CHICAGO SALUTES
It is hard to believe that it has been 45 years since Chicago's Michael Kutza put on his first film festival. At that time, there was not even a red carpet. The Chicago International Film Festival has grown to become the longest-running competitive film festival in North America. Some of the biggest names in the business now come every year. "I love the thrill - the thrill of discovering something new and sharing my pride with this city I love. Here's to the next 45," Kutza said.


Michael Kutza, Founder of the Chicago Illinois Film Festival, and Betsy Steinberg, Director of Illinois Film Office at the podium

It was quite refreshing to see all the beaming faces on and off the Red Carpet for the opening premier of the Uma Thurman film "Motherhood," which stars Uma Thurman. She was lovely and very approachable. She walked the Red Carpet stopping to talk to everyone for more than 45 minutes, and she was having a great time doing it.


Uma Thurman, Star of "Motherhood," and Steve A. Jones, Producer

An international film star, Jacqueline Bisset has done a wide range of challenging dramatic and comedic roles. She has appeared in more than 50 films in the United States and Europe. Her most recent film, "Death in Love," has only reminded everyone of her great talent. Some of her classic films include: "Day For Night," "The Deep," "Under the Volcano," and "Murder on the Orient Express."

Jacqueline Bisset, Jury Head

Irene Michaels interviewing Jacqueline Bisset, "Motherhood" Premier

We are proud of the six young graduates from Columbia College that formed a film company called Beverly Ridge Pictures. These young men (John W. Bosher, Brian Caunter, Chris Charles, William S. Maursky, Kevin Moss and Philip S. Plowden) are not afraid to take chances. They walked down the red carpet at the AMC River East Theater as the first- time filmmakers of "Chicago Overcoat."

Josh Staman, writer, and Julie Capellupo, Staman's guest

Kevin Moss, associate producer/director of photography, and Diana Spilotro, Moss' guest

John W. Bosher, writer/producer, and Gigi Caunter, Bosher's guest

Director Brian Caunter and Lindsey Miller

Stars Frank Vincent (The Sopranos and "Casino") and Danny Goldring ("Inherit the Wind" and "A Red Orchid") were on hand on the red carpet to answer any questions about the fictional shoot-em-up mob drama. The entire film was shot on location in Chicago, as well as at the Joliet Correctional Center.

Frank Vincent, Star of "Chicago Overcoat," and wife

Danny Goldring, 2nd lead in "Chicago Overcoat," and his wife

Vincent loved the script from the first time he read it and was happy to perform alongside his fellow Soprano's cast member Katherine Narducci, and actors Mike Starr, Armand Assante and Stacy Keach.

Mike Starr, Actor

Robert Popel & Kathren Narducci, female lead in "Overcoat"

Top ranked talent agent, Paula Wagner


Katherine Dieckmann, Director of "Motherhood," and Mayor Daley


Roger Ebert and Chaz Ebert, special guests of the Festival


Television Director and songwriter Ron Vasser, and his wife Elizabeth Geddes-Vasser


Photos by Steve Starr