Ebertfest Project Coordinator discusses final lineup, special guests, and behind-the-scenes changes

Molly Cornyn is no stranger to the Roger Ebert Film Festival (Ebertfest) experience, having coordinated the behind-the-scenes logistics for the past three years. She handles all of the details, from organizing transportation and housing for the special guests, to ensuring the films arrive and everything behind-the-scenes is functioning. “It’s all about making the filmmakers, actors, and their guests feel welcome from the moment they arrive in Champaign. My job is also to ensure the audience has the amazing festival experience they deserve."

By Elizabeth Hess April 4, 2025 10:19 am

Metro Servicesmedia.illinois.edu"My job is also to ensure the audience has the amazing festival experience they deserve."

CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Molly Cornyn is no stranger to the Roger Ebert Film Festival (Ebertfest) experience, having coordinated the behind-the-scenes logistics for the past three years. She handles all of the details, from organizing transportation and housing for the special guests, to ensuring the films arrive and everything behind-the-scenes is functioning. “It’s all about making the filmmakers, actors, and their guests feel welcome from the moment they arrive in Champaign. My job is also to ensure the audience has the amazing festival experience they deserve.”

Ebertfest has recently announced the final films and special guests for this year’s festival, taking place from April 23-26 at the Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign. Among the newly revealed films are Francis Ford Coppola’s MEGALOPOLIS, Walter Salles’ I’M STILL HERE, and Lotte Reiniger’s 1926 animated classic THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCE ACHMED.

Cornyn points out this year’s notable departure from previous festivals: This year’s Ebertfest will not feature any music performances but will instead focus exclusively on films and Q&A sessions with filmmakers and critics. Cornyn shared her thoughts on this lighter approach. “Usually, we feature films with heavier topics, but this year we’ve leaned into more visually captivating films, with some humor and some nostalgia added as well.”

One of the standout films this year, THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCE ACHMED, is significant for its historical importance. The 1926 animated film, directed by Lotte Reiniger, was created by one of the first women animators. It will be accompanied by a live orchestra performing a new score, adding a unique twist to this classic.

Ebertfest’s success is largely made possible by generous sponsorships. “While the festival is hosted by the University of Illinois and Chaz Ebert, it’s really the sponsors who make it possible.” said Cornyn. “If anyone is interested in supporting the event, we’d love to have them on board. Visit ebertfest.com or contact ebertfest@illinois.edu to learn how to help.

The festival kicks off on April 23 with a 70mm screening of THE SEARCHERS, followed by screenings of HIS THREE DAUGHTERS, A LITTLE PRAYER, and DESPERATELY SEEKING SUSAN, among others.

Tickets for individual films and full festival passes are available for purchase online, with a four-film bundle also offered for attendees. For more information, visit the Ebertfest website or follow them on social media.