Movie fans are in for a treat during this year's Chicago International Film Festival.
The festival, which is now in its 62nd year, continues to Oct. 25. The Chicago International Film Festival kicked off on Oct. 14 with the opening film "Club Kid" and ends with the film "Behemoth!" on Oct. 25.
"There's an eclectic mix of films," said Anthony Kaufman, senior programmer for The Chicago International Film Festival, about the fest's offerings.
On the roster this year are a variety of movies from local filmmakers as well as film creators from around the world.
Pictured is a scene from "Behemoth!" Provided photo.
Kaufman said "just to be part of the tradition of this festival which is so universal and storied" is an honor.
The esteemed festival, which is considered the longest running competitive film festival in North America, has featured many notable guests through the years, including greats such as Orson Welles and Charlie Chaplin.
At the 62nd annual event, the screening schedule features 113 feature films, 57 shorts, four World Premieres, 15 North American Premieres and 21 U.S. Premieres.
"There are films from 60 countries," Kaufman added.
A selection of special events, tributes and other events will be featured as well.
"Possible Love" will be screened at The Chicago International Film Festival. Provided photo
Of special note this year, Kaufman said, is that 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the "Black Perspectives" program. As part of the "Black Perspectives" program there will be a Tribute to Sophie Okonedo at 6 p.m. Oct. 21 at Music Box Theatre; and An Evening With Marlon Wayans at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19 at Reva and David Logan Center; and other events.
Kaufman, who's been a lover of movies since he was a kid, said he and the team of fest coordinators have been working on this year's event since January.
He said when choosing movies for the festival he looks for films that will surprise and move him.
Kaufman said the film festival has a good amount of outstanding documentaries. He added the documentaries "are as cinematic and transformative as the fiction films."
One of the film's to be screened at The Chicago International Film Festival is "Finding Your Laughter." Provided photo
Another special feature of the fest is the presentation of the first Physical Media Fair on Oct. 17 and 18. The fair is a type of swap meet where film fans can trade their own tapes, DVDs and other media with one another as well as well as hear from special guests and filmmakers.
Among movies being featured at the fest are "Victorian Psycho," "Mouse," "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York," "Finding Your Laughter," "Ana The Cleaner," "Fatherland," "The Watermelon Woman," "Bitter Christmas," "Ever After," and many more.
Venues which will hold screenings are AMC NEWCITY 14, the Music Box Theatre, the Gene Siskel Film Center, the Chicago History Museum, Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts and other pop up locations.
For more information, visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com.