Roger Ebert's Film Festival

Roger Ebert's Film Festival Roger Ebert's Film Festival (Ebertfest)Next Festival: Apr 20 -23rd, 2022. Virginia Theatre, Champaign, IL. Wright St. Urbana, IL 61801Web: www.ebertfest.com

Spring film festival started by Roger Ebert, University of Illinois journalism graduate and Pulitzer Prize winning film critic, and hosted by wife, Chaz. Historically, Ebert selected 12 films representing a cross-section of important cinematic works. He introduced each film and led discussions on stage afterward for general audiences, distributors and international critics. Often in attendance are

the films’ producers, writers, actors and directors. Festival includes panel discussions (on UI campus - Illini Union/Pine Lounge).Sponsored by the College of Media at ILLINOIS. For info: Andrew Hall, College of Media119 Gregory Hall, 810 S.

Ebertfest Merch is Back! Missed out during the festival? Our official hats, t-shirts, and mugs have been restocked! This...
05/15/2026

Ebertfest Merch is Back! Missed out during the festival? Our official hats, t-shirts, and mugs have been restocked! This year’s festival was a truly special experience, and this merchandise is the perfect way to commemorate our time together. Shop the Collection at the link in the comments:

Many thanks to for their constant presence at Ebertfest. These years wouldn’t be the same without the sweetness they pr...
04/23/2026

Many thanks to for their constant presence at Ebertfest. These years wouldn’t be the same without the sweetness they provide not just through their ice cream but through their presence. A snapshot of their set up for this year’s final edition of the festival where they kept many a theater guest happy and cool:

Apologies for the error in yesterday’s post. We’re thrilled and grateful for our sponsor, Alliance for Inclusion & Respe...
04/21/2026

Apologies for the error in yesterday’s post. We’re thrilled and grateful for our sponsor, Alliance for Inclusion & Respect, for their generous sponsorship and partnership in bringing CHARLIEBIRD to Ebertfest. It was a delight to host Actress, Producer, and Writer Samantha Smart for a post-film Q&A. Seek out this special gem wherever, and be sure to follow the alliance and their work!

Ebertfest: The Last Dance would not be possible without our sponsors and we’d like to thank our lead sponsor, Century La...
04/21/2026

Ebertfest: The Last Dance would not be possible without our sponsors and we’d like to thank our lead sponsor, Century Law Firm and Jeff Westhoff for their generosity and kindness. They also hosted the opening and closing night parties which were wonderful times of fellowship, rest, and socialization after a packed day of screenings and Q&As.

“Any film can be overlooked and any film can be rediscovered,” said critic Michael Phillips in remembrance of the ways R...
04/18/2026

“Any film can be overlooked and any film can be rediscovered,” said critic Michael Phillips in remembrance of the ways Roger Ebert’s championed of overlooked and underseen films. More pictures from today’s Q&A with Anvil Orchestra member Terry Donahue and RogerEbert.com contributing editor after the screening of THE GENERAL.

That’s a wrap on day 1 of Ebertfest: The Last Dance! Thank you for celebrating a wonderful day of movies and a special t...
04/18/2026

That’s a wrap on day 1 of Ebertfest: The Last Dance! Thank you for celebrating a wonderful day of movies and a special thank you to our filmmaker guests: Samantha Smart, Michael Barker, James Vanderbilt, Luke Boyce, Michael Moreci, Tracie Laymon, French Stewart, and Betty Gabriel.

🎬 FILM FEATURE 🍿: Chili Finger (2026) tells the story of a small-town lawyer (Judy Greer) who finds a finger in her fast...
04/15/2026

🎬 FILM FEATURE 🍿: Chili Finger (2026) tells the story of a small-town lawyer (Judy Greer) who finds a finger in her fast-food chili and decides to blackmail the restaurant for a cash payout, but things quickly and violently spiral out of control in this dark comedy also starring John Goodman, Bryan Cranston, and Sean Astin.

⏰WHEN: Saturday, April 18 @ 3:40 pm

👀SPECIAL GUESTS: Judy Greer (Actor), John Goodman (Actor), Edd Benda (Director), Stephen Helstad (Director, Writer)

🎟️TICKETS: online at the website.

🎬 FILM FEATURE PREMIERE 🍿: The Last Movie Critic (2026) examines Roger Ebert’s legacy as both a critic and a cultural fi...
04/12/2026

🎬 FILM FEATURE PREMIERE 🍿: The Last Movie Critic (2026) examines Roger Ebert’s legacy as both a critic and a cultural figure, while tracing the history and significance of the festival he founded in 1999.

⏰WHEN: Friday, April 17 @ 3:30 pm

👀SPECIAL GUEST: Luke Boyce, Michael Moreci (Directors and Writers)

🎟️TICKETS: online at the (https://www.instagram.com/thevirginiatheatre/) website.

We’ll be sharing information about our exciting line-up in the days leading up to the festival! Our first 🎬 FILM FEATURE...
04/11/2026

We’ll be sharing information about our exciting line-up in the days leading up to the festival!

Our first 🎬 FILM FEATURE 🍿 is Charliebird (2025), which tells the story of a music therapist who forms an unexpected bond with a young patient, unlocking the buried grief of her past in a journey of connection, loss, and healing.

⏰WHEN: Friday, April 17 @ 9 am

👀SPECIAL GUEST: Samantha Smart, Actress, Producer, and Writer

🎟️TICKETS: online at the (https://www.instagram.com/thevirginiatheatre/) website.

🎬 Grab the memories while they last!Official merch is available at the Virginia Theatre during these times. Don’t miss...
04/23/2025

🎬 Grab the memories while they last!

Official merch is available at the Virginia Theatre during these times. Don’t miss your chance to snag shirts, hats, and more while you’re here from April 23–26!

🛍️ Merch Hours:
📍 Wed: 5:30–9:30 pm
📍 Thurs & Fri: 12–5 pm
📍 Sat: 11 am–4 pm & 7–10 pm

Address

203 W Park Ave
Champaign, IL
61820

Website

https://thevirginia.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=965

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