Summer Screenings, Presented by The Chicago International Film Festival
CITI COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS
Passcode: You will need a passcode to unlock this offer. To confirm passcode, click your desired event below.
The Chicago International Film Festival presents Summer Screenings, a free weekly film series that casts
a spotlight on international cinema.
Breathing new life into stories translated to the screen, the theme of this year’s selections is
Adaptation. Since the invention of cinema, movies have drawn inspiration from art forms of all kinds.
Whether faithful renderings of popular novels or radical re-imaginings of historical events, film can
create vast, visual worlds while telling the stories that matter to us most. This year’s selections include
adaptations of novels, children’s books, short stories, and real-life events.
All film screenings are complimentary and open to the public, but as a Citi cardmember, you will have
early access to register as well as reserved seating for each screening. These offers are extremely limited
and available on a first come first served basis.
Screening information will be updated on this page throughout the summer.
DATE: Tuesday, July 27
TIME: 6:30PM CT
LOCATION: Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St., Chicago IL 60602)
On a small homestead deep in Australia's Snowy Mountains, Molly Johnson is dead set on survival. With
her husband away on a drove, the pregnant matriarch must fend for her family against the wild,
threatening countryside. When her secret past gets the town talking, she is pushed to extremes. This
blistering neo-western, reimagined from director Lea Purcell's acclaimed play (itself an adaptation of
Henry Lawson's classic short story), is a riveting examination of race, family, and identity. Directed by
Leah Purcell.
DATE: Wednesday, August 3
TIME: 6:30PM CT
LOCATION: Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St., Chicago IL 60602)
Best known for her 1939 concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, internationally celebrated singer
Marion Anderson’s career was propelled by her immense talent, but also steered by limits imposed by
racism and segregation. Director Rita Coburn adapts archival recordings of interviews and performances
alongside intimate correspondence, brought to life by actors Regina Taylor and Harry Lennix, to center
Anderson’s own voice. Balancing public triumphs with personal struggles, this powerful documentary
tells the story of a pioneering artist and civil rights activist in her own words. Directed by Rita Coburn.
This event will include a post-screening discussion, presented by Citi, with director
Rita Coburn.
DATE: Wednesday, August 10
TIME: 6:30PM CT
LOCATION: Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St., Chicago IL 60602)
1801. When a new king ascends the throne, scholar Jeong Yak-Jeon is exiled to a remote island for
incorporating Christianity into his Confucian teachings. There, he becomes fascinated with the awesome
variety of sea creatures caught by the island’s fishermen and, with one local’s help, authors an
encyclopedia of the underwater world. Based on Jeong’s life and Book of Fish, the film is a sweeping
account of 19th century Korea and a tender portrait of an unlikely friendship. Directed by Joon-ik Lee.
The film is presented in Korean with English subtitles.
DATE: Wednesday, August 17
TIME: 6:30PM CT
LOCATION: Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St., Chicago IL 60602)
Poupelle of Chimney Town is the breathtaking story of young Lubicchi and a man made of garbage,
Poupelle. Living among the thick smoke from the chimneys of his isolated town, Lubicchi yearns to see
the “stars” — to know the truth — his father always told him about. Adapted from the bestselling
picture book, Poupelle of Chimney Town is filled with inspiring performances and splendid music and
sound effects and produced at Tokyo’s famed STUDIO4oC. Directed by Hirota Yûsuke.
The film is presented in Japanese with English subtitles.
DATE: Wednesday, August 24
TIME: 6:30PM CT
LOCATION: Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St., Chicago IL 60602)
When Sami returns with his wife and son to his Arabic village for his brother’s wedding, he plans a quick
return to Jerusalem, where his business and mistress await. Just as he is leaving, the village is
unexpectedly put under lockdown by Israeli soldiers, and Sami finds himself caught in an uneasy web of
personal and political intrigues. This adaptation of Sayed Kashua’s 2006 novel mixes wry comedy with a
touch of the absurd to create a perceptive, winsome satire. Directed by Eran Kolirin.
The film is presented in Arabic and Hebrew with English subtitles.
DATE: Wednesday, August 31
TIME: 6:30PM CT
LOCATION: Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St., Chicago IL 60602)
Teenager Joey and his little brother are delighted to be placed back with their mother Daphne after two
years apart. All seems to be going well. Daphne has a job and Joey finds his niche with a dance group.
But when Daphne sinks back into old, destructive patterns, Joey does whatever it takes to keep social
services away. How long can he keep it up and at what cost? Scriptwriter Jaroen Scholten van Aschat
collaborates with lead actor Yfendo van Praag to create a personal, earnest portrait of a boy fighting to
reach adulthood. Directed by Flynn von Kleist.
The film is presented in Dutch with English subtitles.
