Getting your fill of film will be easier this year now that the festival is divided between just two theaters: Loew`s Pipers Alley Theatre (1608 N. Wells St.) and the Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport Ave.). The festival runs from Friday through Oct. 25.
Tickets: $7 ($6 for Cinema/Chicago members), matinees before 6 p.m. come $1 cheaper.
Deals: A ”Pick-A-Flick” pass gets you into any 10 films for $55 ($45 members, $50 students). The ”Festival Pass,” $250 ($200 members) is good at any film, any time, except the opening gala.
Buy tickets: In advance at the Film Festival Store at Pipers Alley or get them at the door. Or, you can avoid the crush by ordering with a credit card over the phone at 312-644-FILM. Beware the $1 per order service charge. To order by mail with a credit card, fill out the coupon in the Film Festival guide. If your tickets can`t be mailed to you in time, they will be held at the box office until one hour before show time. Tickets also available through TicketMaster outlets or by calling 312-559-1212. Ticketmaster charges an extra $2.50 per ticket plus $1.55 per order ”processing fee.” They take credit card orders over the phone but cash only at their outlets.
Membership: Cinema/Chicago membership gets you discount prices (listed in parentheses in the schedule) plus other perks during the year. It costs $50, $80 for two at the same address, and $30 each for students and senior citizens. You can become a ”sponsor” for $150, ”patron” for $300 or a
”lifetime member” for $1,000, each with additional benefits. Join in person at the festival store or at Friday`s opening, or by phone by calling 644-FILM.
Special Events: Friday`s black-tie tribute and dinner for Jack Lemmon runs $175. Attend the reception for Kathleen Turner and screening Oct. 16 for $15. Throw dinner into the deal for $50.
The Film Festival Store: At Pipers Alley (1608 N. Wells St.), it is stocked with T-shirts and other festival souvenirs, plus tickets.
Parking: Free at Pipers Alley for 3 1/2 hours, if you remember to have your ticket validated. Street parking available around the Music Box.
Call ahead: Check 312-644-FILM (3456) to confirm times and locations or get a schedule.
