Chicago International Film Festival Opening Night: Club Kid

Opening Night on October 14, 2026 presents A24’s CLUB KID, this year’s crowd-pleasing Cannes sensation about a club promoter who sees his whirlwind lifestyle upended by the arrival of the 10-year-old son he never knew he had. Writer, director, and star Jordan Firstman will receive the Festival’s Breakthrough Award for his heartrending story of a queer adult’s coming of age. Screening in 35mm at the Music Box Theatre, the film features an ensemble of truly memorable performances anchored by Firstman’s portrayal of Peter, alongside Diego Calva, Cara Delevingne, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Colleen Camp, Vicki Pepperdine, Nigil Whyte, Eldar Isgandarov, Saturn Risin9, Miss Benny, Alaska Riley, and breakout Reggie Absolom.

“With its deeply felt resonance, CLUB KID is the kind of film that takes you on a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions. Well-earned tearful moments are punctuated by an unexpected and, at times, off-kilter humor,” said Mimi Plauché, Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation Artistic Director of the 62nd Chicago International Film Festival. “The Festival has always championed bold, brilliant work from new filmmaking talent, and Jordan Firstman’s audacious debut feature is the perfect way to open our 62nd edition.”