Roger Ebert doc 'Life Itself' to be shown at Ebertfest in April

CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, the facade of the Virginia Theatre, site of the 16th annual Ebertfest. Photo by John W. Cary for the Sun-Times.

Filmmaker Steve James’ newest documentary “Life Itself,” about the late Sun-Times film critic Roger Ebert (and based in part on his 2011 memoir), debuts Sunday (January 19) at the Sundance Film Festival. Thereafter, it likely will land in select theaters before airing on CNN.

Now comes word that Ebertfest — a festival founded by Ebert to highlight overlooked films and which takes place at the Virginia Theatre in downtown Champaign — will show “Life Itself” as part of its 16th annual event April 23-27.

James is scheduled to appear at the festival and participate in a post-screening Q&A. As in previous years, Ebert’s wife Chaz will host.

For tickets, go to www.ebertfest.com.