From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Top movies we saw at this year’s Chicago International Film Festival: Reginald Ponder’s picks
Reginald Ponder highlights five films from Chicago International Film Festival: '14th', 'Elsinore', 'Once Upon a Time in Harlem', 'All of a Sudden', and 'Mouse'.
In brief
Reginald Ponder highlights five films from Chicago International Film Festival: '14th', 'Elsinore', 'Once Upon a Time in Harlem', 'All of a Sudden', and 'Mouse'. Reginald Ponder selected five films for his top list at the 2026 Chicago International Film Festival: '14th', 'Elsinore', 'Once Upon a Time in Harlem', 'All…
Most Galvanizing
Reginald Ponder selected '14th' as the most galvanizing film at the 2026 Chicago International Film Festival.
“The 14th, 'Elsinore', 'Once Upon a Time in Harlem', 'All of a Sudden' and 'Mouse' made my top five 'most' list.”
Most Inspiring
Elsinore, a film about actor Ian Charleson, was chosen as the most inspiring film at the festival.
“Andrew Scott stars as Scottish actor Ian Charleson in 'Elsinore.'”
Most Intimate
Once Upon a Time in Harlem completes William Greaves' work on the Harlem Renaissance.
“Once Upon a Time in Harlem completes the work of famed filmmaker William Greaves.”
Most Revolutionary
All of a Sudden, a film about patient care reform, was selected as the most revolutionary film.
“Marie, a nursing home director, struggles to convince her institution to revolutionize patient care from speed and profit to humane, self-affirming treatment.”
Most Unsettling
Mouse, a film about grief after a tragic accident, was chosen as the most unsettling film.
“Sophie Okonedo plays Helen, a mother whose promising daughter, Callie, is graduating from high school.”
Premiere Dates
14th will premiere on Netflix Dec 4 after a theatrical run starting Nov 27.
“The 14th will premiere worldwide on Netflix on Dec. 4, following a theatrical release in select U.S. theaters beginning Nov. 27.”
Theater Release
Elsinore opens in limited theaters on November 20.
“Elsinore will open in limited theaters Nov. 20.”
Theater Release
Once Upon a Time in Harlem opened in theaters in October.
“Once Upon a Time in Harlem opened in theaters in October and is not available for streaming yet.”
Theater Release
All of a Sudden is scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release on November 25.
“All of a Sudden is scheduled for a U.S. theatrical release on Nov. 25.”
Theater Release
Mouse opens in limited theaters on November 6 before expanding to wider audiences on November 13.
“Mouse in open in limited theaters Nov. 6, before expanding to wider audiences on Nov. 13.”
Festival Details
The Chicago International Film Festival showcases over 100 feature films and nearly 60 short films.
“The Chicago International Film Festival is a movie lover’s delight, showcasing more than 100 feature films and nearly 60 short films.”
Films Seen
Reginald Ponder saw 19 feature films and eight short films over 12 days at the festival.
“In addition to special events, red carpets and interviews, I saw 19 feature films and eight short films over 12 days.”
Film Selection
Reginald Ponder selected five films for his top list at the 2026 Chicago International Film Festival.
“The 14th, 'Elsinore', 'Once Upon a Time in Harlem', 'All of a Sudden' and 'Mouse' made my top five 'most' list.”
Film Descriptions
All of a Sudden focuses on a nursing home director's efforts to improve patient care through compassionate approaches.
“Marie, a nursing home director, struggles to convince her institution to revolutionize patient care from speed and profit to humane, self-affirming treatment.”
Film Descriptions
Mouse explores grief through the eyes of a mother and her best friend after a tragic accident.
“Sophie Okonedo plays Helen, a mother whose promising daughter, Callie, is graduating from high school.”
In short
Reginald Ponder selected five films for his top list at the 2026 Chicago International Film Festival: '14th', 'Elsinore', 'Once Upon a Time in Harlem', 'All of a Sudden', and 'Mouse'.
