film line-up for which
the Festival is known. Audiences this year will be captivated by 116 feature films,
38 short and student films, and 18 documentaries from more than 45 countries,
showcasing both established and promising new filmmakers.

"For 44 years, we've been committed to taking you all across the globe to discover
some of the most exciting cinema the world has to offer, right here in Chicago for
two weeks only," said Michael Kutza, Founder and Artistic Director of the Chicago
International Film Festival. "This isn't your typical Saturday night out at the
movies - these are once-in-a-lifetime events. And this year we've set up camp in a
new Festival Village to create an even stronger sense of community where you can
come out, see the films, meet the people who make them, mingle with your fellow film
fans, and most importantly see the world in a whole new way."

SCREENING LOCATIONS
The 44th Chicago International Film Festival will screen films at four locations.
The majority of films will be shown at AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois Street,
and AMC 600 N. Michigan 9, 600 N. Michigan Avenue. Both the Opening Night (October
16) and Closing Night (October 29) screenings take place at the Harris Theater, 205
E. Randolph Drive. Screenings of films in the Rediscovered and Restored Series will
be held at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Avenue, on October 26, 27, and
28.

TICKETS
Film Festival passes are on sale now. Individual tickets for the 44th Chicago
International Film Festival screenings and events will go on sale the beginning of
October. Passes and tickets can be purchased by visiting
www.chicagofilmfestival.com or www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 312-902-1500.

ABOUT CINEMA/CHICAGO
Cinema/Chicago, a not for profit, tax exempt cultural and educational organization,
presents the annual Chicago International Film Festival, North America's oldest
competitive international film festival, organized to encourage better understanding
between cultures and its people and to make a positive contribution to the art form
of the moving image. Subscribers to Cinema/Chicago's membership program form a loyal
core audience for the organization and are granted access to more than 15 free film
screenings and sneak previews throughout the year. Cinema/Chicago also offers
year-round educational programs designed for students and the deaf and hard of
hearing to provide new film experiences and offer insight into other cultures,
languages, and ideas. These programs include the Educational Outreach Program, the
Program for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and the Black Perspectives Program.

For up-to-date and detailed Festival information, call 312-332-FILM or visit
www.chicagofilmfestival.com.

Posted by: ERICK LASECA
Junior Board Member
Chicago International Film Festival


Web Site: http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com.

Contact Details: Laura Silverman / Heather Connor
The Silverman Group, Inc.
312.932.9965 / 312.932.9911
laura@silvermangroupchicago.com