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• 61st Chicago International Film Festival

  • Start
    Wed, October 15, 2025
  • End
    Mon, May 25, 2026
  • Location
    AMC NEWCITY (1500 N. Clybourn Ave.), Gene Siskel Film Center (164 N. State St.), Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave.), Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark St.), Reva and David Logan for the Arts (915 E. 60th St.), National Museum of Mexican Art (1

    

  Celebrating its 61st edition October 15 - 26, 2025, the Chicago International Film Festival is North America's longest-running competitive international film festival.

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  Showcasing acclaimed and exciting new films from around the world, the 61st edition will be held in person in theaters and venues around the city, featuring a select program of films with open and closed captions. From dramas and thrillers to documentaries and comedies, the Festival’s lineup spans a wide range of genres. Signature competitive sections and curated programs include Black Perspectives; International Comedy; Women in Cinema; OutLook; After Dark; and the City & State program, showcasing films made in Chicago and throughout Illinois.

  Full schedule announced in mid-September.

  Discover More about CIFF

  Official Website 

  chicagofilmfestival.com

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• FACETS: Anime Club

  • Start
    Thu, January 08, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Thu, December 10, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    FACETS (1517 W Fullerton Ave.)

  
  

  

  Every second Thursday, FACETS Film Club Members are invited to explore the exciting world of anime with a mystery selection of OVAs, complete series, features, and short films, hand-picked with the help of our regular attendees.

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  Anime Club screenings are a Film Club Member ($15 /month or $150 /year) exclusive perk and include two free tickets, so that members can invite a plus one. This film series encourages community building and discussion around all things anime, featuring built in intermissions every month where members are invited to hang out in the FACETS Studio or Lounge to chat about the films, grab a drink, rent rare DVDs or VHS, and and let us know what other anime they’d like to see on the big screen by voting in our suggestion box. 

  Every month, we offer exclusive drink specials like Sapporo and hold a raffle where members can enter to win unique event posters and curated anime prizes. To enter the raffle, members must purchase a concession for $4 or more. Become a member today to join a community of cinephiles with exclusive access to rare, hard-to-find films and be the first to know about to all FACETS anime-related programming.

  

  Anime Club is programmed by Emma Greenleaf, FACETS‘ Marketing Manager & Nick Edelberg, FACETS‘ Program Operations Manager. 

  

  Discover More about FACETS

  Official Website 

  facets.org

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• Working Girl: The Films of Barbara Stanwyck

  • Start
    Sat, January 10, 2026
  •  
    11:30 AM
  • End
    Fri, February 27, 2026
  •  
    11:30 PM
  • Location
    Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave.)

  
  

  

  Barbara Stanwyck shines on at The Music Box

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  Director Jacques Tourneur once said of Barbara Stanwyck: “She only lives for two things, and both of them are work.” With a career that spanned six decades on the stage, screen, radio, and in television, Stanwyck was a prolific actress—86 films in 38 years, before turning to TV—who was best known for a strong and realistic screen presence. She also became one of the few actresses of her generation to get top billing over her male costars, and by 1944, Stanwyck had become the highest-paid actress in the country.

  But Stanwyck’s appeal among moviegoers and filmmakers arose from her versatility—combining grit, vulnerability, sex appeal, toughness, professionalism, and nobility. She was disciplined enough to work in any genre, from dramas and film noirs, to screwball comedies and Westerns (frequently doing her own stunts). Stanwyck contained multitudes, and played sex pots with “modern ideas about love,” and “fallen women” in her early career with as much authenticity and pathos as she did reserved, detached characters in her later years.

  As our 11-film “Working Girl: The Films of Barbara Stanwyck” series reveals, her strong work ethic and resourcefulness as an actor quickly made her a favorite among Hollywood’s top directors. This series only scratches the surface of Stanwyck’s output; and if we’re lucky maybe you’ll get her episode of “Charlie’s Angels” or the entirety of “The Thornbirds” miniseries in the next round…

  Upcoming Features:

  The Lady Eve (Jan 10 & Jan 11 @ 11:30am in Theatre 1 on 35mm)

  Forty Guns (Jan 24 @ 11:30am in Theatre 1 on DCP AND Jan 25 & Jan 26 @ 3:00pm in Theatre 1 on DCP)

  The Miracle Woman (Jan 31 & Feb 14 @ 11:30am in Theatre 2 on DCP)

  Union Pacific (Feb 15 @ 11:30am in Theatre 1 on 35mm)

  The Night Walker (Feb 27 @ 10:00pm in Theatre 1 on 35mm)

  

  Discover More about Music Box:

  Official Website 

  musicboxtheatre.com

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• FACETS: Film Trivia

  • Start
    Sat, January 10, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Sat, December 12, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    FACETS (1517 W Fullerton Ave.)

  
  

  Film Trivia is back, but with a new look, feel, and host: Syd Wrigley.

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  Join FACETS at 4:00pm every second Saturday for Film Trivia, a free team-based game with special film memorabilia prizes. 

  January trivia will feature categories focused on celebrating Rob Reiner, directorial debuts, a special winter wonderland video category, and much more.

  

  MEET YOUR HOST

  Syd Wrigley (She/They) is the FACETS Film Trivia host, as well as a filmmaker and video artist based in Chicago. She is currently a senior at School of the Art Institute of Chicago, pursuing her BFA in Film/Video/New Media.

  

  Discover More about FACETS

  Official Website 

  facets.org

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• January Giallo 2026

  • Start
    Mon, January 12, 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM
  • End
    Tue, January 27, 2026
  •  
    12:30 AM
  • Location
    Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave.)

  
  

  

  January Giallo is ON at The Music Box!

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  Sponsored by Shudder

  Co-presented by Cinematic Void

  Co-presented by American Cinematheque

  Music Box of Horrors is thrilled to be back for another installment of January Giallo, in partnership with our friends at Cinematic Void! This year we offer up an unimpeachable Italian classic from the legendary Umberto Lenzi (starring the always incredible Carroll Baker). We’ve also got an undersung Spanish/Italian co-production from José Antonio Nieves Conde (screening from an exceptionally rare 16mm print!), a fresh new restoration of quite possibly the greatest giallo ever, and a deep cut employing an unholy combination of Mondo and Giallo with dizzying results. Grab your J&B and strap in for some salacious, twisty, mind-bending gems culled from the most decadent and delicious of all horror sub-genres: the mighty Giallo.

  Upcoming Features:

  Marta (Monday, Jan. 12 @ 7pm in Theatre 1 on 16mm)

  Tropic of Cancer (Monday, Jan 19 @ 6:30pm in Theatre 2 on DCP)

  The House with Laughing Windows (Friday, Jan 23 @ 11pm in Theatre 1 on DCP AND Saturday, Jan 24 @ 11pm in Theatre 1 on DCP)

  

  Discover More about Music Box:

  Official Website 

  musicboxtheatre.com

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• FACETS: Cold Sweat

  • Start
    Fri, January 16, 2026
  •  
  • End
    Fri, December 18, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    12 sessions
  • Location
    FACETS (1517 W Fullerton Ave.)

  
  

  

  FACETS' monthly COLD SWEAT series plunges into the unsettling world of horror and cult cinema, offering unexpected, visceral double features that'll send a chill down your spine.

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  Each month, we’ll present a meticulously curated pair of films that push the boundaries of fear, blending classic chills with fresh, innovative scares. But this series isn’t just about the fright—it’s a journey into the psychology and physiology of horror. Why do we willingly subject ourselves to fear-inducing experiences? What is it about the adrenaline rush and the shivers that keeps us coming back for more? COLD SWEAT delves into these questions, exploring the complex relationship between our physical reactions and emotional responses when watching terrifying films. 

  
  

  Upcoming Double Features:

  Noroi: The Curse + Lake Mungo (Friday, Jan. 16 @ 7pm & 9:15pm)

  Birth + To Die For (Friday, Feb. 20 @ 7pm & 9pm)

  City of the Living Dead + The Day of the Beast (Friday, Mar. 20 @ 7pm & 9pm)

  

  COLD SWEAT is programmed by Nick Edelberg, FACETS’ Program Operations Manager and Emma Greenleaf, FACETS’ Marketing Manager. 

  

  Discover More about FACETS

  Official Website 

  facets.org

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• Reel Film Club

  • When
    Tue, January 27, 2026
  •  
    6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Location
    FACETS (1517 W Fullerton Ave.)

  
  

  

  Held on the last Tuesday of each month between May and February, the Reel Film Club celebrates a themed night with a reception and screening showcasing films and filmmakers from around Latin America, Spain, and Portugal followed by a post-screening discussion.

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  Learn More about Chicago Latino Cultural Center

  Official Website 

  latinoculturalcenter.org

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• Big Teeth Small Shorts Film Fest 2026

  • When
    Thu, February 05, 2026
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Facets Cinema, 1517 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

    
  

  Big Teeth Small Shorts Film Fest (BTSSFF) is back for 2026!

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  Big Teeth Small Shorts Film Fest (BTSSFF) features short films all under 5-minutes long. We believe that there are tons of talented filmmakers out there who either can't afford to make longer films or believe in very short form storytelling, and we want to help them showcase their work.

  Each screening is a highly curated show offering variety in style, tone, format, genre, and cool accents. You’ll see work of filmmakers from all parts of the world, different genders, races, and ages. You will 100% see something different from anything you’ve seen before. The beauty of this format is that you may find your point of view being challenged one moment and blissfully escaping the realities of our modern world the next. Ultimately, we just want you to have a great night out.

  Discover More about BTSSFF

  Official Website 

  bigteethsmallshorts.com

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• Brothers from Another Planet

  • Start
    Mon, February 16, 2026
  •  
    1:15 PM
  • End
    Sat, February 28, 2026
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • Location
    Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave.)

  
  

  

  Get Ready for Some Out-Of-This-World Fun

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  We’re taking a fantasy deep dive this February with some of cinema’s most out-of-this world Black protagonists. Take a spin through the Spider-verse with Brooklyn teen Miles Morales in the groundbreaking animated feature SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE (presented in 3D!). Stalk the streets with half-vampire, half-human BLADE, screening in immortal 35mm. Join Sun Ra and his Arkestra on their intergalactic journey in the pioneering Afrofuturist vision SPACE IS THE PLACE. And last but not least, view the human world through the eyes of “The Brother” in John Sayles’s funny and moving tale of the immigrant experience, the cult classic THE BROTHER FROM ANOTHER PLANET.

  Upcoming Features:

  Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (Monday, Feb. 16 @ 1:15pm in Theatre 1 on 3D DCP)

  Blade (Feb 20 & Feb 21 @ 11:59pm AND Feb 23 @ 2pm, all in Theatre 1 on 35mm)

  Space in the Place (Feb 21 &  Feb 22 @ 11:30am in Theatre 2 on DCP)

  The Brother From Another Planet (Saturday, Feb 28 @ 11:30am in Theatre 1 on 35mm)

  

  Discover More about Music Box:

  Official Website 

  musicboxtheatre.com

  
  

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• Chicago Film Frenzy

  • Start
    Fri, March 27, 2026
  • End
    Sun, March 29, 2026
  • Location
    FACETS (1517 W. Fullerton Ave.)

    

  Time for a whirlwind of cinema with the second ever Chicago Film Frenzy!

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  Chicago FiIm Frenzy is all about energy, diversity, and the power of film to ignite conversation and inspiration. Our lineup will feature a dynamic range of films, from gripping narratives and groundbreaking documentaries to daring experimental shorts and everything in between. Each selection has been chosen for its ability to captivate, challenge, and/or entertain audiences, offering fresh perspectives.

  Beyond film screenings, the festival will include lively panel discussions, filmmaker Q&A's, intriguing workshops, & a special networking party. Join us in celebrating another exciting year of the Chicago Film Frenzy!

  Discover More about Chicago Film Frenzy

  Official Website 

  https://www.chicagofilmfrenzy.com/

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• 25th Chicago Palestine Film Festival

  • Start
    Sat, April 11, 2026
  • End
    Sat, April 25, 2026
  • Location
    Gene Siskel Film Center 164 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601

  

  Founded in 2001, the Chicago Palestine Film Festival is an annual cultural event that serves as a vibrant platform for showcasing the rich and diverse narratives of Palestinian cinema. The festival provides a unique space for filmmakers, artists, and audience members to engage with compelling stories that explore the multifaceted aspects of Palestinian life. Through a carefully curated selection of feature films, documentaries, and shorts, the festival seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the Palestinian experience. Attendees can expect a thought-provoking and immersive cinematic journey, as the festival aims to celebrate the artistic contributions of both Palestinian filmmakers and filmmakers who make films about Palestine on an international stage.

  As the longest running Palestine Film Festival in the world, the Chicago Palestine Film Festival stands as a testament to the power of collaborative storytelling.

  

  Discover More about CPFF:

  Official Website 

  www.palestinefilmfest.com
  

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• CineYouth 2026

  • Start
    Fri, April 24, 2026
  • End
    Sun, April 26, 2026
  • Location
    FACETS - 1517 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

    
  

  CineYouth is back for 2026, Showcasing Young Filmmakers from Around the World

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  Now in its 21st edition, CineYouth is Cinema/Chicago’s annual film festival celebrating filmmakers 22 and younger from around the world. Since 2005, CineYouth has provided a platform for emerging talent to share their work, connect with fellow filmmakers, and learn from industry professionals. Held annually in Chicago at FACETS, the festival features in-theater and online screenings, hands-on workshops, live Q&As, and more. Best of all, all CineYouth events are FREE and open to the public!

  Discover More about CY25

  Official Website 

  chicagofilmfestival.com/cineyouth

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• Women Make Movies Film Festival

  • Start
    Fri, May 01, 2026
  • End
    Sat, May 02, 2026
  • Location
    Kinowerks - 5645 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60660

    

  Celebrate Women, Film, and Women in Film with WMMFF!

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  The Women Make Movies Film Festival champions the bold, the visionary, and the voices of women and gender-expansive filmmakers from around the world. Their mission is to amplify stories that challenge convention, celebrate resilience, and redefine how women are seen on screen and behind the camera. Don't miss out!

  Discover More about OPILFF

  FilmFreeway Page:

  filmfreeway.com/WomenMakeMovies

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• Chicago Critics Film Festival 2026

  • Start
    Fri, May 01, 2026
  • End
    Thu, May 07, 2026
  • Location
    Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave.)

    

  The Chicago Critics Film Festival is back at the Music Box!

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  The Chicago Critics Film Festival annually features a selection of acclaimed films chosen by members of the organization, a combination of recent festival favorites and as-yet-undistributed works from a variety of filmmakers, from established Oscar winners to talented newcomers. It is the only current example of a major film critics group that hosts its own festival. Be part of history and get your tickets now!

  Get Tickets Now
  

  Discover More about CCFF

  Official Website 

  chicagocriticsfilmfestival.com

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• Little Fort Environmental Film Festival

  • Start
    Sat, June 20, 2026
  • End
    Sun, June 21, 2026
  • Location
    Waukegan, Illinois

  
  

  
  

  A 2-Day International Film Festival on the Shores of Lake Michigan, Little Fort Film Festival Premieres June 20-21, 2026 in Waukegan, Illinois!

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  The June 20-21, 2026 festival will be at three venues in the City of Waukegan, promoted in both English and Spanish and is an inclusive event for all. If you are interested in climate change, environmental protection, plastic pollution, invasive species, drinking water, access to health, environmental justice or agricultural pollution, submit your film to Little Fort Film Festival

  Este festival se realizará en tres sedes en la ciudad de Waukegan, se promocionará tanto en inglés como en español y es un evento inclusivo para todos. Si está interesado en el cambio climático, la protección ambiental, la contaminación plástica, las especies invasoras, el agua potable, el acceso a la salud, la justicia ambiental o la contaminación agrícola, envíe su película al Little Fort Film & Music Festival

  Discover More about LFFF

  Official Website 

  wwwwww.littlefortfilmfestival.org

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• 62nd Chicago International Film Festival

  • Start
    Wed, October 14, 2026
  • End
    Sun, October 25, 2026
  • Location
    AMC NEWCITY (1500 N. Clybourn Ave.), Gene Siskel Film Center (164 N. State St.), Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave.), Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark St.), Reva and David Logan for the Arts (915 E. 60th St.), and MORE!

    

  The Chicago International Film Festival is Once Again Taking Over Chicago

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  As the longest-running competitive film festival in North America, The Chicago International Film Festival brings more than 150 films from around the world to Chicago. Featuring World, North American and U.S. premiere screenings, the Chicago International Film Festival also includes special celebrity appearances, post-screening panel Q&As and in-person tributes to legendary filmmakers, offering moviegoers the ultimate Chicago film experience.

  Full festival schedule being released the month before CIFF.

  Discover More about CIFF

  Official Website 

  chicagofilmfestival.com

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