CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Final plans are in place for the ninth annual Roger Ebert's Overlooked Film Festival, or "Ebertfest," coming April 25-29 to Champaign-Urbana and the University of Illinois.
Two panel discussions, a mini-seminar on filmmaking, and a demonstration by local students have been added to the previously announced schedule of 13 film screenings
The schedule of added events, all free and open to the public:
Thursday, April 26
9:30-10:30 a.m. - Panel discussion "The Role of the Film Critic in Contemporary Distribution Practices," moderated by Nate Kohn, the director of Ebertfest and a professor of journalism and mass communication at the University of Georgia, in the Pine Lounge of the Illini Union, 1401 W. Green St., Urbana.
Friday, April 27
9-10 a.m. - Panel discussion "Politics in Movies, Movies in Politics," moderated by Eric Pierson, a professor of communication studies at the University of San Diego, in the Pine Lounge.
Saturday, April 28
9-11:30 a.m. - Mini-seminar "Bringin' It All Back Home: The Principles of Independent Filmmaking," conducted by Michael Wiese, a filmmaker, author and publisher, in the General Lounge of the Illini Union. Wiese, a Champaign native who attended University High School, will share his experiences of independent filmmaking, making use of film clips from his own productions.
9-11:30 a.m. - High Tech Edge program, an open display and demonstration showing how students in the program are impacting the film industry for Champaign County, in the Pine Lounge.
Any additional updates on the festival will be posted on the festival Web site.
