Today at the Chicago International Film Festival: ‘Sieranevada’

The Chicago International Film Festival continues through Thursday at AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois.

Romanian writer-director Cristi Puiu (“The Death of Mr. Lazarescu”) observes a Bucharest family gathered to honor their late patriarch with a Christian folk rite. When will the priest show up? Why is a Croatian junkie puking in the bathroom?

Running nearly three diverting hours, “Sieranevada” sports very long takes shot in the apartment’s tight hallways, with outdoor asides on scant parking spots. Family quarrels are triggered by a diehard commie grandma and an underemployed 9/11 conspiracy theorist. (Puiu chose not to subtitle a Romanian news item about an upcoming Paris meeting about 9/11 terrorists.) Family resentments surface. Yet bemused disbelief ensues. Absurdity is savored.

“Sieranevada” is Romania’s entry in the foreign language film competition at this year’s Oscars. Friday night the festival awarded this droll treat a Gold Hugo for Best Film, and Puiu got a Silver Hugo for Best Director. 2:45 p.m. Oct. 24, 7:45 p.m. Oct. 27