Harry Belafonte made an appearance at the initial Noir City Festival in Chicago. He appeared on stage with Foster Hirsch for a discussion about "Odds Against Tomorrow."

What I recall is that afterwards, Belafonte went to the theater lobby and had a receiving line set up to allow him to meet and greet, pose for photographs, and shake hands with the theater patrons.

While celebrity guests have been a regular feature at Noir City festivals held in California, this practice is something of a rarity in Chicago. Yes, we have had hosts introducing the films at each festival and occasional appearances by authors and directors, but Belafonte's visit was really something special.