The annual Roger Ebert's Film Festival is held every April in Champaign at the historic Virginia Theatre. All films are selected by the noted film critic himself, and are often accompanied by lively panel discussions with the movies’ stars, directors and producers.
217-244-0552, ebertfest.com

Chicago's Gene Siskel Film Center, named for the much-loved film critic, hosts diverse move screenings, guest artist appearances and film fests that include the annual Chicago Underground Film Festival.
www.siskelfilmcenter.org

Hollywood glamour isn't reserved for LA alone. Illinois has its share of cinematic glitz, from film festivals attended by big-name stars to movies shooting on location throughout the state. See the events and news below to find out where you can get a glimpse of Illinois movie magic.

MOVIE NEWS YOU CAN USE

Visit the Illinois Film Office Web site where you can find the latest Illinois movie news, tips on how to break into the biz and helpful links to industry resources.

Curious about casting calls? Wondering where the hottest stars are filming on location in Chicago right now? Go to the Chicago Film Office Web site and get the scoop on how you can experience a slice of Hollywood while you're in town.

ILLINOIS FILM FESTIVALS

The Midwest Independent Film Festival is the nation's only film festival solely dedicated to the Midwest filmmaker, presenting regionally produced independent cinema every first Tuesday of the month at Landmark Century Centre Cinema in Chicago.

www.midwestfilm.com

The annual Asian American Showcase, held in April at Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center, is the country’s only film festival dedicated to presenting independent Asian American flicks. The Showcase also includes Asian art and live theater.

www.faaim.org

The Chicago International Movies & Music Festival, held in various venues around Chicago in April, presents music-themed movies and videos, as well as live concerts and art exhibits.

www.cimmfest.org

The Chicago Latino Film Festival, the oldest and largest of its kind in the country, shows more than 100 films from around the globe for two weeks in April. Film screenings, workshops and special events are held in theaters and other locations throughout the city.

www.chicagolatinofilmfestival.org

The Chicago Palestine Film Festival, held in April at the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago, features works by Palestinian, American and European filmmakers.

www.palestinefilmfest.com

The Talking Pictures Festival, presented in April in Evanston, showcases independent films from around the world, along with new works by local filmmakers. Screenings often include discussions with guest speakers and filmmakers.

www.talkingpicturesfestival.org

The Geneva Film Festival, held in April in suburban Geneva, presents international independent films, along with workshops hosted by industry professionals that appeal to film enthusiasts and filmmakers alike.

www.genevafilmfestival.org

The annual Chicago Underground Film Festival, held in June at the Gene Siskel Film Center, is known for showcasing visionary and often shocking flicks by cutting-edge filmmakers.

www.siskelfilmcenter.org/cuff2011

Held in August at Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center, the Black Harvest International Festival of Film and Video tells stories and touches on issues of the African American and black African experience.

www.siskelfilmcenter.org

The Route 66 Film Festival is held every year on the third weekend of September in Springfield. The festival offers a variety of films, plus a chance to meet filmmakers and vote for your favorite short in one of the Audience Choice sessions.

www.route66filmfestival.net

See the work of independent filmmakers from around the world and learn more about making movies at the Naperville Independent Film Festival. The week-long festival, held in September, includes screenings of more than 100 films and seminars with cinema professionals, including screenwriters and acting coaches.

www.naperfilmfest.org

The Black Earth Film Festival, held during September in historic Galesburg, moves to Carl Sandburg College this year. Black Earth focuses on independent feature, documentary, short and animated films by international filmmakers.

www.blackearthfest.com

The Chicago International Film Festival is held in the Windy City every October. See a selection of more than 150 movies from both major studios and independent filmmakers at theaters around town. Big-name stars and directors often show up to promote their latest flicks and discuss them with theatergoers.

www.chicagofilmfestival.org

See some of the best movies made for and by kids from around the world at the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, presented in October at Facets Multi-Media. The festival screens more than 250 animated and live action films from 40 different countries.

www.cicff.org

Every November, Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival shows more than 100 films and videos from around the globe. Filmmakers and actors are often on hand for Q&A sessions during screenings.

www.reelingfilmfestival.org

The Illinois International Film Festival, held in November at Chicago’s Viaduct Theater, presents screenings and events that showcase a wide spectrum of filmmaking, including feature films, documentaries, animation and experimental student work.

www.illinoisinternationalfilmfestival.com