The 61st Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) is back this month with a stacked lineup of films from across the globe—and right here in Chicago.
The annual film festival will take place October 15-26 at some of Chicago’s favorite movie houses including the Music Box Theatre, the Gene Siskel Film Center, and others.
The 2025 lineup reportedly features 111 feature length films and 70 short films, including 4 world premieres, 17 North American premieres, and 18 U.S. premieres.
The international film selection spans 60 countries, including Morocco, Thailand, Kyrgyzstan, Chile, Germany, and more.
Additionally, movie lovers can expect a curated selection of films from Chicago directors. Here’s a look at the local films taking center stage at this year’s fest.
CIFF Chicago film list
- One Golden Summer; Director Kevin Shaw – Chronicles the story of the Chicago’s Jackie Robinson West Little League, the first all-black team to win the Little League U.S. Baseball Championship.
- Adult Children; Director Rich Newey – A coming-of-age film exploring the relationship between a sheltered Chicago teen and her older half-siblings as she navigates the beginning of adulthood.
- Anything That Moves; Director Alex Phillips – Described as an “exploitation thriller” this film explores the life of a Chicago bike courier with a secret side gig.
- Before the Call; Director James Choi – A young man in South Korea counts down the hours until he begins military service as a global crisis unfolds.
- A Brief History of Chasing Storms; Director Curtis Miller – A road trip through the infamous “tornado alley” forges a new understanding of the natural disaster’s role in American life.
- Only Heaven Knows; Director Nurzhamal Karamoldoeva – A dark Chicago-set thriller exploring a Kyrgyz family thrown into chaos amid their son’s mounting gambling debt.
Passes for CIFF 2025 are on sale now.
For the complete CIFF lineup along with ticket options and additional information, click here.