Record #: R2014-716   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 10/8/2014 Current Controlling Legislative Body:
Final action: 10/8/2014
Title: Congratulations extended to Chicago International Film Festival on 50th anniversary
Sponsors: Emanuel, Rahm
Attachments: 1. R2014-716.pdf
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
CITY OF CHICAGO
RAHM EMANUEL
MAYOR
 
October 8,2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TO THE HONORABLE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO
 
 
Ladies and Gentlemen:
 
I transmit herewith a congratulatory resolution regarding the 50th Anniversary of the Chicago International Film Festival.
 
Your favorable consideration of this resolution will be appreciated.
 
Mayor
 
Very truly yours,
 
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RESOLUTION
 
WHEREAS, The Chicago International Film Festival (the "Festival"), recognized as the first international film festival in North America and a pioneer in focusing on international films, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in October, 2014; and
 
WHEREAS, Started in 1964 by filmmaker and graphic artist Michael Kutza as an alternative to commercial Hollywood films, the Festival has remained true to its original vision: to discover new and rising talents in filmmaking and to bring the best in international cinema and the artists behind the works to Chicago; and
 
WHEREAS, The Festival, dedicated to fostering a better understanding between cultures and making a positive contribution to the art form of cinematography, seeks out the best in international cinema, as well as cutting-edge work of new talents, to share with audiences; and
 
WHEREAS, In addition to the screenings of the films, each year filmgoers have the rare and exciting chance to meet directors, producers, writers and cast members, who introduce their films and hold discussion sessions after the screenings; and
 
WHEREAS, The Festival has a rich 50-year history of discovering hundreds of ground-breaking directors, including: Martin Scorsese, John Carpenter, Taylor Hackford, Susan Seidelman, Victor Nunez, Wim Wenders, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Bertrand Tavernier, Peter Weir, Dariush Mehrjui, Mike Leigh, Alan Parker, Michael Apted, Peter Greenaway, Vincent Ward, Krzysztof Kieslowski, Krzysztof Zanussi, Dusan Makavejev, Victor Erice, Jan Troell, and Maria Louisa Bemberg; and
 
WHEREAS, This year's 50th Anniversary selections feature the work of returning filmmakers, personal favorites and important repertory films, as well as new films by emerging and celebrated filmmakers, with a special focus on Scandinavian cinema; and
 
WHEREAS, in the spirit of film critic Roger Ebert's sense of discovery, this year's Festival introduces the Roger Ebert Award, which will be presented annually to that emerging filmmaker whose film presents a fresh and uncompromising vision; and
 
WHEREAS, Drawing people from diverse backgrounds from across Chicago and beyond, the Festival remains a place where audiences come together in their common love of film; and
 
WHEREAS, It is appropriate that the City of Chicago salute the Festival for 50 years of exemplary leadership in filmmaking, and celebrate the Festival as one ofthe City's most vibrant arts organizations; now, therefore,
 
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and Members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this eighth day of October, 2014, do hereby recognize and congratulate the Chicago International Film Festival on the occasion of its 50 anniversary and extend our sincere appreciation and best wishes for its continued success; and
 
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be sent to representatives of the Chicago International Film Festival as a token of our esteem.