Chicago International Film Festival Announces Unique Media Fair for 2026

The 2026 Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF), set to run from October 14-25, is bringing a new feature to its lineup: a physical media fair. This event aligns with the festival’s mission of offering unique cinematic experiences, providing a space for attendees to explore the world of tangible film media.

Despite the festival’s emphasis on theatrical movie viewings, Artistic Director Mimi Plauché sees a connection between attending films in theaters and owning physical objects like DVDs and Blu-rays. “We’re trying to connect our audience with the vendors who are doing the work to keep physical media alive,” Plauché noted. This new aspect of the festival will include roundtable discussions and a media swap where participants can trade DVDs, Blu-rays, and even VHS tapes.

The idea for the media fair emerged from the success of last year’s mobile Criterion Closet, a popular feature that encouraged festival organizers to explore new ways to engage audiences with physical media. Although this is an experimental addition, positive feedback to its announcement suggests potential for it to become a regular festival feature.

In conjunction with the media fair, CIFF continues to showcase both contemporary and classic films. The Black Perspectives program highlights foundational queer Black cinema, spotlighting “The Watermelon Woman” and “Chocolate Babies.” Filmmakers Cheryl Dunye and Stephen Winter will engage in discussions at the festival.

Additional highlights include a career achievement award for Marlon Wayans and a screening of “Liz Here Now,” showcasing actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor. Director Ava DuVernay will present her Netflix documentary “14th,” which explores the 14th Amendment with insights from various experts.

“I love when audience members tell me about films from past festivals that have stuck with them for decades. That kind of impact is what we aim for,” said Plauché.

Plauché encourages festivalgoers to embrace unexpected film experiences. “My favorite way of seeing a film is to not know very much about it before I go in,” she stated, highlighting the serendipity of discovering something new.

Noteworthy Film Features

• “Club Kid” (Oct. 14): The festival’s opening night film stars Jordan Firstman as a New York club promoter confronting new responsibilities.
• “Finding Your Laughter” (Oct. 15): A documentary co-directed by Brittany Alsot and Arlieta Hall, showcasing Hall’s use of improv to care for her father with Alzheimer’s.
• “All of a Sudden” (Oct. 16 and 17): Directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, this film explores humanistic elder care within cross-cultural settings.
• “Tender Loving Care” (Oct. 17 and 25): Mike Leigh’s latest film, fusing human relations with social themes and comedic elements.
• “The Echo Chamber” (Oct. 20): Set in Italy, this film delves into love and addiction through the lens of a music producer’s challenges.
• “The Liberation” (Oct. 23): Featuring Carrie Coon, this film examines personal transformation within a cult setting during the 1980s.
• “Behemoth!” (Oct. 25): Tony Gilroy’s playful exploration of music composition, closing the festival with a narrative that intertwines past and present.