Key Highlights
- The Criterion Mobile Closet is coming to Chicago for the first time.
- This traveling exhibit offers cinephiles a chance to browse and purchase titles from the prestigious film collection.
- The event aligns with the Chicago International Film Festival, highlighting local passion for cinema culture.
- Visitors can experience three minutes in the mobile Closet, where over 1,700 films are available for exploration.
The Criterion Mobile Closet: A Cinematic Experience
In a unique collaboration with the Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF), the renowned Criterion Collection is bringing its legendary movie closet to the city of Chicago. The mobile version, known as the Mobile Closet, will be parked at NEWCITY Lincoln Park from Friday through Sunday, offering local film enthusiasts an unprecedented opportunity to immerse themselves in cinematic history.
The Criterion Collection, founded in 1984 with a mission to preserve and celebrate great films, has grown into a comprehensive catalog of over 1,700 titles. This extensive selection includes films from more than 50 countries, making it a veritable treasure trove for movie lovers. The Mobile Closet is an exact replica of the original space in New York City, providing visitors with an authentic experience.
A Curated Experience
For three minutes inside the Mobile Closet, visitors will have access to over 1,700 Blu-rays from the Criterion Collection. This time allows enthusiasts to explore and select their favorite titles. Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations required.
Upon entry, each visitor receives a tote bag and printed pocket guide, making it easy to navigate through the extensive collection.
The Mobile Closet offers more than just a visual experience; visitors can also record their own “Closet Picks” segment using the built-in phone mount. At the end of their visit, they can purchase up to three titles at a 40% discount. This interactive feature adds an element of fun and personalization to the experience.
Building Community Through Cinema
The Criterion Mobile Closet’s presence in Chicago is more than just a stop on its tour; it represents a meeting of two institutions that share a deep appreciation for film culture. The CIFF, which has been championing independent and international filmmakers for over six decades, sees this as an opportunity to connect with a passionate audience.
“Chicago has such a rich community of film lovers,” said Vivian Teng, managing director of the Chicago International Film Festival. “There’s an incredible appreciation for cinema here, with places like the Music Box, the Gene Siskel Film Center, and Facets. Film is such an important part of how people connect, enjoy, and consume culture.”
According to Teng, the experience in line for the Closet mirrors that of a film festival. “When you’re in line that long, you make friends, you talk about films,” she explained. “After a screening, people linger in the hallways talking about what they saw or what they’re about to see. It’s all part of the community that forms around film.”
A Celebration of Cinematic Excellence
The Chicago International Film Festival is off to an exciting start with its opening event, “One Golden Summer,” a documentary by South Side director Kevin Shaw chronicling the Jackie Robinson West Little League team. The festival runs through October 26 and features hundreds of films from around the world.
By hosting the Criterion Mobile Closet, CIFF further cements Chicago’s reputation as a vibrant film city. “You’re strangers in a theater, but really you’re all connected—united by a love of cinema and what you’re about to see,” Teng said. “The same thing happens in line for the Closet.”
The event is designed not only to showcase films but also to foster a sense of community among film lovers. As Teng explained, “You find your people, share favorites, talk about what you love. It’s all about that sense of community.”
