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New Documentary on Roger Ebert to Premiere at Final Ebertfest
The Last Movie Critic explores the late critic's legacy and the festival he built.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:12pm
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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, and Werner Herzog.
Why it matters
Ebertfest was founded by the late, legendary film critic Roger Ebert in 1999 as a way to champion overlooked films and screen them at the Virginia Theatre in his hometown of Champaign. The festival has continued in his honor since his passing in 2013, but this year's edition will be the last in its traditional form, making The Last Movie Critic's premiere a bittersweet milestone for fans of Ebert and cinema.
The details
The Last Movie Critic follows a young film student who arrives at Ebertfest with a question about what made Ebert such a singular figure in the world of film criticism. The documentary is based on Ebert's own writings and uses his voice to illuminate his philosophies and lifelong conviction that movies have the power to make us more empathetic, curious, and human.
- Ebertfest was launched by Roger Ebert in 1999 as the 'Overlooked Film Festival'.
- In 2007, the festival dropped the 'Overlooked' name and became 'Roger Ebert's Film Festival'.
- Roger Ebert passed away in 2013, but his widow, Chaz Ebert, has continued the Ebertfest tradition in his honor since then.
- Although Chaz Ebert previously said 2025's festival would be the final one, a 2026 Ebertfest was eventually announced, billed as 'The Last Dance'.
- The Last Movie Critic will premiere on April 17, 2026 at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign, Illinois during the final Ebertfest.
The players
Roger Ebert
The late, legendary film critic who founded the Ebertfest film festival in Champaign, Illinois in 1999.
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 new documentary The Last Movie Critic, which explores Roger Ebert's legacy and the Ebertfest festival.
Michael Moreci
The co-director of the new documentary The Last Movie Critic, which explores Roger Ebert's legacy and the Ebertfest festival.
What’s next
Tickets for the final Ebertfest, including the premiere of The Last Movie Critic, are available now on the Virginia Theatre's website.
The takeaway
The Last Movie Critic's premiere at the final Ebertfest marks the end of an era for the beloved film festival founded by Roger Ebert, but it also serves as a celebration of his enduring legacy as one of the most influential and celebrated film critics of all time.
