The first annual Chicago International Movies and Music Festival closed on March 9th with two packed screenings of the Chicago premiere of Ashes of American Flags, the new Wilco tour documentary directed by Fugazi drummer Brendan Canty and Christoph Green at the Music Box Theatre.
CIMMfest played host to over 100 special guests from eight countries, including distinguished artists, directors, musicians, critics, and music and video producers who participated the awards jury, panels, Q&As, live music performances, and a rock photography show.
Approximately 15,000 people attended events at the Chicago Cultural Center, St. Paul's in Wicker Park, Schubas Tavern, the Double Door, and Th!nk Art Salon. Over 60 films and videos from 15 countries, including exclusive world, national, and Chicago premieres were enjoyed over the five days of the fest.
At an awards ceremony on Sunday, March 8, at the Chicago Cultural Center.
CIMMfest Jury Chairman Lech Kowalski and festival director Ilko Davidov announced the winners:
Best Narrative Feature: 
  Punching the Clown (USA), directed by Gregori Viens
Best Documentary Feature:
  16 Days in China (USA), directed by Martin Atkins
Best Narrative Short:
  Appassionata (Germany), directed by Mirko Echghi-Ghamsari
Best Documentary Short:
  Fresh Off the Boat (Australia), directed by Katrina Lucas
Best Music Video:
  Gnarls Barkley - "Going On" (USA), directed by Wendy Morgan
Special "Glam Rock" Jury Award: 
  The Life and Death of Gotel Botel (Israel), directed by Daniel Sivan
Special Jury Award:
  But We Have the Music (France), directed by Shanti Masud
Special Jury Award:
  Cherubino (Canada), directed by Paola Marino
CIMMfest staff is already gearing up for the second edition of the festival in 2010, as well special events leading up to it. Call for entries and dates will be announced soon.

To read more about the award winning films, view photos and video from the festival, read the press coverage, and much more, visit www.cimmfest.org
Hope to see you all soon!

The CIMMfest crew.