49th Chicago International Film Festival previews

Film buffs flocked to Central Standard, 169 W. Kinzie, Wed., Sept. 18, for a very special preview party for the 49th Chicago International Film Festival. The crowd included filmmakers, actors, members of the press, sponsors, and many other friends of the festival.

Managing director Vivian Teng gave a short introductory speech, welcoming the guests to the festival, which takes place this year Oct. 10-24. A preview montage was shown, which included clips of films from several of the 62 countries represented this year.

Guests dined on savory appetizers, such as shrimp and grits and crab toast, and sipped on a variety of specialty cocktails sponsored by Effen Vodka and Tres Generaciones Tequila.

This year’s festival will include a newly rebranded “OUT-Look,” made up of feature films, documentaries and short films. Also new this year is the Q HUGO Award, to be presented at a stand-alone award presentation during the festival.

Promising selections of particular LGBT interest from this year’s schedule include France’s Blue Is the Warmest Color (which chronicles teenager Adele’s passionate sexual awakening and ensuing relationship with blue-haired Emma), Poland’s Floating Skyscrapers (about a promising young swimmer with a girlfriend whose life changes when he falls in love with Michal), and the US’s riotous and poignant doc Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me.

For more on the 49th Chicago International Film Festival, see www.chicagofilmfestival.com.

Text and photos by Kirk Williamson