CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — A beloved film tradition is preparing for its final curtain call in downtown Champaign.
Roger Ebert’s Film Festival, better known as Ebertfest, returns to the Virginia Theatre April 17–18 with a theme that organizers are calling “One Last Dance,” marking more than 25 years of celebrating cinema.
Founded in 1999 by Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic Roger Ebert and his wife, Chaz Ebert, the festival has built a reputation for showcasing films that may have been overlooked by mainstream audiences or critics. The event features a wide range of genres and formats, from independent and international films to documentaries and classics.
Complete schedule:
Friday, April 17
9:00am: Charliebird
11:25am: Nuremberg
3:30pm: The Last Movie Critic* – documentary portrait of Roger Ebert
5:10pm: Bob Trevino Likes It
8:50pm: Get Out
Saturday, April 18
9:00am: The General – with Anvil Orchestra
10:35am: Mi Familia
2:30pm: SISKEL/EBERT* – special live theatrical tribute, starring Stephen Winchell and Zack Mast
3:40pm: Chili Finger
7:25pm: The American President
Unlike most festivals, Ebertfest screens one film at a time, encouraging a shared viewing experience among audiences, filmmakers and guests.
This year’s lineup includes films such as “Get Out,” “The American President,” and a screening of the silent film “The General” accompanied live by the Anvil Orchestra. Additional titles span both contemporary and classic cinema.
Organizers say the format and atmosphere have always been central to the festival’s mission of building community through film.
The event will also feature returning organist Dr. Steven Ball, who will perform musical interludes between screenings.
Festival passes grant access to all eight films over the two-day event, held at the historic Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign.