CHICAGO The 54th Chicago International Film Festival plans a gala presentation screening of Widows on Saturday, Oct. 13 at AMC River East, 322 E. Illinois Street.
Co-written by Chicago-based author Gillian Flynn and co-written and directed by Festival favorite Steve McQueen, Widows, shot in Chicago, is an edge-of-your-seat thriller that explores the city's complex sociopolitical landscape.
"We are honored to present Steve McQueen's newest, riveting tour de force with its incredibly talented cast and crew in attendance," said Artistic Director Mimi Plauche. "The Festival has a great history with Steve and his work, and we are particularly thrilled to showcase Widows, set and shot right here in our city. The film offers astute insight into crime and corruption in Chicago, while telling the electrifying story of four strong women who are empowered to take control of their precarious situation."
Widows
Widows is directed by Academy Award®-winner and 2016 Festival honoree Steve McQueen ( 12 Years a Slave ) and co-written by bestselling Chicago-based author Gillian Flynn ( Gone Girl ). The film is a blistering, modern-day thriller set against the backdrop of crime, passion and corruption, telling the story of four women with nothing in common except a debt left behind by their dead husbands' criminal activities. Set and filmed in Chicago amid a time of turmoil, tensions build when Veronica ( Oscar® winner Viola Davis, also a Festival honoree ), Linda ( Michelle Rodriguez ), Alice ( Elizabeth Debicki ) and Belle ( Cynthia Erivo ) take their fate into their own hands and conspire to forge a future on their own terms.
Widows also stars Liam Neeson, Colin Farrell, Robert Duvall, Daniel Kaluuya, Lukas Haas and Brian Tyree Henry.
www.epk.tv .
Festival and Ticket Information
The 54th Chicago International Film Festival runs Oct. 10-21, 2018 at the AMC River East, 322 E. Illinois St., and features more than 150 films, with a vast diversity of offerings, with numerous competitive categories and several highlight programs such as Black Perspectives, Cinemas of the Americas, International Comedy, Spotlight: Italy, Women in Cinema, Out-Look, After Dark and the City & State program (showcasing films made in Chicago and throughout Illinois.)
Individual tickets ($8 to $20) and Gala Presentation tickets ($20 to $150) are now on sale. Discounted parking is available at AMC River East 21 (322 E. Illinois Street). For more information, visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com or call 312-683-0121.
Festival Sponsors and Partners
The 54th Chicago International Film Festival's sponsors include Premiere Sponsors: Bloomberg Philanthropies, Wintrust Community Banks; Official Wine Sponsor: Chloe Wine Collection; Education Sponsor: HBO; Participating Sponsor: British International School of Chicago; Airline Partner: LOT Polish Airlines; Headquarters Hotel: St. Jane Hotel; Event Partners: AMC Theaters, The Gwen Hotel, Little Goat Diner; Platinum Media Partner: NCM; This program is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Additional support provided by the Illinois Film Office, Chicago Film Office, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), and Lagunitas Brewing Company.
About Cinema/Chicago
Cinema/Chicago, the presenting organization of the Chicago International Film Festival, is a year-round nonprofit arts and education organization dedicated to fostering better communication between people of diverse cultures through the art of film and the moving image. Cinema/Chicago's programs include the Chicago International Film Festival, International Screenings Program, Chicago International Television Festival, CineYouth Festival, and year-round Education Program. Celebrating its 54th edition October 10-21, 2018, the Chicago International Film Festival is North America's longest-running competitive film festival. For more information, please visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo and Twitter.