New Documentary on Roger Ebert to Premiere at Final Ebertfest

The Last Movie Critic explores the legacy of the legendary film critic through his own words and insights from acclaimed directors.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:25pm

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An abstract close-up image of shattered glass and film reels, bathed in dramatic studio lighting to create a high-fashion, glamorous aesthetic that conceptually represents the legacy of legendary film critic Roger Ebert.The poster for 'The Last Movie Critic' documentary captures the glitz and gravitas of Roger Ebert's enduring influence on film culture.Champaign Today

A new documentary called The Last Movie Critic, directed by Luke Boyce and Michael Moreci, will premiere at the final edition of Roger Ebert's Film Festival, also known as Ebertfest, in Champaign, Illinois. The film features footage compiled from 15 different Ebertfests and includes appearances from other critics as well as filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, Spike Lee, Werner Herzog, Tilda Swinton, Ava DuVernay, Joachim Trier, and Ramin Bahrani.

Why it matters

Ebertfest was founded by the late Roger Ebert in 1999 as a way to champion films he felt deserved more attention. The festival has become a beloved annual tradition in Ebert's hometown, and the premiere of this documentary at the final Ebertfest marks the end of an era for film lovers and critics alike.

The details

The Last Movie Critic follows a young film student who arrives at Ebertfest with a question about what made Roger Ebert such a singular and celebrated figure in film criticism. The documentary uses Ebert's own writing as the voice that guides the student through the festival and the films Ebert championed, illuminating his philosophies and lifelong conviction that movies have the power to make us more empathetic, curious, and human.

  • The Last Movie Critic will premiere on April 17, 2026 at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign, Illinois during the final Ebertfest.
  • Ebertfest was launched by Roger Ebert in 1999 as the 'Overlooked Film Festival' and later became 'Roger Ebert's Film Festival' in 2007.

The players

Roger Ebert

The late, legendary film critic who founded Ebertfest and championed overlooked films throughout his career.

Chaz Ebert

Roger Ebert's widow, who has continued the Ebertfest tradition in his honor since his passing in 2013.

Luke Boyce

The co-director of The Last Movie Critic, a new documentary about Roger Ebert and his film festival.

Michael Moreci

The co-director of The Last Movie Critic, a new documentary about Roger Ebert and his film festival.

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What’s next

Tickets for the final Ebertfest, including the premiere of The Last Movie Critic, are available on the Virginia Theatre's website.

The takeaway

The premiere of The Last Movie Critic at the final Ebertfest marks the end of an era for film lovers and critics who have cherished Roger Ebert's legacy and his dedication to championing overlooked films over the past 25 years.