CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — The 2026 Roger Ebert’s Film Festival got underway Friday morning at the Virginia Theatre, marking the start of this year’s “The Last Dance” edition.
The festival opened with remarks from Chaz Ebert and festival director Nate Kohn, welcoming attendees and reflecting on the event’s more than 25-year legacy in Champaign.
Following the opening program, the first film of the day began at 9 a.m., kicking off a packed schedule of screenings that will run through Saturday.
The two-day festival features a curated lineup of films ranging from independent productions to well-known titles, along with special presentations and guest appearances. Organizers say the event continues its tradition of showcasing films that may have been overlooked by mainstream audiences while creating a shared viewing experience for attendees.
Festival passes for this year’s event are sold out, though individual tickets remain available for most screenings.
Founded in 1999 by Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic Roger Ebert and Chaz Ebert, the festival has become a signature cultural event in Champaign, drawing film lovers, scholars and filmmakers from across the country.