Reeling Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival

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Arts & CultureChicago
DatesDates TBA · Usually SeptemberCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsReeling holds a unique place in LGBTQ+ film
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Reeling Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival in Chicago

Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival is an annual film festival produced by Chicago Filmmakers, screening LGBTQ+ feature films, documentaries and shorts from around the world. Founded in 1981, it is the world's second-longest-running LGBTQ+ film festival. The festival runs for about eleven days each September, with screenings at the Music Box Theatre, Landmark's Century Centre Cinema and the Chicago Filmmakers Firehouse Cinema.

Its longevity and focus make it one of the city's important film-culture events.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Reeling holds a unique place in LGBTQ+ film history: it traces back to a 1981 screening in Chicago Filmmakers' 90-seat folding-chair room on West Hubbard Street, making it the second-oldest LGBTQ+ film festival on record, predating most peer festivals by years

02

The mystery stays covered

Each edition presents roughly 75 to 100 films across more than 50 programs, including ten juried shorts programs chosen from over 300 international submissions

03

The city starts moving

Distinctive honors set it apart from generic film showcases: the audience-voted Community Pride Prize carries a 10,000 dollar award, and the Silver Image Award, presented with AARP, specifically recognizes films portraying LGBTQ+ characters over the age of 55, a focus rarely seen at other queer festivals

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The festival opens each year with a signature opening-night film and reception at the Music Box Theatre

Water and renewal

Living ritual

and closes with a closing-night selection and party

The sacred route

Living ritual

Audience ballots after each screening determine the juried and audience-choice awards

The local code

Living ritual

including the Community Pride Prize

Tradition 5

Living ritual

giving Reeling audiences direct input into which films receive recognition

Tradition 6

Living ritual

Post-screening Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers are a consistent fixture of the shorts and feature programs

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually September

Getting around

Transit/rideshare varies by venue.

What to wear

Casual indoor movie-going attire suits Reeling: jeans, comfortable shoes and a light jacket or sweater, since late-September evenings in Chicago can turn cool and theater air conditioning...

Safety

Reeling Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival is easier with a small bag, charged phone and group plan that survives poor signal.

Where to stay

Chicago

Tickets/cost

Official ticket link is available. Confirm access rules before booking.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map41.85 N, 87.65 WOpen in Google Maps

Chicago, IL

TransportTransit/rideshare varies by venue.
Stay areaChicago

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Chicago via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Chicago, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for September.Compare faresFestival gearCasual indoor movie-going attire suits Reeling: jeans, comfortable shoes and a light jacket or sweater, since late-September evenings in Chicago can turn cool and theater air conditioning runs strong. Some opening-night and awards events skew a bit dressier, so a smart-casual outfit works well for those specific screenings.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Reeling Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival?

Reeling Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival is listed for September · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Reeling Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Chicago, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Chicago, IL

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLreelingfilmfest.org
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually September
Source statusOfficial source linked
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