Michael Kutza is an award-winning filmmaker, a graphic designer and the founder of the Chicago International Film Festival. In addition, he has been on feature film juries in other film festivals internationally, in such diverse locations as Moscow, Cannes, Jerusalem, Berlin, Guadalajara. He has served as an advisor to a number of other festivals including Berlin and Venice International Film Festivals.
From 1979 to 1991, he served Italian journal II Tempo as its American film correspondent. He has received numerous honors for his cultural achievements.
At the age of 22, he founded the Chicago International Film Festival subsequently serving as its artistic director until 2016. He remains emeritus CEO of Cinema/Chicago the Festival’s parent organization. Following his transition away from the festival, Michael has dedicated his time to continuing his work in film with a new podcast, an autobiography & consulting work for productions.