Who needs Toronto or Cannes, when you can get new, world-class films right here in Chicago? Almost 100 feature films, from 40 countries, are being shown at the Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF), between October 2-16.

Kicking off the festival is the highly acclaimed "The Human Stain," with Nicole Kidman and Anthony Hopkins. The closing film is "Shattered Glass" with Peter Sarsgaard and Chloe Sevingny, Steven Zahn and Rosario Dawson. In between there are films such as "The Singing Detective" with Robert Downey Jr., who will appear in person before the movie to receive a Career Achievement Award from festival founder and artistic director, Michael Kutza.

A few films that we've seen and recommend include, "The Human Stain," and "In America." "Pieces of April," starring Katie Holmes, is a bitter-sweet comedy from the writer of "About a Boy," and "My Life Without Me," with Sarah Polley and Mark Ruffalo, tells the story of a young mother of two children who plans life for her family after she's gone.

While there are films of many genres, from all over the world, clearly a stand out category is documentaries. Select from topics as broad as "Cinerama Adventure," "My Architect," and "The Revolution will not be Televised."

Special this year are six films on "The Balkans: Cinema Without Borders," which shows that the area can focus on comedy as well as tragedy.

Outreach Director Naomi Walker (312-425-9400 x112) presents a series of films targeted toward teens ¾ great for a field trip. The festival staff provides the buses, theater, films, speakers, study guides and teacher support, to make the field trip one that will be a very special event. Selected films have a theme of "teens in transition".

We recently saw "Birth of a Nation," a highly controversial silent film from 1915, which still strongly affects people today, and speaks to the impact motion pictures have on societies around the world. If you want to be entertained and/or informed, participation in this year's film festival is a must for all lovers of film, who want more than you will get at the local multiplex.

For ticket information go to Ticketmaster at Dominick's or call 312-902-1500. No film is shown more than three times and they do tend to sell out. To not get left out, visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com to decide what you want to see and order your tickets right away. The festival has begun!