Full Lineup Announced For ‘Ebertfest’

The full list of films for the 16th annual ‘Ebertfest’ includes the late Philip Seymour Hoffman’s single Oscar-winning performance.

The 2005 drama ‘Capote’, in which Hoffman portrays author Truman Capote, has been added to the schedule, along with “Short Term 12”, a drama depicting the struggles of a young woman working as a counselor for at-risk teens.  Actress Brie Larson, who will attend the festival in Champaign next month, earned high praise for her performance.

Twelve total films will be shown during Ebertfest, April 23-27 at the Virginia Theater.

Other lesser known movies slated include “Wadjda” a drama about a Saudi girl who wants to buy a green bike despite her mother’s fears of repercussions.  Director Haifaa Al-Mansour will attend the festival.  

“A Simple Life” a drama out of Hong Kong about a female servant who has cared for four generations of the same family, will also be screened, with Director Ann Lui as a guest. 

The film made Roger Ebert’s top 10 list for 2012.

The Alloy Orchestra, frequent guests of the film festival, will return to Ebertfest on Friday, April 25, accompanying the 1924 silent film “He Who Gets Slapped” with Lon Chaney. 

It’s the story of a scientist whose happiness is destroyed by a friend who steals not only his wife, but also the results of his life’s research.

Previously announced guests include director Oliver Stone, accompanying the 1989 drama “Born on the Fourth of July” with Tom Cruise, about Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic, showing on Saturday, April 26. 

Writer/director Spike Lee will attend the Friday night, April 25 screening of his comedy/drama “Do The Right Thing” about race relations over one day in a Brooklyn neighborhood.    

Actor/comedian Patton Oswalt will accompany the April 24 screening of the dark comedy "Young Adult", in which he appeared with Charlize Theron.

The opening night (April 23) feature is a tribute to the festival's namesake, the documentary 'Life Itself," profiling the late Urbana native and film critic Roger Ebert.  Director Steve James will attend.

Ebert died last April at age 70, weeks before the 2013 Eberfest.