CHICAGO (July 5, 2005) - Local film enthusiasts, families, friends and tourists alike long await the star-lit summer skies, gentle lakefront breeze and scenic city backdrop that accompanies the annual Chicago Outdoor Film Festival. Entering its sixth season, attendees at this year's opening night on Tuesday, July 12 will receive a few extra treats, courtesy of Charter One Bank, to enhance their magical night at the movies.
As co-presenting sponsor of the festival, Charter One will give away 5,000 one-way CTA farecards on opening night, encouraging moviegoers to use public transportation when traveling to and from the festival. In addition, the first 50 people to show their Charter One debit cards to festival representatives will be escorted to a special VIP viewing section. Charter One will also provide free popcorn for all audience members.
“The Chicago Outdoor Film Festival is one of the many great summer events in downtown Chicago and is a perfect way to enjoy a summer night by the lakefront,” said Paul Greig, President & CEO of Charter One Bank, Illinois. “Charter One is constantly looking for ways to creatively support local communities, so providing a free, outdoor movie series in Chicago this summer is a perfect fit for us.”
The Chicago Outdoor Film Festival begins on July 12 and runs through August 23 on Tuesday evenings at Grant Park's Butler Field. The free festival presents the perfect opportunity for family and friends to gather and relax while enjoying a movie in the festival's lakefront setting.
This season's opening night will be particularly special in celebration of “Robert Ebert Day in Chicago,” which will honor the influential film critic's long-lasting career and accomplishments. Ebert, along with colleague Richard Roeper, will co-host opening night. Below is a schedule of this season's classic films, hand-picked by Ebert.
2005 Chicago Outdoor Film Festival Schedule:
Citizen Kane – July 12
Annie Hall – July 19
My Darling Clementine – July 26
E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial – August 2
The Night of the Hunter – August 9
The Hustler – August 16
Star Wars – August 23
Note: Movies begin at sunset. For general information questions please contact the Mayor's Office of Special Events Hotline at 312-744-3370.
About Charter One Bank, N.A.
Charter One Bank, N.A., is a $36 billion bank operating in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. It has more than 490 branches and 830 ATMs. Charter One is a subsidiary of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a $137 billion commercial bank holding company headquartered in Providence, R.I. Citizens has more than 1,600 branches, approximately 3,100 ATMs and approximately 26,000 employees in a 13-state retail branch network and non-branch offices in more than 30 states. Citizens is the eighth largest commercial banking company in the United States ranked by deposits. Citizens is owned by RBS (The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc).