Cinema Soiree VIP reception with the presentation of a unique Eli's Cheesecake. L to R, honoree John C. Reilly, Maureen Schulman, Chef Diego Maldonado, Jon Harris, Marc Schulman, Al Roker, Jennifer Reeder and Vivian Teng. (Photo by Sean Su/Purple Photo Group)
The Chicago International Film Festival celebrated its 60th anniversary “Cinema Soiree," an event held at The Geraghty June 1. More than 300 guests attended to support the Festival and Cinema/Chicago’s free summer screenings program, the CineYouth Festival, Community Cinema and other cultural and educational programs.
Mimi Plauche, CIFF artistic director, honoree John C. Reilly and Vivian Teng, CIFF managing director. (Photo Candace Jordan)
During the cocktail reception, honorees John C. Reilly and Jennifer Reeder were interviewed by the press on the red carpet. Reilly received the Career Achievement Award, while Reeder was honored with the Tour de Force Award.
Following dinner, emcee Al Roker and board member Jon Harris welcomed guests. Event chair Brenda Robinson highlighted the organization’s mission and recognized CIFF artistic director Mimi Plauché and managing director Vivian Teng. Michael Kutza, the CIFF founder, was recognized for his 54 years of leadership with a rousing standing ovation.
Michael Kutza, Chicago International Film Festival founder, who led the Festival for 54 years. (Photo by Lisa Fielding)
Robinson introduced CIFF board chair Chuck Droege, who acknowledged board members and the host committee, including Lee Blackwell Baur, Jacolyn Bucksbaum, Phil Clement, Chaz Ebert, Sonia Evans, Jon Harris, Jason Delane Lee, Yvonne Huff Lee, Bill Melamed and Gigi Pritzker.
Emcee Al Roker and CIFF board member Jon Harris. (Photo Candace Jordan)
Plauché presented the Tour de Force Award to Reeder, praising her as an “internationally celebrated filmmaker with a Midwestern sensibility.” Reeder’s speech, styled like a film script, began, “Fade in, interior, gala event, evening, Chicago present day. The room is brimming and buzzing with extremely attractive people….” She humorously reflected on her challenging journey as a filmmaker, ending with, “I’m built for it. I’m from Ohio.”
Filmmaker Jennifer Reeder, Tour de Force Award winner, with CIFF board member Lee Blackwell Baur. (Photo Candace Jordan)
Chicago native Reilly expressed his love for the city upon receiving his Career Achievement Award, declaring, “Long live the movies, and long live my sweet home, Chicago!”
CIFF Cinema Soiree gallery photos
The Geraghty was a beautiful venue for the party filled with unique and elegant film decor. (Photo Candace Jordan)
Other speakers included CineYouth filmmaker Carlos Lerma and actor/director McKenzie Chinn, a CIX: Lab cohort member. A live auction was conducted by Greg “G-Man” Dellinger.
Maureen and Marc Schulman contributed to the celebration with one of their famous Eli’s Cheesecakes, presented during a VIP reception and shared at the event’s conclusion.
Cinema/Chicago, the nonprofit presenting organization behind the Chicago International Film Festival, offers year-round programming focused on international and independent cinema.
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