Champaign‑Urbana’s cinema community gathers for the final formal edition of Ebertfest, a festival built around Roger Ebert’s screening picks. This year’s run is billed as The Last Dance, a nod to a famous basketball documentary, and the schedule spans two days rather than the festival’s usual four. The Virginia Theatre remains the home base for this farewell, marking a historic return after earlier uncertainties.
Chaz Ebert and festival director Nate Kohn tapped support from devoted attendees and local sponsors to bring the event back for a closing chapter. By late last week, more than a thousand passes had already found buyers, underscoring the enduring connection between the festival and its community.
The program blends familiar favorites with new arrivals. It features the silent-era classic The General, alongside contemporary titles like Bob Trevino Likes It and Nuremberg. Local standouts such as Chili Finger and the world premiere of The Last Movie Critic spotlight the region’s talent, while a tribute to Rob Reiner adds a layer of ceremony to the lineup.
Attendees, artists, and critics describe Ebertfest as a rare gathering that emphasizes conversation and camaraderie over premieres or red carpets. Chaz Ebert speaks of a 27‑year history passing in what she calls a blink, and many say the festival’s warmth has long defined its appeal. Even with the final edition on the calendar, supporters insist the spirit of Roger Ebert’s legacy will carry on in the conversations and community the festival fostered.
For readers tracking IndieWire’s coverage, this farewell edition marks a milestone in a long-running cinephile tradition that sparked friendships and shaped countless film-lovers’ careers.
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