Reeling LGBTQ film fest changes policy; will require vax proof or neg PCR test

Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ International Film Festival announced its 39th year lineup of movies and shorts to be played from September 23 to October 7. The films will be shown at Landmark Theatres Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N. Clark St.

The opening night film will be screened at Music Box Theater, 3733 N. Southport Ave.; $18 for general admission, $15 for members. A pre-party and film ticket can be purchased for $40.

But just a week after announcing the season's lineup, organizers have decided to add to its COVID-19 mitigation policy for the event.

By order of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), masks are required at the Music Box Theater and Century Centre Cinema, regardless of vaccination status.

Now it will also require proof of vaccination.

"To protect the health and safety of our audiences, volunteers, staff, our families and our community, we have decided to update our COVID-19 policy to require proof of full vaccination or negative COVID-19 PCR test result to attend all screenings and events," organizers explained.

"Full vaccination means two weeks [have passed] after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna or singe dose of Johnson and Johnson."

You will need one of the following items for admittance to any of the screenings and events: physical vaccination card; or photo of vaccination card on a mobile device; or digital vaccination card like the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Vax Verify; or a negative COVID-19 PCR test result within 48 hours of the screening.

A photo ID will be needed to verify that the vaccination card or other credential matches.

"If you have already purchased a threater ticket but are unable to comply with this updated policy, please contact us at reelingcustomerservice@gmail.com," organizers said.

For those who cannot comply with the new COVID-19 plan, the movies can be viewed at home with a digital ticket purchase.

There are 23 narrative feature films, 10 documentary feature films, and nine shorts programs.

A full list of feature films and shorts, and ticket sales, can be found at reelingfilmfestival.org.