Roger Ebert’s Film Festival, widely known as Ebertfest, has announced additional programming, special guests, and updated film selections for its 27th and final edition, “The Last Dance,” taking place April 17–18, 2026, in Champaign, IL. Presented by Century Law Firm, this milestone year marks a poignant farewell to one of the most beloved film festivals in the country, celebrating a legacy rooted in empathy, storytelling, and the communal power of cinema.
In tribute to Roger Ebert and his enduring commitment to championing bold, personal filmmaking, the festival will also screen Chili Finger, a dark comedy set in and around Ebert’s hometown. When Jessica Lipki discovers a severed finger in her chili, she seizes the chance to blackmail a fast-food chain only to attract dangerous attention .Directed by Edd Benda and Stephen Helstad, the film stars Judy Greer, John Goodman, Sean Astin, Bryan Cranston, and Madeline Wise. Greer and Goodman will be in attendance for a live Q&A following the screening.
Jordan Peele’s Academy Award-winning thriller Get Out will screen as part of the program, with special guest Lil Rel Howery in attendance. The film follows Chris, who accompanies his girlfriend Rose for a weekend visit to meet her parents, only to uncover a series of increasingly disturbing revelations that lead to a shocking and horrifying truth. Directed and written by Jordan Peele, the film stars Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, Catherine Keener, and Caleb Landry Jones.
Continuing its tradition of spotlighting films grounded in humanity and emotional connection, the festival will present a screening of Bob Trevino Likes It, the critically acclaimed feature from writer-director Tracie Laymon. The film stars Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo, alongside French Stewart, Rachel Bay Jones, and Lolo Spencer. Inspired by a true story, the film follows Lily Trevino, a young woman navigating abandonment and emotional isolation, who forms an unexpected and transformative friendship with a stranger online. Laymon and Stewart will attend the festival for a post-screening Q&A.
Additional programming highlights include Charliebird, marking the feature directorial debut of Libby Ewing, from a script by Samantha Smart, who also stars and produces. The film follows a music therapist who forms an unexpected bond with a young patient, unlocking the buried grief of her past in a journey of connection, loss, and healing. Smart will attend as a special guest. The film is presented in partnership with the Alliance for Inclusion and Respect.
The festival will also showcase Mi Familia, the landmark multigenerational drama from Gregory Nava, who returns to the festival as a special guest for the third time, having previously participated in a Selena screening in 2018 and the 2019 Chaz and Roger Ebert Symposium focused on Latinx representation. The film tells the story of a second-generation Mexican immigrant who narrates his family history, beginning with the journey of his father, Jose, across Mexico to Los Angeles where he meets Maria and starts a family. Each subsequent generation contends with political and social hardships, ranging from illegal deportations in the 1940s to racial tensions and gang conflicts in the 1960s and 1970s. Yet through it all, the family remains strong, bound together by resilience, love, and shared history. The film stars Jimmy Smits, Esai Morales, Jennifer Lopez, Edward James Olmos, and Constance Marie, with narration by Olmos.
The Last Movie Critic, directed and written by Luke Boyce and Michael Moreci, with Jennifer Shelby serving as Executive Producer and Chaz Ebert, Nate Kohn, and Brett Hays producing, will screen at Ebertfest as a special local tie and tribute to Roger Ebert. The film is a documentary portrait of Ebert—not just the critic, but the idea he became. Through the voices of filmmakers he championed and the words he left behind, it explores how one man’s deep and abiding love for cinema became a gift to audiences everywhere, serving as a celebration of movies, empathy, and the belief that what we watch together can make us more human.
Rounding out the lineup is a special presentation of The General, the silent-era masterpiece starring Buster Keaton. One of the most revered comedies of the silent era, the film follows Southern railroad engineer Johnny Gray, who must pursue Union soldiers after his train—and his beloved Annabelle Lee—are taken during the Civil War, leading to a series of inventive and daring comedic set pieces. The screening will be accompanied by a live performance from The Anvil Orchestra, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience the film as it was originally intended.
“This festival has always been about celebrating the power of film to bring us together. To inspire empathy, spark conversation, and remind us of our shared humanity,” said Chaz Ebert, co-founder of Ebertfest. “Roger believed deeply in the movies as a bridge between people, and I think he would be so pleased to see that spirit carried forward for 27 years. As we take this final bow, we do so with immense gratitude for the artists, the audiences, and the community that made Ebertfest what it is.”
The final edition of Ebertfest will spotlight headline talent alongside their films, elevating the overall impact and creating a more dynamic experience for both audiences and press. Renowned organist Dr. Steven Ball also returns, bringing his signature musical interludes between screenings With a carefully curated lineup that reflects its founding principles, “The Last Dance” promises to be a meaningful and celebratory sendoff to nearly three decades of championing great storytelling.
Ebertfest passes are currently available for purchase online or by calling the Virginia Theatre box office at 217-356-9063. An Individual Reserved Seating Festival Pass, which includes admission to all films, is $150 plus a $9.00 processing fee per pass. A Reserved 1-Day Festival Pass is available for $75.00 plus a $6.00 processing fee. Individual Reserved Seating Tickets are $20.00 plus a $3.00 processing fee per ticket. Individual film tickets will go on sale April 1, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Roger Ebert was a Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, University of Illinois journalism alumnus, and Urbana native.
Chaz Ebert is also the author of the indie bestseller It’s Time to Give A FECK: Elevating Humanity through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness.
Ebertfest is hosted by Chaz Ebert and Nate Kohn, the festival director since the very beginning.
To become a supporting Festival Sponsor please contact Sonia Evans – sonia@ebertdigital.com.
For additional information, please visit ebertfest.com/ and follow us on social media:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ebertfest/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ebertfest/
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