The Chicago International Film Festival, the longest running competitive film festival in North America, kicked off yesterday downtown. The festival is the longest running competitive film festival in North America. Among the ranks of the its Lifetime Achievement Award recipients are Steven Spielberg, Jodie Foster, Clint Eastwood, and Robin Williams. In other words, this is a big frickin’ deal for film nerds and enthusiasts. Tickets to see just 20 of the over 130 films offered will cost you $250 if you aren’t a member of the festival.