Editor

The 24th Annual Chicago International Children's Film Festival's American Airlines Closing Night Awards Presentation, celebrates 2007's top films for children!   On Sunday, October 28th, Gerren Taylor, teen supermodel and lead actress of America the Beautiful, emcees this year's Awards Presentation held at the Film Row Cinema at Columbia College (1104 S. Wabash, 8th Floor).  This year, the CICFF has more than 130 directors, filmmakers and stars in attendance from around the globe, including teen celebrity Kay Panabaker, star of Moondance Alexander and actress Lisa Guerrero who stars in A Plumm Summer.  More than 36 awards will be given, followed by a screening of some of the best film offerings from the biggest family film event of the year.  Closing ceremonies will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will be followed by an all ages Gala Party where winners will be happy to sign autographs and speak about their films.      

This year, 225 films from 40 countries competed for top prizes in various categories - live action, animation, documentary -with prizes determined by the CICFF's Adult, Youth and Children's juries. One of the largest and most significant of its kind, the CICFF's Children's Jury is made up of 60 of Chicago's most talented and trained young critics.  "Kids know what they like and this group of young and capable critics are charged with the responsibility of awarding prizes in more than seven categories," says Festival Director Nicole Dreiske. 

Perhaps the most anticipated award is the announcement of the winners in the Animated and Live Action Short Films category where the top award from the Adult Jury qualifies winners to be seen by the nominating committee for the Academy Awards®.  Promotion Name Try phraseNew this year, the acclaimed poet and President of the Poetry Foundation, John Barr will announce the creation of a special $10,000 cash prize to be awarded in 2008 for the best film based on a poem.  "The Poetry Foundation Prize at the Chicago International Children's Film Festival will celebrate artistry and excellence in the merging of these two powerful art forms to create a greater appreciation for them both," said Mr. Barr.  Directors at Opening Night will be the first to learn about this exciting opportunity and get a head start on the Poetry Foundation prize.  Closing night also coincides with the announcement by the Academy Foundation, of a $30,000 grant award to the CICFF for the 25th Annual Festival. Cash awards to be presented include: ·        The Kenneth and Harle Montgomery Award for the best film by an emerging director, a $2,500 cash prize that recognizes the work of filmmaker who has made no more than 3 films. The winning film awarded the prize is distinguished by either an inspired treatment or a theme to which children can easily relate.·        The Kenneth and Harle Montgomery Montgomery Award of $2500 for the best film made by a child.·        The Rights of the Child Award is given to the film that best represents the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the Child. ·        The Liv Ullman Peace Prize is awarded to a film that positively addresses difficult topics for children such as racism and prejudice; abuse and conservation of the planet and alternative dispute resolution.Order tickets for the American Airlines Closing Night Awards Presentation by calling (773) 281-2166 or (773) 281-9075 or visit our website at www.cicff.org.              The Chicago International Children's Film Festival is presented by Facets Multi-Media, Inc., a not-for-profit film and video organization. A complete schedule of the more than 220 films from over 40 countries shown at the Fest is available on-line at www.cicff.org or for more information call Kidsfest at (773) 281-9075. over