Ebert is guest of honor at Chicago festival
I had one question to ask Roger Ebert, so I did: "What's the biggest epiphany you've ever experienced because of a movie?"
By e-mail, Ebert replied: "It was when the two quotes, by Martin Luther King and Malcolm X, came up at the end of 'Do the Right Thing' at its Cannes premiere. For the only time in my life, I found myself sobbing at a movie."
That was at the 1989 Cannes Film Festival. Tonight at the 43rd Chicago International Film Festival, emotions will probably run a bit lighter for Ebert. This year's festival is dedicated to him for his 40-plus years as Chicago's -- and now America's -- foremost film critic. Bill Kurtis will host a tribute to Ebert at 7 p.m. today at a red carpet event at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.
The opening night event will be a screening of Marc Forster's "The Kite Runner." Closing night will be Tamara Jenkins' "The Savages," at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph Drive on Oct. 17.
Other highlights:
• "Anime Focus" presents family-friendly animated films by Japanese artists.
• "Late Night Screamings" shows some scary tales.
• "Black Perspectives" will give actor Jeffrey Wright a Career Achievement Award.
• "Docufest" shows the best of current documtaries.
• Many of the stars and filmmakers will be at screenings in person.
To find out where and who, and to see schedules and ticket information, call (312) 332-FILM or go to www.chicagofilmfestival.com