From Oscar nominees to NBA stars to “Iron Chef” icons, the Chicago International Film Festival is drawing an eclectic mix of celebrities to the city across the next two weeks.
A festival jury member this year, Chicago native John C. Reilly delighted crowds on the red carpet at Music Box Theatre, where the event series kicked off Wednesday night. He’s also in town to promote “Going For Home,” a documentary he executive-produced that is screening at the fest.
And Thursday night, Chicago Bulls veteran Derrick Rose will appear at AMC Newcity 14 for a showing of “Three Colors: Pan-African,” a film he co-executive-produced with Steppenwolf Theatre Artistic Director Glenn Davis and “Windfall” playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney. The feature co-stars Chicago native and former “South Side” actor Bashir Salahuddin, also in town.
That’s just a small share of the local, national and international celebrities plugging projects, receiving awards or sitting on panels at the fest, which runs through Oct. 25 at multiple venues. That star power is a reminder that Chicago not only produces renowned homegrown talent, but its marquee annual film event draws famous artists from across the world.
Reilly isn’t the only Steppenwolf alum showing up at the fest. Carrie Coon will be given the Artistic Achievement Award at the screening of her new film, “The Liberation.” Also appearing is Naperville native Bob Odenkirk, who recently told the Sun-Times that he would love to perform at Steppenwolf. There’s a waitlist to see him present his new documentary, “Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu,” at the festival. But fans can drive to Champaign to see him in his brother’s play, “We Interrupt This Program,” at The Virginia Theatre Friday or Saturday.
As part of the 30th anniversary of the Black Perspectives program, Marlon Wayans will receive a Career Achievement Award and sit for a conversation with actor Omar Epps. Other notable Black Perspectives honorees include filmmaker Cheryl Dunye and actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, who will also attend the fest. Director David Greaves will also appear to promote “Once Upon a Time in Harlem,” one of the most anticipated documentaries this year.
Film buffs will also be excited to see everyone from “Club Kid” director Jordan Firstman, to “The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd” director Tim Blake Nelson. Among the noteworthy international filmmakers are Carolina Cavalli and Davy Chou, who are both jurors; Andrew Haigh, director of “All of Us Strangers” and “A Long Winter”; and Paolo Strippol, whose film, “The Spiral,” has been submitted by Italy for a Best International Feature Film Oscar nomination.
Notable fest attendees still living and working in the city are Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan, directors of “Ghostlight” and this year’s “Mouse,” who mine the city’s theater scene for their productions. Both films feature local actress Tara Mallen, who will also appear.
Food culture is also in the spotlight. Chicago Chef Curtis Duffy, the subject of Frankie Nasso’s “Ever After” documentary, will be present for screenings. “Iron Chef” Chairman Mark Dacascos will join Duffy on a panel.
Now in its 62nd year, the Chicago International Film Festival is expecting an audience of about 45,000 to enjoy 113 feature films and 57 shorts. Tickets for select screenings and events are still available at chicagofilmfestival.com.