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Filmmaker Del Toro Attending 18th Ebertfest With ‘Crimson Peak’

 
Director and University of Illinois graduate Ang Lee, left, and Guillermo del Toro

Director and University of Illinois graduate Ang Lee, left, and Guillermo del Toro announce the Academy Awards nominations at the 88th nomination ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 14, 2016, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Chris Pizello/Associated Press

Acclaimed filmmaker Guillermo Del Toro will open the 18th annual Ebertfest Film Festival in April at Champaign’s Virginia Theater.  His 2015 horror film ‘Crimson Peak’ will be the festival's opening night movie, with Del Toro appearing as a guest. 

A native of Mexico, Del Toro’s other work includes "Pan’s Labyrinth" and "Pacific Rim."

Festival founder and Urbana native Roger Ebert once called Del Toro ‘a director with a great visual sense, with a way of drawing us into his story.’  Ebert's widow, Chaz, serves as festival emcee.

"I am so excited to welcome Guillermo to to Ebertfest," said Chaz Ebert in a press release.  "In addition to his talent as a filmmaker, he is one of those gracious and gregarious filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino who likes to discuss movies and often finds new insights.  I know our audience will love him."

Other Ebertfest films will be announced in the coming weeks.  The 5-day festival runs April 13 through 17.  Festival passes are available now, with individual tickets on sale April 1.