Editor

The CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S FILM FESTIVAL, (Saturdays and Sundays, October 21-22, 27-28) the largest and longest running children's film fest in the U.S. serves up another family treat. In addition to bringing the world's best kids' films from 41 countries, the CICFF introduces its new program of family films under the banner of the AMERICAN SHOWCASE®.

"Many U.S. family films that don't have $40 million marketing campaigns deserve to reach broader audiences. Festivals are the perfect way to make sure that families don't miss these quality films," says Milos Stehlik, Director of Facets Multi-Media, Inc.

Directors and actors whose films are part of the American Showcase will be at the Festival in full force, including Chicagoans Gerren Taylor America the Beautiful , Lisa Guerrero A Plumm Summer, and Greg Aronowitz, Labou. After the screening of Moondance Alexander at 12:30on October 27th at the Wilmette Theatre, kids will get another special treat when lead actress Kay Panabaker (Nancy Drew) shares her acting tips and tricks in a Q&A session.

Gerren Taylor, Lead Actress of America the Beautiful will also be making Chicago appearances on October 22nd and October 28th. Internationally recognized for her modeling talents, Ms. Taylor will be featured as the festival's emcee for the American Airlines Closing Night Awards Presentation on Sunday, October 28 where she will help announce the winners of the CICFF's many prestigious awards. Ms. Taylor will also be participating in the festival's Directors in the Schools program where she will be going to a Chicago Public School and sharing her experience as a model, movie star, and just being a teen!

Admission to film screenings is $6 for children and $8 for adults. Advance ticket sales for Wilmette, are available online via Ticketweb at www.cicff.org or by phone 1-866-468-3401. A complete schedule is available on-line at www.cicff.org or for more information call Tiffany Goodman at (773)281-9075.

The 2007 American Showcase includes:

America the Beautiful

USA, 2007 - 105 min. (ages 12-16)
Monday, October 22, 9:45 a.m. Harold Washington Cultural Center
Using a style reminiscent of Michael Moore, director Darryl Roberts chronicles America's obsession with beauty in this eye-opening documentary.

Her Best Move
USA, 2007 - 101 min. (ages 11-15)
Tuesday, October 23, 9:45 a.m. Facets Cinema and
Sunday, October 28,
11:30 a.m. Wilmette Theater
Teenage soccer prodigy Sara Davis juggles life, love and sports on her way to becoming the youngest player ever selected to the U.S. National Team. Starring Leah Pipes (Odd Girl Out) and Scott Patterson (Gilmore Girls). Directed by Norm Hunter.

A Plumm Summer
USA, 2007 - 107 min. (ages 9-13)
Saturday, October 27, 11:30 a.m. Wilmette Theater
Two young brothers courageously set out to rescue the beloved television puppet 'Froggy Doo' when he mysteriously disappears. With William Baldwin (The Squid and the Whale), and Henry Winkler (Click). Directed by Caroline Zelder.

Moondance Alexander
USA, 2007 93 min (Ages 11-13)
Sunday, October 21, 11:30 a.m. Davis Theater; Thursday, October 25, 10:45 a.m. Kerasotes Showplace 14; and Saturday, October 27, 12:30 p.m. Wilmette Theater
Inspired by true events, Moondance Alexander tells the story of a determined young girl who trains for the county horse show with the help of a crotchety stable owner and a black-and-white Pinto named Checkers. Starring Kay Panabaker (Nancy Drew), Don Johnson (Nash Bridges), Lori Loughlin (Summerland), and champion figure skater Sasha Cohen. Directed by Michael Damian.

Labou
USA, 2006 - 95 min. (ages 9-11)
Saturday, October 20, 11:00 a.m. Davis Theater
and Friday, October 26, 9:45 a.m. Kerasotes Showplace 14
Journey through the Louisiana Bayou with three unlikely friends as they set out to find the dreaded ghost of Captain LeRouge, whose treasure-laden ship was lost over 200 years ago. Directed by Greg Aronowitz.