‘One Golden Summer’ World Premiere to Open 61st Chicago International Film Festival

The 61st Chicago International Film Festival is set to open Wednesday October 15, 2025 with the World Premiere of ONE GOLDEN SUMMER, the true story behind Chicago’s Jackie Robinson West Little League team’s heartbreaking fall from grace and the subsequent road to redemption, as told by the players themselves. Kevin Shaw’s documentary will screen at the Music Box Theatre; tickets on sale now at www.chicagofilmfestival.com. 

In 2014, Chicago’s Jackie Robinson West Little League became the first all-Black team to win the Little League U.S. Baseball Championship. Along the way, 13 twelve-year-old athletes from the South Side turned into media superstars—their faces were splashed across magazine covers and major TV networks, garnering them millions of fans around the country. They were even invited to the White House to meet President and Mrs. Obama. But it all came crashing down after a rival coach accused the team of breaking residential boundary rules.

Award-winning filmmaker Kevin Shaw (LET THE LITTLE LIGHT SHINE, AMERICA TO ME) deftly investigates the story behind the headlines, shattering stereotypes and reframing the narrative. Through conversations with the charismatic young athletes, now adults, as well as reporters, coaches, and parents, ONE GOLDEN SUMMER shines a vivid spotlight on the complex issues of race, power, and money all too prevalent in youth sports. Above all, Shaw’s sensitive film is a universal story about personal resilience, the strength of family, and what it means to be a true champion.

The Chicago International Film Festival runs October 15 – 26, 2026 with film screenings and programs presented at venues across the city including AMC NEWCITY 14, the Music Box Theatre, the Gene Siskel Film Center, the Chicago History Museum, the Reva and David Logan Center at University of Chicago, and at pop-up locations in partnership with Kennedy-King College and the National Museum of Mexican Art. 

The full slate of films for the 61st Chicago International Film festival will be announced on September 18, 2025. Tickets for Opening Night are on sale now, with tickets to the rest of the Festival’s presentations going on sale to the general public September 26, 2025. Cinema/Chicago members’ pre-sale tickets go on sale September 19, 2025; memberships now available at www.chicagofilmfestival.com/membership. 

For more information, visit https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/.

Photo credit: Chicago Tribune/TCA

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