The Chicago International Film Festival will open this Thursday at the Chicago Theater, and before showing James Gray's "The Immigrant," the festival will pay tribute to Roger Ebert. The entire evening is being dedicated to Roger, and before the feature, a short film about Roger will be shown.
"Roger has been an integral part of the Chicago International Film Festival from its earliest days," said Festival Founder and Artistic Director Michael Kutza. "He long supported our mission of introducing Chicago moviegoers to the newest and brightest filmmakers from around the world. He leaves a strong legacy not only through his website, RogerEbert.com, where a large roster of top critics continue in his footsteps, but in the works of many filmmakers who fell in love with the movies through his reviews."
Chaz will be in attendance, and we're expecting a warm reception and some tears from the city Roger called home for forty years. Roger loved Chicago (he declined offers and enticements to move to either coast) and he loved the Chicago International Film Festival. Below you can see Michael Kutza talking about the festival. For more information on the festival and to buy tickets, go here.
