Chicago's Gay And Lesbian Film Fest Called Off For This Year

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago's Reeling gay and lesbian film festival has been called off for this year, for a one-year hiatus.

The Chicago Phoenix reports Reeling: The Chicago Lesbian & Gay International Film Festival, will go on hiatus for 2012, and will return for its 31st year in 2013.

The Phoenix quoted a news release from the group Chicago Filmmakers, saying time off this year would allow the organization to "strategically plan for Reeling's future." Chicago Filmmakers is considering changing the time of year when the festival is held, discussing how it might expand, and evaluating the changing needs of LGBT filmmakers, among other issues, according to the Phoenix.

Such planning efforts were not difficult to maintain when the organization also had to put on the festival every year, the release quoted by the Phoenix said.

Chicago Filmmakers is also looking for a new Reeling festival director to replace current director Brenda Webb, who wants to focus on her simultaneous position as executive director of the organization.

Reeling is the second oldest of its kind in the United States, and is traditionally held in early November.

The festival dates back to April 1981, when it was held in Chicago Filmmakers 90-seat, folding-chair screening room on Hubbard Street. The festival sold out almost every screening, and Chicago Filmmakers decided to make it an annual event, according to the festival Web site, which has not been updated since the 2011 festival.

Screenings in recent years have been held at Chicago Filmmakers' current location at 5243 N. Clark St., as well as such high-profile locations as the Landmark Century Centre Cinema, 2828 N. Clark St., and the Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Ave.