Special Events
The CICFF features several special events each year including the Festival's Opening Night Gala & the American Airlines Closing Night Award Ceremony. Check back in the fall for other Festival event announcements such as film previews, celebrity appearances & special programs for 2008!
Friends, Films, Food & Fun at the CICFF's Special Events!
Opening Night Gala 
Thursday, October 23
Kick off the 25th Annual Chicago International Children's Film Festival with a star-studded celebration for the whole family, hosted by NBC 5's LeeAnn Trotter! Ten days of Festival fun begins here at the party-of-the-year: dance to sounds from Radio Disney's Party Patrol; interact with roving youth news reporters; laugh with friends getting funny face paintings; enjoy mouth-watering, kid-friendly food; meet international filmmakers; and catch some of the top short films from this year's Festival. Even more opening night surprises await-and you're invited to join the fun!
Papiroflexia (USA, 2007) 3 min
Through the Lens (USA, 2008) 2 min
Rebel (Belgium, 2007) 6 min
Things You Think: "Love" (Denmark/Germany/Ireland, 2007) 5 min
The Watchman And The Little Girl (Germany, 2007) 10 min
Bruno (Germany, 2008) 3 min
His Good Will (Canada/USA, 2008) 11 min
Zoologic (USA, 2007) 4 min
Running Time: 44 minutes
Where?
Thorne Auditorium
375 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL
(corner of Chicago & Lake Shore Drive)
When?
Thursday, October 23
6:00 p.m. Reception
7:15 p.m. Opening Remarks
7:45 p.m. Film Presentation
Tickets:
$60 per adult
$25 per child
Call "Kidsfest" at 773-281-9075 or visit
Parking:
Available at garages around the auditorium
American Airlines Closing Night Awards Presentation
Sunday, November 2
5:00 PM Awards Ceremony
Film Row Cinema - Columbia College Chicago
1104 S. Wabash, 8th Floor, Chicago
Feel the rush of energy and anticipation at the Closing Night Award Ceremony for the 25th Annual Chicago International Film Festival. This exciting night of surprises promises to be one to remember, as actors, celebs, Festival friends and over 100 filmmakers wait on the edges of their seats for the awards -- including the prestigious $10,000 Poetry Foundation Prize! After the ceremony, everyone's a winner at the Closing Party, where friends, filmmakers, stars and more meet to close the curtains on the 2008 Festival with food, music and family-friendly fun!
Admission: $25 all seats
The Montgomery Foundation presents the Kenneth F. and Harle G. Montgomery Prizes for Best Film by an Emerging Director and Best Child-Produced Film. 
The Poetry Foundation presents the $10,000 Poetry Prize for excellence in the arts of poetry and film. 
For tickets, call 773-281-9075 or visit
