Film fest snags a 4-star guest: Ebert
One of the country's best-known film critics will be making an appearance at the Naperville Independent Film Festival.
Roger Ebert will sign copies of his books, including "Scorsese by Ebert" and "Roger Ebert's 4-Star Reviews." He also will present the award for the best young filmmaker at the festival.
The Pulitzer Prize-winner's appearance was coordinated by Anderson's Bookshop and will be part of the festival's Awards Gala that begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at Hollywood Palms, 352 S. Route 59 in Naperville. Tickets for the gala are $25 and include dinner.
Ebert, who hails from Urbana, has been the film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times for more than 40 years. He also is known for co-hosting film critique television shows "Siskel and Ebert" and "Ebert and Roeper."
Ebert recently answered a few questions for the Daily Herald via e-mail.
Q. How would you describe the role of independent films in the industry?
A. The cutting edge. The films made for grown-ups. The port of entry for new directors.
Q. Do you have a favorite film festival?
A. Cannes, because it is the largest and most important. Chicago, because it is ours. Toronto, so visitor-friendly.
Q. Do you have a favorite movie quote?
A. "No good movie is too long. No bad movie is short enough." (his own)
Q. Have you ever walked out on a movie?
A. A few. Usually I stay until the end to gather ammo for a review.
Q. In recent years you've battled cancer of your thyroid and salivary glands. How have you been feeling these days?
A. Fine. Good energy, and the writing is going well.