This year's Chicago Film Festival will spotlight films from renowned directors including Ryusuke Hamaguchi and Hirokazu Kore-eda, with competition details confirmed.
In a significant announcement on September 15, 2026, the Chicago International Film Festival revealed its international competition lineup for the upcoming 62nd edition. The festival will feature films from acclaimed directors Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Hirokazu Kore-eda, and Lee Chang-dong, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Among the highlighted films are Hamaguchi's All of a Sudden, Kore-eda's Look Back, and Lee's Possible Love, all set to compete for the prestigious Gold Hugo. Other notable entries in the 13-film competition include Radu Jude's The Diary of a Chambermaid and Clio Barnard's I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning. This lineup represents a diverse array of cinematic voices from around the globe, capturing the attention of an international audience.
In addition to the established filmmakers in the international competition, the festival will also showcase new talent through its New Directors Competition. Films like Clarissa by Arie Esiri and Chuko Esiri, and Marie Madeleine by Gessica Geneus, are among many emerging projects that promise to enrich the festival experience.
The documentary section features contenders such as Alessandra Sanguinetti's The Illusion of an Everlasting Summer. Additionally, the festival's OutLook Competition, which focuses on LGBTQ+ stories, includes Ira Sachs' The Man I Love and other prominent narratives, expanding the array of perspectives and themes present this year.
As part of the festival's offerings, Seth Abramovitch from The Hollywood Reporter will moderate the fourth annual International Contenders Panel. This event will provide an opportunity for filmmakers behind national Oscar submissions to discuss their work, offering attendees deeper insights into the films and the creative processes behind them.
The Chicago International Film Festival is scheduled to take place from October 14 to 25, 2026. The festival will include 25 North American or U.S. premieres across various sections, making it a noteworthy destination for film enthusiasts. An opening night film, Club Kid, is set to kick off the event, while the centerpiece presentation will be Mouse, directed by Kelly O’Sullivan and Alex Thompson.
Tickets for general admission will go on sale on September 28, following a presale for Cinema/Chicago members that begins on September 18.
The announcement of the festival lineup underscores the Chicago International Film Festival's commitment to showcasing both established and emerging filmmakers through a diverse array of films. The participation of high-profile directors such as Hamaguchi and Kore-eda may draw significant attention from cinephiles and enhance discussions surrounding contemporary international cinema. As the festival approaches, excitement builds regarding the audience's reception and the critical discourse expected from these cinematic offerings.
For further updates, the complete festival lineup is expected to be disclosed on September 17, 2026.
For more festival coverage, check out our articles on Brie Larson's upcoming film and highlights from the 2026 Emmys.
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