CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Roger Ebert Film Festival hosted by Chaz Ebert will close April 22 with a performance by Native American artist Pura Fe, following the film “Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World.”
The singer and musician, who appears in the film, will perform onstage following the 12 p.m. screening.
Pura Fe
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The festival, also known as “Ebertfest,” runs April 18-22 in downtown Champaign, with a schedule of 12 films, as well as panel discussions, which were previously announced.
“Rumble,” a documentary, chronicles the little-known role of Native Americans in American popular music, featuring figures such as blues pioneer Charlie Patton, jazz singer Mildred Bailey and guitar wizard Jimi Hendrix. It won the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Masterful Storytelling when it premiered last year at the Sundance Film Festival.
Pura Fe – a first name only, which means "Pure Faith" – is an heir to the Tuscarora Indian Nation and is an activist as well as an artist. Her musical career has touched on folk, blues, jazz, rock and traditional music from around the world.
She also is a founding member of the Native women’s a cappella trio Ulali and is recognized for bringing Native contemporary music to the forefront of the mainstream music industry. She has won a Native American Music Award, or Nammy, for best female artist, as well as the French version of the Grammy for best world album.
“Rumble” co-director and director of photography Alfonso Maiorana also will be coming with the film and will participate with Pura Fe in an onstage Q&A between the screening and the musical performance. Director Catherine Bainbridge, previously announced as a guest, is no longer able to attend.
Other festival films and guests were announced in previous releases (here, here and here).
Festival passes, as well as tickets for individual films, can be purchased through www.ebertfest.com, www.thevirginia.org or at the Virginia Theatre box office, 203 W. Park Ave., Champaign, 217-356-9063.
For additional information on films, guests and other events, visit www.ebertfest.com.