CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- It's the time of year when movie and independent film fans look forward to the Chicago International Film Fest, which is back next week.
It's the longest running competitive film festival in North America and on October 11, the 12-day event kicks off another year of feature films, documentaries, shorts, animated films and Oscar contenders.
Artistic Director Mimi Plauche said they've been watching films since January.
"There's films from almost 60 countries from around the world as well as some really great U.S. independent films that we're always glad to put a spotlight on," she added.
The festival is once again expanding throughout the city including film screenings at the Music Box Theater, The Chicago History Museum and Hamilton Park.
Opening night will also feature a Block Party on Southport between Waveland and Grace and will be open to the public.
The film fest runs until October 22. Tickets can be purchased here and the schedule for all the screenings and special events can be found here.
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