In 1975, University alum Roger Ebert became the first film critic to win a Pulitzer Prize. Thirteen years after his death, his influence continues to shape the film world and lives on locally through Ebertfest, a film festival in his hometown of Urbana.
The announcement of the festival’s conclusion last September marked the end of a 27-year-long era in Champaign-Urbana. However, thanks to a rousing 97% majority demand from previous attendees, festival directors Chaz Ebert and Nate Kohn announced the return of Ebertfest this April 17-18 to properly send off the festival with “one final, unforgettable year.”
“Ebertfest has become a yearly pilgrimage for a lot of people, and so we decided that we should give them one final festival,” Kohn said. “It’ll be good to see everybody and to give the festival a proper farewell. … We think it’s the right thing to do.”
Unique from other film festivals, Ebertfest has curated films that reflect Ebert’s intentions to educate audiences on lesser-understood genres, like documentaries and local films, according to Kohn. The festival provided communities in central Illinois with an accessible opportunity to not only learn about films but also meet the artists who create and participate in them.
Ebertfest is also an opportunity for student cinephiles to experience a local film festival with their friends. The Illini Watchers, a University RSO that celebrates and discusses film on campus, began attending the festival as a group trip last year.
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Cailan Scire, Illini Watchers member and sophomore in Engineering, watched the film “Megalopolis” at Ebertfest last year and virtually met with its director, Francis Ford Coppola.
“I think the benefit of a film festival is that it introduces all groups of people to interesting movies that they might not ever be able to see in a theater setting or with other people,” Scire said. “I’m interested in seeing what kind of films they would actually show, (with it) being the final hurrah. I mean, they have to do something impactful.”
Aptly titled Ebertfest: The Last Dance, the film festival will feature several films, including “Get Out” and “Nuremberg.” There will also be post-film Q&A panels, where special guests and audience members will be able to discuss the movie. Its final run is receiving support from sponsors to cover most of the financial support previously provided by the College of Media, according to Kohn.
Virginia Theatre will host The Last Dance, continuing its role as the sole theater for the festival since its founding in 1999. Ticketing and Patron Services Manager Stephanie Hege said the festival left a lasting impact on Virginia Theatre’s role in Champaign, inspiring many community members to attend a film screening for the first time.
“All year long, we see patrons stop and take photos with Roger’s statue out in front of the theater,” Hege said. “They may be here for a live show for the first time, they may be coming to a screening from our monthly film series or even just walking through downtown Champaign. People recognize Roger Ebert for the impact he had on the way many people think about movies.”
According to Hege, annual Ebertfest tickets sold out far before the film listings were announced — a credit to the festival’s popularity. She said she expects a similar turnout for The Last Dance.
“I think this positive response is a great testimony to the legacy of the festival — how many visitors will remember it, and what it meant to a wide variety of film lovers,” Hege said. “Patrons want to be a part of this final celebration simply for what it is. It gives people a sense of closure and a reason to make this final festival special.”
