October 6th, 2010 
Calling all movie buffs! This week marks the kick-off of the International Film Festival (IFF). Beginning in 1964, this fest has become a staple and an attraction that many look forward to each year. This year, IFF will surely not disappoint…with over 150 films from 50 countries. Opening night is October 7, 2010 and will feature the film Stone starring Robert De Niro and Ed Norton.
Stone at Chicago's International Film Festival
This year’s festival also includes a number of panel discussions that you may want to check out. Here is the rundown of upcoming discussions from the folks over at IFF:
SEX ON THE SCREEN
Cinema is the perfect medium for exploration of complex issues surrounding sex and sexuality. Join both documentary and feature filmmakers to discuss the dilemmas that are raised when we express sexuality through film.
Panelists include Love Translated director Julia Ivanova, Sex Magic: Manifesting Maya director Eric Liebman, The Sentiment of the Flesh director Roberto Garzelli, and Northwestern University gender studies professor Nicholas Davis. Moderated by University of Wisconsin film studies professor Elena Gorfinkel.
Saturday, Oct. 9, 3:00 pm
Festival Filmmakers Lounge
at Lucky Strike Lanes
322 E. Illinois St.
SONGS OF THE SCREEN: MUSIC IN BLACK FILM
From blues and jazz and rock ’n’ roll to soul and funk and hip-hop, music has historically acted as a driving force in innovative Black film. Join a panel of experts from the worlds of music and film to discuss the evolution of the intrinsic connection between music and Black cinema.
Panelists include White Lines and the Fever: The Death of DJ Junebug director Travis Senger, musician Fernando Jones, and producer Earl Powell.
Tuesday, Oct. 12, 3:00 pm
Columbia College Chicago
1104 S. Wabash Ave., 8th Floor
NEW DIRECTORS: FROM SHORTS TO FEATURES
Short-format films are the perfect form to hone your craft and develop your storytelling skills. Moving into writing and directing feature-length films may seem daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. Come hear directors share their wisdom about moving from short to long-format work, discussing every step of the process from developing your approach to writing and directing through to festival screening strategies, distribution options, and more. Panelists include Cold Weather director Aaron Katz and The Defiled director Julian Grant. Moderated by Columbia College Chicago’s Tom Fraterrigo.
Wednesday, Oct. 13, 4:30 pm
Columbia College Chicago
1104 S. Wabash Ave., 3rd Floor
International Film Festival runs from October 7th through October 21st. If you are visiting Chicago during that time, try to check it out!
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
