The 48th Annual Chicago International Film Festival Film Festival Oct 11–25, 2012

Usually held for two weeks each year in October, the Chicago International Film Festival is the longest running competitive film festival in North America and has been bringing the public some of the best in new films since 1964.

150 films from 50 countries are normally screened during the Chicago International Film Festival, including full-length features, documentaries and short films. The festival celebrates innovating and daring work by both aspiring and established filmmakers.

Several notable films have premiered at the Chicago International Film Festival, including How I Ended the Summer, Beautiful Darling, and Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel. Attendees of the Chicago International Film Festival occasionally have the opportunity to meet the director, actors and screenwriters. Past notable guests include Danny Boyle, Forest Whitaker, and David Schwimmer.

The Chicago International Film Festival hosts a variety of competitions including the New Directors Competition, the Short Film Competition, and the Human Condition 60 Second Film Competition. Awards given at the Chicago Film Festival include the Gold Hugo for Best Film, the Silver Hugo For Best Actor or Actress, and the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Tickets to the Chicago International Film Festival range from $11 to $20 per screening or $95 to $240 for an all-access pass. Films are normally screened at the AMC River East 21 Theater located at 322 East Illinois Street and are followed by star-studded after parties and receptions.