FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE FIRST U.S. NATIONAL TOUR OF GHOST THE MUSICAL (Chicago)

FULL CAST ANNOUNCED FOR THE FIRST U.S. NATIONAL TOUR OF PLAYING CHICAGO'S ORIENTAL THEATRE JANUARY 7 - 19, 2014 CHICAGO (August 22, 2013) – Broadway In Chicago, Troika Entertainment and Michael Coppel in association with Hilary Williams, Margot Astrachan Production/Dennis Grimaldi Productions/Paul Lucas Productions/Robert Sher and Paramount Pictures, are pleased to announce casting is complete for the first U.S. National Tour of GHOST THE MUSICAL based on the film by Bruce Joel Rubin and Paramount Pictures.  The supernatural power of love is taking North America by storm as the new Broadway and West End musical GHOST THE MUSICAL, adapted from the Academy Award-winning film, will play Chicago’s Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph) for a limited two-week engagement from Jan. 7 – 19, 2014. GHOST THE MUSICAL features Steven Grant Douglas as Sam Wheat, Katie Postotnik as Molly Jensen, Carla R. Stewart as Oda Mae Brown and Robby Haltiwanger as Carl Bruner.                                                             Featured ensemble are Fernando Contreras, Brandon Curry, Evette Marie White, Nichole Turner, Hana Freeman and Shannan E. Johnson. Rounding out the ensemble are Omar Garibay, Susan Leilani Gearou, Tony Johnson, Beth Stafford Laird, Ben Laxton, Jake Vander Linden, Michael McClure, Jack O’Brien, Andrea Rouch and Maria Cristina Slye. GHOST THE MUSICAL is directed by Tony Award-winner Matthew Warchus (Matilda, God of Carnage, The Norman Conquests, Boeing-Boeing) and choreographed by Ashley Wallen (“The X Factor”, Kylie Minogue, Seal, Madonna's film WE). The musical features book and lyrics by Bruce Joel Rubin (Ghost, Jacob’s Ladder, The Time Traveler’s Wife) who has adapted his Academy Award-winning original screenplay for the stage, and original music and lyrics by a team of Grammy Award-winners, including Dave Stewart (half of the multi-Grammy Award-winning Eurythmics) and Glen Ballard (Michael Jackson's Man In The Mirror, Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill). The score also includes the iconic song “Unchained Melody,” written by Hy Zaret and Alex North (Courtesy of Frank Music Corp. ASCAP) and famously performed in the film by The Righteous Brothers. Set in modern day New York City, GHOST THE MUSICAL is a timeless fantasy about the power of love. Walking back to their apartment one night after a romantic dinner, Sam and Molly are mugged, leaving Sam dead on a dark street. Sam is trapped as a ghost between this world and the next and unable to leave Molly, who he learns is in grave danger. With the help of a phony storefront psychic, Sam tries to communicate with Molly in the hopes of saving and protecting her. GHOST THE MUSICAL has been enjoyed by over 1 million people worldwide and has been nominated for numerous awards including five Olivier Awards and three Tony Awards. It is also currently in Hungary and touring the UK and productions in Italy and Korea open later this year. The Associated Press calls GHOST THE MUSICAL “Eye-poppingly brilliant” while Variety assures the audience will experience “A limitless array of dazzling effects.” Newsday promises that GHOST THE MUSICAL is “Unlike anything seen on stage before” and the Daily Telegraph says GHOST THE MUSICAL “Will keep you gasping!”                                                         Original Broadway production produced by Colin Ingram, Hello Entertainment/David Garfinkle, Donavan Mannato, MJE Productions, Patricia Lambrecht and Adam Silberman in association with Paramount Pictures. Casting for the U.S. National Tour of GHOST THE MUSICAL provided by Joy Dewing CSA, Joy Dewing Casting. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Film in 1990, Ghost became a blockbuster hit and an instant classic, winning numerous awards worldwide. The film starred Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Tony Goldwyn and Whoopi Goldberg and was directed by Jerry Zucker. Bruce Joel Rubin’s script won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and Whoopi Goldberg won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her portrayal of psychic Oda Mae Brown. TICKET INFORMATION GHOST THE MUSICAL is part of the Broadway In Chicago 2014 Spring Season.  Group tickets for 10 or more are now on sale by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. Individual tickets for GHOST THE MUSICAL will go on sale at a later date.  For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com or www.ghostthemusical.com.

NICHE HOSTS ALLAGASH BREWING COMPANY BEER DINNER Enjoy Featured Allagash Brewing Company Beer With A Tasting Menu Prepared By Chef Serena Perdue

 On Wed., Sept. 11, Niche restaurant teams up with Allagash Brewing Company to host a beer tasting and exquisite pairing menu prepared by Niche’s executive chef Serena Perdue. 

Allagash brews a unique variety of traditional and experimental Belgian-style beers made with a dedication to craftsmanship and quality. The tasting will be led by Niche’s very own sommelier Vince Balistreri, along with Ben Iverson from Allagash Brewing Company who has pulled out a very rare ale just for the dinner, The FV 13 Wild Sour Ale which received an 100 point score from the Brothers of Beer Advocate.

SEPT. 11: NICHE HOSTS ALLAGASH BREWING COMPANY BEER DINNER

 Enjoy Featured Allagash Brewing Company Beer

With A Tasting Menu Prepared By Chef Serena Perdue

Priced at $65 per person, the event will take place on Wed., Sept. 11 at 6:00 p.m. For more information or to make Allagash Brewing Company beer dinner reservations, diners can call Niche at (630) 262-1000 or online by visiting www.opentable.com

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About Niche

Niche is a fine dining restaurant in Geneva, Ill., serving a constantly evolving menu of American contemporary cuisine based on the freshest Midwest ingredients.  Chef Serena Perdue skillfully blends her traditional French training with her love of newly picked, seasonal products from local suppliers as well as from Niche’s own sustainable farm at The Bull Run Estate in Elburn, Ill.   Niche has earned accolades for its all-American wine list, handpicked by general manager and wine director Vince Balistreri.  With 270 different wines that highlight the best in American wine, Niche was awarded the prestigious Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator in 2010 and 2011.  Visit www.nichegeneva.com

 

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About Allagash Brewing Company

Allagash Brewing Company started in 1995, as a one-man operation in a small space on the outskirts of Portland, Maine. Founder Rob Tod had worked in a brewery setting before and recognized a void within the craft brewing movement in the U.S., Belgian style. Tod had sampled many of these unique beers and felt that the flavors and traditions of Belgium needed to be shared with the American drinking public. Today, Allagash has six year round beers in its portfolio, seven yearly releases and numerous one-offs and keg only releases. They have always strived to produce the finest Belgian inspired and experimental ales this side of the Atlantic. Allagash began as New England's original Belgian-Style brewery and have grown into one of the industry's most distinguished and well-respected brands.

Niche Restaurant

14 South Third St.

Geneva, Ill. 60134

(630) 262-1000

CHICAGO MUSIC SUMMIT SPONSORED BY GOOGLE ANNOUNCES FREE MUSIC SHOWCASES

CHICAGO MUSIC SUMMIT SPONSORED BY GOOGLE ANNOUNCES FREE MUSIC SHOWCASES
More than 20 local acts to be showcased throughout the Chicago Cultural Center as part of the first Chicago Music Summit on September 20

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events is pleased to announce that Google has signed on as the presenting sponsor of the first Chicago Music Summit on Friday, September 20. The Chicago Music Summit is a new music industry conference that includes a full day of free panel discussions and networking, and an evening of free concerts, at the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E. Washington St.) and Storefront Theater (66 E. Randolph St.).

The inaugural Chicago Music Summit sponsored by Google will provide musicians and music professionals with the opportunity to advance their careers and network with local and national industry leaders. Ranked number one in “Fortune’s Annual Best Companies to Work For in 2013,” Google leads the way as it continues to create innovative tools for success through connection, which is one of the purposes of the first Chicago Music Summit.

Chicago is a global music powerhouse – activated by musicians working across multiple genres at the highest level of artistry. As part of the Music Showcases at the Chicago Music Summit, more than 20 local acts from six different musical genres will perform throughout the Chicago Cultural Center, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

Begin the night in the Electronic Room at 6:30 p.m. with an all-night DJ collective by Atmospheric Audio Chair and end your night with Kembe X of the Village in the Hip-Hop Room at 8:30 p.m. During the evening, join Third Coast Percussion in the Contemporary Classical Room at 7:05 p.m. and rock out with local band Pillars and Tongues in the Rock Room at 7:40 p.m. Be soothed by the jazz stylings of The Ari Brown Quintet in the Jazz Room at 7:55 p.m. or visit Matthew Skoller in the Blues Room at 7:55 p.m. Each room will showcase between two and four acts. Every act brings something unique to the showcase and with the assortment of genres represented; there is truly something for everyone.

The daytime Industry Panels portion of the Chicago Music Summit is at capacity and registration is now closed. A limited number of badges will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8:30am on the day of the event. The evening Music Showcases are FREE and open to the public; registration is not required. A full line up is listed below.

CHICAGO MUSIC SUMMIT – MUSIC SHOWCASES*
Friday, September 20, 6:30 – 9 p.m., Chicago Cultural Center

Rock Room – Claudia Cassidy Theater, 2nd Floor North
7:05 - 7:25 p.m. Suns
7:40 - 8 p.m. Pillars and Tongues
8:15 - 8:45 p.m. Santah

Contemporary Classical Room – Preston Bradley Hall, 3rd Floor South
6:30 - 6:50 p.m. Third Coast Percussion
7:05 - 7:25 p.m. Fonema Consort
7:40 - 8 p.m. The Gaudete Brass Quintet

Hip-Hop Room – Randolph Square, 1st Floor North
6:45 - 7:05 p.m. Lucki Eck$
7:20 - 7:40 p.m. Save Money Army
7:55 - 8:15 p.m. Psalm One
8:30 - 8:50 p.m. Kembe X of The Village

Jazz Room – Millennium Park Room, 5th Floor South
6:45 - 7:05 p.m. The Rajiv Halim Quintet
7:20 - 7:40 p.m. Laurenzi/Ernst/Green
7:55 - 8:15 p.m. The Ari Brown Quintet
8:30 - 8:50 p.m. Marquis Hill’s Blacktet

Blues Room – Washington Room, 5th Floor South
6:45 - 7:05 p.m. The Claudettes feat. Johnny Iguana
7:20 - 7:40 p.m. Toronzo Cannon
7:55 - 8:15 p.m. Matthew Skoller
8:30 - 8:50 p.m. Eric “Guitar” Davis and the TroubleMakers

Electronic Room – Chicago Rooms, 2nd Floor North
6:30 - 9 p.m. Atmospheric Audio Chair (DJ collective)
In conjunction with SHIFT: A New Media Exhibit by Luftwerk

*schedule subject to change

CHICAGO MUSIC SUMMIT – NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS
Friday, September 20, beginning at 9 p.m., Various Locations

The music plays on around town at neighborhood venues showcasing the city’s finest independent music acts. Admission info and ticket prices vary. Please check venue websites for details.

Chopin Theatre (Wicker Park)
In the Pregnant Buffalo Lounge
1543 W. Division St., (773) 278-1500
For tickets and info, visit chopintheatre.com.
10 p.m. Grazyna Auguscik Group (Jazz)
Double Door (Wicker Park)
Silver Wrapper/CIMMfest Music and Movies Showcase
1572 N. Milwaukee Ave., (773) 489-3160
For tickets and info, visit doubledoor.com.
9 p.m. Youngblood Brass Band and special guests
Downstairs video lounge with Odd Obsession


Dragonfly (West Loop)
“Home Is Where the House Is” After Party
832 W. Randolph Ave., (312) 455-1400
For info, visit dragonflymandarin.com. Tickets at door only.
9 p.m.-2 a.m. The Chosen Few DJs, Ron Trent, David Sabat, Lady D (House)

The Hideout (Noble Square/Bucktown)
Strange Victory Touring Co.’s 2nd Anniversary Party
1354 W. Wabansia Ave., (773) 227-4433
For tickets and info, visit hideoutchicago.com.
10 p.m. Cave and Dustin Wong (Psychedelic Rock)
Humboldt Park Boathouse
1440 N. Sacramento Ave.
6 p.m. Fareed Haque & Flat Earth Ensemble perform "Hymn of the Ancients"
Presented as a part of World Music Festival Chicago and the Latino Music Festival.
FREE admission.
Martyrs’ (Northcenter)
3855 N. Lincoln Ave., (773) 404-9494
Free admission. For info, visit martyrslive.com.
9:30 p.m. The Scientist Meets Ted Sirota’s Heavyweight Dub with special guests Shinehead & General Jah Mikey. Presented as a part of World Music Festival Chicago.
Mayne Stage (Rogers Park)
1328 W. Morse Ave., (773) 381-4551
For tickets and info, visit maynestage.com.
Use Promo Code “SUMMIT” for $5 off admission.
8 p.m. The Luck of Eden Hall featuring The Ladies & Gentlemen and Bedfellows (Psychedelic Rock)
National Pastime Theater at The Preston Bradley Center (Uptown)
In the Great Hall
941 W. Lawrence Ave., (773) 327-7077
For tickets and info, visit nationalpastimetheater.com.
9 p.m. Julien Labro with The Spektral Quartet (South American Jazz/Tango)
Red Line Tap (Rogers Park)
7006 N. Glenwood, 773-274-5463
For info, visit redlinetap.com.
9 p.m. Spinning Red and Ament (Hard Rock/Metal)
Reggie’s Music Joint (South Loop)
2105 S. State St., (312) 949-0120
For tickets and info, visit reggieslive.com.
9 p.m. Needles in the Red and Ravensthorn (Rock/Metal)
Smart Bar (Wrigleyville)
3730 N. Clark St., (773) 549-4140
For tickets and info, visit smartbarchicago.com.
10 p.m. DJs Ejeca, Harry and Jpeg (House/Nu Disco)
The Shrine (South Loop)
2109 S. Wabash Ave., (312) 751-5700
9 p.m.-1 a.m. Dub Dis featuring DJ Papa G (Reggae/Dancehall). Hosted by Mr. Greenweedz.
FREE admission. For info, visit theshrinechicago.com.


For more information and updates on the Chicago Music Summit, visit chicagomusicsummit.org. The Chicago Music Summit is sponsored by Google with the added support of ChicagoMusic.org, ChicagoArtistsResource.org, City Winery, CIMMfest, Hailo, The Engineering and Recording Society of Chicago (E.A.R.S.), Fort Knox Studios, Inspiration 1390AM, The Recording Academy, V103, WGCI and WBEZ.

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Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors.

About Google Inc.
Google is a global technology leader focused on improving the ways people connect with information. Google’s innovations in web search and advertising have made its website a top Internet property and its brand one of the most recognized in the world.

Google is a trademark of Google Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

Celebrate with a Delicious Delightful Pastries' Chocolate Pecan Bourbon Pie

Go Nuts. Two Days Slated to Honor the Pecan - August 20 and 21 Celebrate with a Delicious Delightful Pastries' Chocolate Pecan Bourbon Pie If you're a fan of pecans, you'll go nuts about two upcoming holidays. Tuesday, August 20 is National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day. And, if that isn't good enough, Wednesday, August 21 is National Pecan Torte Day. Delightful Pastries is celebrating at all three of its locations (Chicago French Market, N. Wells St., and Jefferson Park) by offering their delicious Chocolate Pecan Bourbon Pie ($5.25/mini pie; $25/8-inch pie) by executive pastry chef and owner Dobra Bielinski (recipe below). Delightful Pastry also has the Chocolate Pecan Pie available without Bourbon. Here's a tidbit that will pique your interest. Did you know that pecans contain zinc, which boosts testosterone? Zinc is the reason people think oysters are aphrodisiacs. We bet you're in the mood for a slice now! Not just for Thanksgiving, pecan pie is a Southern staple and for good reason. There's nothing quite like the smell of its warm, buttery crust and gooey, nutty center coming out of the oven.  The origin of the pecan pie is a little flaky.  Claims have been made of the dish existing in the early 1800s in Louisiana, but this does not appear to be backed up by recipes or literature. Attempts to trace the dish's origin have not found any recipes dated earlier than 1897, and well-known cookbooks such as Fannie Farmer and The Joy of Cooking did not include this dessert before 1940.  Some have stated that the French invented pecan pie soon after settling in New Orleans, after being introduced to the pecan nut by Native Americans. Pecan pie may be a variant of chess pie, which is made with a similar butter-sugar-egg custard.   Whatever the history, it holds a well-deserved spot on your dinner or lunch menu. Most pecan pie recipes call for a mix of eggs, butter, sugar, vanilla, salt and syrup or molasses poured into a pastry shell. Adding melting chocolate or bourbon are popular variations of the classic. Regardless, a scoop of fresh vanilla ice cream is always a welcome addition. Delightful Pastries' gives it a welcoming twist, adding bittersweet chocolate and bourbon to make a perfect pie for any occasion.  About Delightful Pastries Founded in 1989, the Delightful Pastries is family-owned and operated, and is one of Chicago's most beloved bakeries. The partnership includes mother Stasia Hawryszczuk, who manages the original Jefferson Park location with her daughter Dobra Hawryszczuk Bielinski. Dobra also oversees the Old Town location, and her brother Robert Hawryszczuk, along with his wife, Nico Hua, operates the Chicago French Market location.  From its roots as the baker of authentic homemade Polish specialties prepared according to European baking traditions that have been handed down from generation to generation, Delightful Pastries has expanded its delicious offering of fresh products to include a wide range of breads, brownies and bars, pastries, croissants, cakes, tortes, pies, macaroons, cookies and savory items such as soups, sandwiches, salads and quiches.  Delightful Pastries has been featured in numerous local and national publications including the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, all local television news outlets and even the Tonight Show. The original Delightful Pastries location is at 5927 W. Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, in the Jefferson Park neighborhood (phone: 773-545-7215). Store hours are Tuesday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed on Monday. The Old Town Chicago location, which includes the Café, is at 1710 N. Wells St., just north of North Avenue (phone: 312-255-0724). Store hours are Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Chicago French Market location is at 131 N. Clinton Ave., Chicago (phone: 312-234-9644). Store hours are Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed on Sundays. For more information about Delightful Pastries, including catering, delivery, and wholesale services, please send an email to info@delightfulpastries.com or visit the website at www.delightfulpastries.com. # # # Delightful Pastries' Chocolate Pecan Bourbon Pie By: Executive Pastry Chef & Owner, Dobra Bielinski 6 ounces butter, at room temperature 1 cup brown sugar 3/4 cup corn syrup 1/4 cup molasses 5 eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 6 ounces pecan halves 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped 2 tablespoons bourbon 1 9-inch pie shell  Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  In an electric mixer, beat the butter with the sugar till smooth. Add the corn syrup and molasses, then the flour and mix well. Beat in the eggs one by one, scraping down after each egg; add the vanilla extract and salt. Fold the pecans and chocolate by hand, add the bourbon. Bake for 45 to 60 minutes, till the top is dry and the filling is barely jiggling. Let cool. 8 servings.

A TASTE OF THE 49th CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL First Round of Titles Announced for This Year’s Festival, Oct. 10 – 24 2013

A TASTE OF THE 49^th CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

 

 First Round of Titles Announced for This Year’s Festival, Oct. 10 – 24

CHICAGO, IL (August 19, 2013) – Cinema/Chicago and The Chicago International Film Festival, the oldest competitive film festival in North America, are proud to announce the first 21 feature-length and short films, a preview of the more than 150 films that will be presented during the 49^th Chicago International Film Festival, October 10 – 24, 2013. The line-up includes a richly diverse array of films from the United States, Latin America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

“These first titles are just an appetizer to what is turning out to be a feast of fantastic films,” said Founder and Artistic Director of the Chicago International Film Festival Michael Kutza. “For 49 years we have discovered new ways of looking at the world through film and this year is no different. From spine-tingling thrillers to contemporary drama, as well as documentaries and award-winning debuts, this first sampling of our program already shows what a robust showcase of new films we will offer this October.”

“I am very excited about this year’s Festival lineup,” added Programming Director of the 49^th Chicago International Film Festival Mimi Plauché. “We have spent the past year watching thousands of entries, consulting with our international film advisors and scouting the most important film festivals around the globe to bring Chicago audiences the best of the best. These first titles offer moviegoers a glimpse of what they can expect this year: a thought-provoking, exciting and cutting-edge program.”

Film stills from select titles can be downloaded here. 

 

Films Include: 

•  Big Bad Wolves (Directors: Aharon Keshales, Navot Papushado • Israel): When the lead suspect in a brutal child murder is released due to a police blunder, a vigilante police detective and a grieving father take the law into their own hands in this fantastically intense, darkly funny revenge thriller from one of the pioneers of Israeli horror cinema.
•  Blue is the Warmest Color (Director: Abdellatif Kechiche • France): Teenager Adèle's life is turned upside down the night she meets blue-haired Emma in this scandalous winner of the top prize at Cannes. Adèle's passionate sexual awakening and the couple’s ensuing relationship - spanning several years - are depicted in searing, intimate detail with sharp, controlled direction and breathtaking performances from the two leads.
• Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me (Director: Chiemi Karasawa • USA): A ferocious, funny and poignant portrait of the one-of-a-kind Broadway legend as she reaches her 87th year, “Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me” showcases the brash, uncompromising Tony and Emmy Award-winner both onstage and off. Stritch's inimitable personality is on full display in this hilarious, affectionate tribute.
•  The Girls on Liberty Street (Director: John Rangel • USA): A teenager on the verge of leaving for the army, Brianna spends her last week at home trying to mend tensions with her friends and family. Eschewing melodrama, the film imbues this simple story with a deft style and effortlessly natural performances, creating an assured portrait of a young woman in transition.
•  Grigris (Director: Mahamat-Saleh Haroun • Chad): Despite a paralyzed leg that keeps him on the fringes of society, Grigris comes alive at the local nightclub, tearing up the dance floor every night. When a relative falls critically ill, the desperate Grigris turns to black market kingpin Moussa to pay the hospital bills and soon finds himself in over his head.
• Heli (Director: Amat Escalante • Mexico): In a misguided attempt to finance his elopement with 12-year-old Estela, police cadet Beto steals two large packages of cocaine, setting off a string of increasingly violent consequences for him and for Estela's family in this unflinching look at the cycle of drugs and violence in contemporary Mexico.
• The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete (Director: George Tillman • USA): During a sweltering summer in New York City, 13-year-old Mister's hard-living mother (Jennifer Hudson) is apprehended by the police, leaving Mister and his nine-year-old brother Pete alone to forage for food while dodging child protective services and the destructive scenarios of the projects. “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete” is a beautifully observed, moving film about salvation through friendship.
•  Like Father, Like Son (Director: Kore-eda Hirokazu • Japan): The lives of success-driven architect Ryota and his shy wife Midori are turned upside down when they discover that, due to a hospital mix-up six years earlier, their son Keita is not their own. The foundations of their identities as loving parents begin to crumble as they meet their biological child.
• The Missing Picture (Director: Rithy Panh • Cambodia): How do you document a genocide when no footage of the atrocities exists? Rithy Panh attempts to answer this question in this Cannes prize-winning film recounting a childhood under the Khmer Rouge, illustrating his memories with hand carved clay figures. This innovative documentary explores the intersection of historical memory and the power of images.
• Monsoon Shootout (Director: Amit Kumar • India): As heavy monsoon rains lash Mumbai, rookie cop Adi raises his gun to a criminal and must decide whether or not to pull the trigger. “Monsoon Shootout” presents three alternate scenarios, each sending Adi spiraling on a downward journey that pits him against fate and a system that presents a quagmire of moral ambiguity.
•  My Sweet Pepper Land (Director: Hiner Saleem • Iraq): A godforsaken border town in newly-autonomous Kurdistan serves as the setting for this Western-inspired tale of justice and honor. Both Baran, a former Kurdish independence war hero, and Govend, a beautiful young woman defying tradition to become a teacher, are determined to see order and civilization restored to their damaged country.
• The Priest's Children (Director: Vinko Bresan • Croatia): Troubled by his small island's rapidly dwindling population, the dogmatic young Father Fabijan sabotages the town's birth control. Soon the picturesque island town is awash with pregnant women, and the absurd unintended consequences of the plan begin piling up in this irreverent, hilarious dark comedy. 
• Salvo (Directors: Fabio Grassadonia, Antonio Piazza • Italy): Mafia hitman Salvo is solitary, callous, and ruthless. His deep-rooted cold-bloodedness is tested, however, when, on his latest job, he discovers his target's sister, a blind woman named Rita. Disturbed by her unseeing stare, Salvo spares her life, fully aware of the inexorable consequences of this ill-fated choice.
•  Under The Rainbow (Director: Agnès Jaoui • France): “Look At Me” writer-director-star Agnès Jaoui returns with a witty, charming, modern day mélange of familiar fairy tales. When young Laura meets Sandro at a party, she thinks she may have met her Prince Charming. And then she meets Maxime. Laura must choose between them as they, and their families, deal with the tragicomic realities of romance.
•  Walesa: Man of Hope (Director: Andrzej Wajda • Poland): Legendary director Andrzej Wajda tells the inspiring story of Lech Walesa, Nobel laureate and Poland's first post-Soviet president. The charismatic Wałesa rises from the shipyard to union leadership and becomes the voice and face of the growing solidarity movement, standing up to the feared Soviet Union and leading Poland's fight for independence.
• Die Welt (Director: Alex Pitstra • Tunisia): In the summer of 2011, Tunisia is finally free of its dictatorial shackles, but 23-year-old Abdallah still dreams of escaping to Europe. Following a chance encounter, Abdallah's passion to reach the other side of the Mediterranean burns brighter than ever before, prompting a desperate gamble for escape.
•  Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? (Director: Arvin Chen • Taiwan): Introvert Weichung's measured life as a family man is shaken when a chance encounter revives feelings from his long suppressed gay past, forcing him to choose between love and security. Fantastical flourishes color this bittersweet romantic comedy that is all at once wise and funny in its exploration of formal notions of family, sexuality, and friendship.
•   Short Films: Highlights from this year's program include: 23-year-old Tim attempts to seduce the ladies, but his stutter gets in the way in “Stammering Love.” In “Needle,” a young girl's feelings about her parents' divorce are explored when she goes to get her ears pierced. A teenager develops an awkward attraction in “Peach Juice.”

Festival Passes and Theater Information
Festival Passes are on sale now. Pass options include:

Moviegoer (10 regular admissions): $95 for Cinema/Chicago members, $125 for non-members.
Passport (20 regular admissions): $180 for Cinema/Chicago members, $240 for non-members

Passes can be purchased online at www.chicagofilmfestival.com

 

or by calling 312.683.0121.

Festival screenings will be held at the AMC River East 21 Theater (322 E. Illinois St.). The full schedule will be announced on September 17.


Festival Sponsors
Led by Presenting Partner Columbia College Chicago, the 49th Chicago International Film Festival's sponsors include: Official Airline - American Airlines; Headquarters Hotel - JW Marriott Chicago; Producing Partners: AMC Theaters, The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; Major Partner: Intersites; Supporting Partners: DePaul University School of Cinema and Interactive Media, Stella Artois, WBBM Newsradio 105.9, Shutterbox Entertainment, Cultivate Studios; Participating Partners: State Farm, AARP, Tres Generaciones®, Second City Computers, Gibson’s Restaurant Group, Creative Technology.

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About Cinema/Chicago
Cinema/Chicago is a not-for-profit cultural and educational organization dedicated to encouraging better understanding between cultures and to making a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image. The Chicago International Film Festival is part of the year-round programs presented by Cinema/Chicago, which also include the International Screenings Program (May-September), the Chicago International Television Competition (April), CineYouth Festival (May), Intercom Competition (October) and year-round Education Outreach and Member Screenings Program.

 

Chicago's Kellie Madison selected as one of 20 film director finalists in Canon’s Project Imaginat10n for her short film entry, “THE CAUL"

Kellie Madison, originally from Chicago, IL has been selected as one of 20 film director finalists in Canon’s Project Imaginat10n for her short film entry, “THE CAUL.”  Next up - Academy Award Winning Director, Ron Howard and his daughter, actress, Bryce Dallas Howard, will be screening the films and select five shorts to premiere at Canon’s Project Imaginat10n Film Festival this Fall.

Canon’s Project Imaginat10n, helmed by Ron Howard, is a user-generated contest to inspire short films and showcase the endless possibilities of creativity. Five celebrity directors also took part in this exercise and went behind the camera to direct: Eva Longoria, Jamie Foxx, Georgina Chapman (designer of Marchesa), James Murphy (former frontman of LCD SOUNDSYSTEM) and Biz Stone (co-founder of Twitter). 

Kellie Madison is 37 years old and a Writer/Producer/Director based in Los Angeles, CA. She has worked on multiple short films including, "Bathtub Picnic" and also wrote and produced the feature film, "Dear Mr. Gacy." She shot her Project Imaginat10n film, “THE CAUL” in just three days using a Canon C300 camera.

Please find a press release below and let me know if I can provide any additional information or put you in touch with Kellie.

The Finalist films can be viewed at imagination.usa.canon.com

TOKIO PUB INTRODUCES SUNDAY BRUNCH (Schaumburg,IL)

TOKIO PUB                         1900 E. Higgins Rd.                         Schaumburg, IL  60173 847.278.5181  www.tokiopub.com TOKIO PUB INTRODUCES SUNDAY BRUNCH (Schaumburg, IL)- Sunday mornings have never looked or tasted so good! On Sunday, October 6, 2013, Tokio Pub is pleased to debut their brand-spanking-new Sunday brunch. Executive Chef Peter Balodimas will showcase his first trademark menu for Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and it is sure to please every palate. The decadent ala carte brunch menu includes dishes such as Crispy Rice Benedicts, mouth-watering Breakfast Tacos and The "Hangover" sandwich. Cocktails will be in abundance too and include the Sunday-Fun-Day Bellini, the Monday Morning Mimosa, the Tokio Bloody and much more. The Tokio Pub Sunday Brunch will run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; walk-ins and reservations are accepted. For more information please call 847.278.5181 or visit www.tokiopub.com . We know you have a lot of choices when dining out, so we thank you for flying Tokio Pub!    Tokio Pub specializes in fresh Japanese cooking, served in a richly-hued dining room with lively music, friendly service & an edgy atmosphere. Located adjacent to Shaw's Crab House in Schaumburg's Streets of Woodfield, Tokio Pub is open for lunch, dinner & cocktails. East Asian classics are blended with flavors from Japan & Latin America to create a unique pub menu. Try specialty Sushi, Tacos & our signature Hot Rock, along with Japanese Stir Fry, House-made Ramen & Tokio Pub's famous chocolate filled Beignets.  Tokio Pub is open Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 midnight, and on Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Valet parking is available for $5 per vehicle, four season patio for 40 diners is available and all major credit cards accepted. For more info, call 847.278.5181, visit the website at www.tokiopub.com, tweet at @Tokio_Pub, join the Mobile Club (text Tokio to 30364) or keep up on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tokiopub.