Ebertfest in Champaign, Illinois
May 10, 2009 by Bob Jones
Filed under Destinations
In Illinois there is a film festival entitled Ebertfest which is hailed from its founder, roger Ebert. Roger Ebert is a film aficionado who created this festival in the aim of showing to the public films that he deemed “overlooked” but great. Every year, indie films and some international films are being shown at Ebertfest for the pleasure of the attendees. Ebert personally handpicks the films that are to be shown in his festival.
The film festival is organized by the College of Communications at the University of Illinois. It is previewed at the legendary Virginia Theatre in Champaign every April at the onset of Spring. A lot of aficionados and enthusiasts of the film industry are expected to grace this event. Every year, 12 to 14 films are being shown at the festival. Ebert really makes it a point to offer the public very good and quality “overlooked” films through his prestigious festival. Ebert was able to make up a unique concept for a film festival that is why people around the country flock to Virginia Theatre every April to view its new offerings.
Each year, the festival shows one silent film together with a live orchestral accompaniment. An example of a silent film that the festival has shown is the famous horror flick: “Nosferatu”. Musical films are also shown once in a while at the festival because Ebert feels that it is also overlooked. The Ebertfest really gave the “overlooked” films much exposure and mileage.
Before the start of each film Ebert is usually seen onstage of the theatre giving a brief synopsis about the flick. He summarizes the story and gives the attendees full overview as to why the movie is handpicked and why he deems it to be of best quality. It is safe to say that Roger Ebert is a man with a concrete passion on film, proof of it is his passionate endeavor to make this festival a possible undertaking.
If visiting in Illinois, don’t forget to catch a peek of the Ebertfest and see what “overlooked” films you missed in your life!