40th Annual International Film Festival

One of the world's oldest and largest international film festivals is held every year a lot closer to home than you'd think. Put Chicago's International Film Festival on your itinerary next time you visit the Windy City.

Every October brings enthusiastic audiences to Chicago for this two-week competitive film festival. Debuts include more than 100 new documentary, feature, short and animated films.

The festival started in 1964 with the goal of discovering and introducing new filmmakers and honoring the best of those. It has grown leaps and bounds since then.

And it's about more than just the on-screen action. There are plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with actors and directors, who introduce the films and field questions after they are shown. You might just be bumping elbows with the likes of Spike Lee, Al Pacino and up-and-coming cinematic celebrities.

Directors who made names for themselves at the Chicago International Film Festival include Martin Scorsese, Peter Weir and Victor Nunez. Film entries are judged by world-renowned directors, actors and critics.

So stop by at the Chicago International Film Festival, catch a few good flicks and see what other surprises you'll find.