Sue Thornquist
It’s the end of an era. Roger Ebert’s Overlooked Film festival–later shortened to Ebertfest–as it has existed for 26 years, is coming to a close. Started in 1999 by my cousin Nancy and the College of Media at University of Illinois, Ebert’s alma mater, it was held in April. Ebert championed indie, silent, 70 mm, artsy films, and films he felt deserved more recognition or another look. My dad and I attended the very first festival and almost every one thereafter. My sister Sara jumped in a year or two later. My mom even came a couple times, as did my brother Eric and cousin Nancy’s son Scott. But Dad, Sara and I were the regulars, the devotees who made this festival a beloved tradition. It will have one last hurrah in 2026 in Champaign for two short days, and then likely end or move somewhere else.
And the VIP tag was the ticket to our experience. Procured by Nancy as a perk of being a real VIP, she bequeathed them to me upon my arrival in town. We always had a conversation that included instructions on the day’s schedule and tag distribution. That tag was the ticket to the panel discussions and, of course, the films.
It was magical for me, as a lifelong film buff, film graduate student and film teacher. I took advantage of the panel discussions every year--taking a conference day to attend morning sessions. I heard countless directors, producers, film critics, scholars, and actors share their wisdom. I took notes of teaching ideas. I always asked questions.
But the movies projected on the screen at the beautifully restored Virginia theater were the real magic. Along with Roger as moderator and interviewer extraordinaire. Sporting our VIP tags, we slipped into the cool velvety darkness of the theater and our favorite spot in the balcony, and
waited to hear Roger introduce the film and special guests. After the viewing, we listened to the post-film discussion and Q & A. Absolutely NO ONE could moderate or conduct an interview like Roger. His was a gift generously shared.
The fest was never quite the same after his death in 2013, though his wife Chaz presided. She had heart and she tried, but she never articulated ideas or asked questions like Roger. Sara and I would often roll our eyes when she began to speak.
Through cousin Nancy, we met Roger. Nancy always dragged us over and acted like we were as important as our VIP tags suggested: “Roger, I want you to meet Uncle Ike, a retired professor and writer. And cousin Sara who works for a healthcare non-profit. This is cousin Sue. She teaches film in Chicago.” Eating lunch in the VIP Green Room with the film industry folks, we met Chaz. Alan Rickman. Haskell Wexler. John Malkovich. But the most legendary story was the time my dad stood next to Roger at the urinals
in the Virginia theater men’s restroom, making small talk while they did their business.
Roger Ebert and Ebertfest have enriched my life immeasurably. Many of the films I’ve taught were ones Roger championed. “Short Term 12,” “13th,” “What’s Cooking,“ “Wadjda,” “Millions.” I have autographed copies of The Great Movies books. It has had a great run, regardless of its future path. The VIP tags and programs from the years are a collective testament.
I give the Roger Ebert Film Festival two big THUMBS UP.