Roger Ebert Biopic “Life Itself” was Shown as Part of the Chicago International Film Festival

CHICAGO, IL – “Life Itself,” (Magnolia Pictures) the acclaimed documentary chronicling the life of world renowned film critic Roger Ebert, was back on the big screen in Chicago for one night only Wednesday, Oct. 22,  as part of the Chicago International Film Festival. A special screening was held at 8 p.m. at AMC River East 21 Theater, 322 E. Illinois Street. The film continues to open in cities around the country.

The film, based on Ebert’s 2011 biography of the same name and directed by Steve James, who previously won acclaim for “Hoop Dreams,” made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival in January. It tells the story of Ebert’s rise from an editor at the Daily Illini, the University of Illinois’ student newspaper, to becoming one of the most beloved and acclaimed film critics in the world. It also depicts Ebert’s captivating love story with his wife, Chaz, and his battle with cancer that ended in April 2013.

“Roger was unafraid to show his illness. In fact, he was downright courageous about it,” said Chaz Ebert. “But ‘Life Itself’ isn’t a tragedy; it’s a celebration. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and hopefully, you’ll be inspired to love and live life as fully as Roger did.”

The film also provides an intimate and humorous portrait of Ebert’s relationship with his “At the Movies” co-star and Chicago Tribune rival Gene Siskel, and features interviews with friends and colleagues like A.O. Scott, film critic for the New York Times; Rick Kogan of the Chicago Tribune; Bill Nack of Sports Illustrated; Josh Golden, Table XI; Bruce Elliott of Old Town Ale House; film critic Jonathan Rosebaum; and Martin Scorcese, the film’s executive producer.

Tickets can be purchased at the AMC theater, or at the Chicago Film Festival office, at 30 E. Adams St., Suite 600, over the phone by calling 312-332-FILM, or online at Chicago International Film Festival.

Tickets and passes can be purchased online at www.chicagofilmfestival.com, by calling 312-332-FILM (3456), or in person at the Festival Box Office at AMC River East 21.

Festival screenings will be held at the AMC River East 21 Theater (322 E. Illinois St.).

For the full schedule and ticketing information, visit www.chicagofilmfestival.com

FESTIVAL SPONSORS

Led by Tourism Partner Illinois Office of Tourism and Presenting Partners Columbia College
Chicago, the 50th Chicago International Film Festival’s sponsors include Official Airline: American Airlines; Headquarters Hotel: JW Marriott Chicago; Major Partner: Intersites, Wintrust Community Banks; Participating Partners: AARP, Allstate, Bloomberg, Casale del Giglio, Cultivate Studios, Netrix, Stella Artois; Platinum Media Sponsors: NCM Media Networks, Ingage Media, JC Decaux, Michigan Avenue Magazine.

ABOUT CINEMA/CHICAGO
Cinema/Chicago, the presenting organization of the Chicago International Film Festival, is a not-for-profit arts and education organization dedicated to encouraging better understanding between cultures and to making a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image.