Ever since attending the Sundance Film Festival back in Janurary of 2007 (as reviewed here and here), I’ve had my eye on a film festival much closer to home: The Chicago International Film Festival.  This week I will finally be attending…and volunteering.

Last Thursday I went by Chicago Cinemma’s office in the loop for a brief training and to sign up for three different shifts.  The festival claims to be “North America’s oldest competitive international film festival” and has been running since 1964.  Films can compete in a few categories: feature, first and second time directors, documentaries, and short films.

If you’re local, why not check out one or more of the festival’s films?  If you’ve never been to a film festival (and I’ve only been to one) there are at least two good reasons to purchase a ticket.  First, most of the festival’s films will never make it the cineplex.  You may find some of them on DVD a few months down the road, assuming you know what to look for.  I guarantee you will see some fascinating and beautiful films you’d otherewise never hear about.  Second, chances are decent that you’ll interact with the folks- directors, producers, actors- involved in making the movie.  It’s always eye-opening to hear some of the background to the movie you just saw.

Convinced?  If you are and happen to see a film during the times I’m volunteering make sure to say hello.

Related…

• I’m volunteering on Friday (10/17) from 3:15-7:15 at River East, Monday (10/20) from 3:15-7:15 at River East and Tuesday (10/28) from 3:30-7:30 at 600 North Michigan.
• A film I reviewed from Sundance has finally made it to Chicago.  Save Me is playing at the Music Box through Thursday.