User:Reelingfilmfestival/sandbox

Reeling Film Festival (Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival), a production of Chicago Filmmakers, is the second oldest film festival devoted to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) programming in the United States. From award-winning international feature films to social documentaries to experimental shorts, Reeling has always presented a range of genres that demonstrate the rich diversity of work being produced.

Mission
The mission of Reeling is "to recognize the important artistic contributions that LGBT filmmakers have made to our culture; to educate the general population and sensitize them to LGBT issues; to investigate the history of LGBT film, including the stereotyping that has been a major part of this history; and to counteract this stereotyping with valid, meaningful and diverse portrayals of those in the LGBT community. The festival provides a unique opportunity for the celebration of these identities for a community too often misrepresented or ignored in mainstream film and television."

Venues
Reeling screenings have been held at Chicago Filmmakers' current location in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, as well as such high-profile locations as the Music Box Theatre, Landmark Century Centre Cinema, and Kerasotes ShowPlace Icon Theatre.

History
The first Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival took place in April 1981 in Chicago Filmmakers’ 90-seat folding-chair screening room on West Hubbard Street. The festival sold out nearly every screening, leaving audiences demanding more. The enthusiasm for the festival led to a commitment on the part of Chicago Filmmakers to continue the festival as an annual event, and it has been going strong ever since.

After its 30th anniversary in 2012, Reeling went on a one-year hiatus, and is set to return in Fall 2013.