The film-focused event known as Ebertfest opens its doors starting April 17 for what organizers have billed as the last edition of the festival. Organizers confirmed two prominent additions to the guest list: actress Betty Gabriel, who rose to prominence after starring in Get Out, and director James Vanderbilt, who helmed Nuremberg. Both will appear in-person to participate in post-screening Q&A sessions and join other filmmakers and critics in conversations throughout the weekend.
This year’s program pairs archival and contemporary work with filmmaker-led discussions. The presence of Betty Gabriel and James Vanderbilt highlights the festival’s mix of narrative films and industry-focused events; each guest brings a different vantage point, from on-screen performance to behind-the-camera direction. Attendees can expect screenings followed by moderated talks, a format designed to emphasize cinema as both entertainment and craft.
Guest highlights and what they bring
Betty Gabriel will appear at the evening screening of Get Out, providing audiences with firsthand reflections on the film’s production, themes, and cultural impact. Her participation offers a chance to hear about acting choices and the film’s legacy directly from a key performer. The event includes a moderated conversation with a subject matter expert serving as the Q&A host, allowing for audience questions and deeper exploration of the film’s enduring resonance.
James Vanderbilt, credited as the director of Nuremberg, attends the morning screening to discuss his approach to directing a historically charged project. Vanderbilt’s presence will give attendees insight into adaptation decisions, research methods, and how a director balances factual material with cinematic storytelling. His session aims to illuminate the intersection of history and film craft in a way that complements the festival’s mission of examining movies closely.
Detailed schedule highlights
The Friday, April 17 lineup lays out a full day of screenings and conversations. The morning begins with Nuremberg at 11:25 AM, with James Vanderbilt appearing and Michael Barker moderating the discussion. Afternoon and early evening offerings include The Last Movie Critic at 3:30 PM featuring Luke Boyce and Michael Moreci with Chaz Ebert and Nate Kohn co-hosting the talk, followed by Bob Trevino Likes It at 5:10 PM, with Tracie Laymon and French Stewart on hand and Matt Zoller Seitz alongside Robert Daniels as co-hosts.
The day culminates with the 8:50 PM screening of Get Out, where Betty Gabriel will take part in the post-screening discussion. That session is set to be moderated by Dr. Doug Williams, giving attendees an opportunity to engage directly with Gabriel about the film’s themes and her experiences during production. The festival’s program blends screenings with expert-facilitated exchanges to create a conversational atmosphere.
Saturday highlights and additional conversations
On Saturday, April 18, the program continues with additional showcases. Notable entries include a presentation of Siskel/Ebert at 2:30 PM, featuring Stephen Winchell, Zack Mast, and Katlin Schneider with Matt Fagerholm as host. Later in the afternoon, Chili Finger screens at 3:40 PM with a lineup of guests including Judy Greer, John Goodman, Edd Benda, and Stephen Helstad; Richard Roeper will serve as the moderator. These sessions further illustrate the festival’s emphasis on bringing cast and creators into direct conversation with critics and audiences.
Why this edition matters
As the festival presents what its organizers describe as the last edition, the inclusion of artists such as Betty Gabriel and James Vanderbilt underscores a closing chapter shaped by both celebration and reflection. The format—screenings followed by moderated Q&A segments—remains a cornerstone of the experience, encouraging attendees to consider films beyond surface-level viewing and to understand filmmaking as collaborative work that intersects with history, performance, and criticism.
For those planning to attend, the weekend offers multiple entry points: morning screenings with filmmaker commentary, afternoon sessions that explore independent and archival titles, and evening features anchored by notable performers. Whether attendees come for a single film or the full slate, the festival aims to foster a lively exchange between creators, critics, and audiences in its final run.