The Chicago International Film Festival, now entering its 45^th year, gets most of the glory when it comes to showcasing cinematic treasures. But there’s a new kid in town this year getting a jump out of the gate. The Chicago United Film Festival makes its debut at the Music Box Theatre this Friday and runs through Sept. 24.

Jane Alderman’s epitaph could read: "The ship that launched a thousand faces." The headshots of Gary Sinise, Irma P. Hall, Joan Cusack and Amy Pietz came across her desk and all were pushed toward successful careers.