Things to do in Chicago for movie fansMary Houlihan – For the Sun-Timeson October 7, 2021 at 4:19 am

Grab your popcorn and check out our guide to movie screenings and events in Chicago. | Sun-Times Media

Wondering what movies to watch and where to see them? Here is our guide to screenings and events for cinema fans in Chicago.

Welcome to our roundup of movie screenings and events in Chicago. Bookmark this page and check back for updates on shows and activities.

Chicago International Film Festival

Warner Bros
Will Smith (from left) as Richard Williams, Demi Singleton as Serena Williams and Saniyya Sidney as Venus Williams in “King Richard,” the closing night title of the Chicago International Film Festival.

When: Oct. 13-24

Where: AMC River East 21, Music Box Theatre and Gene Siskel Film Center plus drive-in films at Pilsen’s ChiTown Movies and pop-up screenings at Bronzeville’s Parkway Ballroom

What: The roster of the 57th festival features nearly 90 films and 70 shorts including the opening night films: Wes Anderson’s long-awaited “The French Dispatch”; “The Velvet Underground,” with a virtual Q&A with director Todd Haynes, and the horror sequel “Halloween Kills.” The closing night film is “King Richard” starring Will Smith as the father of Venus and Serena Williams. In between, there’s also Mike Mills “C’mon C’mon” starring Joaquin Phoenix, Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune,” Pablo Larrain’s “Spencer” with Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana and Ridley Scott’s “The Last Duel.” Ticket prices vary.

More information: For a complete list of films, tickets and updated information regarding the festival’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit chicagofilmfestival.com.

‘Alternative Horror Essentials’

Paramount Pictures
Donald Sutherland in “Don’t Look Now.”

When: To Oct. 28

Where: Facets, 1517 W. Fullerton

What: This series begins Oct. 7 with “Raw,” Julia Ducournau’s debut feature (she recently won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes film festival for “Titane”) and Claire Denis’ controversial “Trouble Every Day” on Oct 8. Upcoming films are Bill Gunn’s “Ganja & Hess” (Oct. 14), Satoshi Kon’s “Perfect Blue” (Oct. 21) and Nicolas Roeg’s sexy and frightening classic “Don’t Look Now” (Oct. 28). All showtimes are 8 p.m. Tickets: $5.

More information: For tickets and updated information regarding Facets’ COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit facets.org

‘Music Box of Horrors: Dawn of the Drive-In’

International Classics Inc.
Jessica Harper in “Suspiria.”

When: Oct. 1-31

Where: Chi-Town Movies Drive-In, 2343 S. Throop

What: Murderous movie madness returns with this year’s lineup of audience favorites, rarely screened films, filmmaker Q&A’s, vendors and even some surprises. The opening week features “From Dusk Till Dawn” and “Perdita Durango” (Oct. 1), “Suspiria” and “Terror” (Oct. 2), “American Psycho” (Oct. 3), “The People Under the Stairs” (Oct. 5) and “Altered States” (Oct. 6). Admission: $30 per car; $40 double feature per car.

More information: For a complete list of movies and updated information regarding the event’s COVID-19 vaccination and/or mask policies, visit musicboxtheatre.com.

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