CHAMPAIGN — Ebertfest began in 1999 as a star-studded, red-carpet affair showcasing the overlooked indie film darlings in Hollywood at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign. It continued in that legacy for more than two decades. This fall, Ebertfest organizers said they won’t be coming back – although there’s some discussion of a possible encore in
The festival featured five of Hackman’s most well-known films and an open discussion about his work with Illinois film critics Chuck Koplinksi and Pam Powell.
The Fischer Theatre, which was reopened in 2019 following renovations, has undergone organizational changes to keep the historic building operating amid financial struggles.
CHAMPAIGN – Wednesday kicks off the first day of the return of Ebertfest, Champaign’s annual film festival named in honor of late University of Illinois alumnus and film critic Roger Ebert. The festival will feature films from Wednesday to Saturday including “The Phantom of the Open,” “Ghost World,” and “Nightmare Alley.” Movies shown at Ebertfest