Coming attractions: Local film fests showcase indies, shorts

Posted December 31, 2015 4:30 am

Dann Gire

Serious filmgoers already know that Chicago is one toddling movie town with North America's oldest competitive fest, the Chicago International Film Festival.

But the suburbs hold their own when it comes to film fests, too.

Here's a list of the popular festivals scheduled for 2016. Know of one not mentioned here? Drop me a line at dgire@dailyherald.com.

The After Hours Film Society: Specializes in foreign language features and independent works. Meets every second and fourth Monday night of the month, except for December. 7:30 p.m. at the Tivoli Theatre, 5021 Highland Ave., Downers Grove. Upcoming films include the Jan. 11 special showing at Naperville's Ogden 6 of the documentary "Meet the Patels." afterhoursfilmsociety.com

Groundhog Days, Woodstock: Showings of the Harold Ramis classic comedy "Groundhog Day" Jan. 30 and Jan. 31, with related programs and walking tours of the original film locations. woodstockgroundhog.org

The Geneva Film Festival, March 10-12: The theme is Celebrating the Art of Independent Film, with a special Winter Sampler program at 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, at Playhouse 38, 524 W. State St., Geneva, genevafilmfestival.org

Screen Test Student Fest, April 15-16: Dedicated to short films and video works by students grades 5 to 12. Includes a special Screen Test Jr. for elementary school students. ci.schaumburg.il.us

Woodstock Illinois International Film Festival, April: Showcasing Academy Award-nominated best foreign films. Information to be determined. wiiff.org

The Chicago Critics Film Festival, May 20-26: Founded by Elk Grove Village resident Erik Childress under the auspices of the Chicago Film Critics Association and held at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. chicagocriticsfilmfestival.com

Teen Film Fest: On a Friday night in August (to be determined) at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library. ahml.info

The Elgin Short Film Festival, Sept. 24 (tentative): cityofelgin.org

Naperville Independent Film Festival, September: Tickets, date and venue information to be determined. naperfilmfest.org

The Illinois International Film Festival, Westmont: Tickets, date and venue information to be determined. illinoisinternationalfilmfestival.com

“A Marine Story” was one of the past features at the Naperville Independent Film Festival.

Article Comments

Article Categories
Entertainment Lifestyle Movies

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.