Roger Ebert Forced To Skip His Film Festival

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Roger Ebert says he'll have to skip this year's Ebertfest film festival after breaking a hip.

The 65-year-old movie critic writes on his blog on the Chicago Sun-Times' Web site that his doctors have told him he should remain in a Chicago hospital rather than travel to Urbana-Champaign for the 10th annual festival, which runs through Sunday.

Ebert is recovering from minor hip surgery following a recent fall.

He's had a series of cancer-related surgeries the past few years. One left him unable to speak, but he continues to write movie reviews.

Ebert has been a Sun-Times film critic for more than 40 years.

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On the Net:

Ebertfest:

http://ebertfest.com/

Roger Ebert:

http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/

Comments

[bujeeboo]

Oh for goodness sakes, this poor man has really been through it!

XOXOX Roger.

[Tulka2]

Oh, what pleasure Roger Ebert has brought to me over the years! If you read this...? Bless your head. Bless your kind, intelligent head. May you be happy, may you have cause to be happy.

[Dramaticlookcat]

Mr. Ebert,

You are such a trooper ... and talent. Feel better soon!

[rini]

What did Siskel and Ebert get exposed to? They both got the big C. Ok, not so unusual. But they both got it at a relatively youngish age and Siskel had a brain tumor. I wonder what kind of cancer Ebert has??

I wish him well, but gotta admit that he doesn't look so good.

[ojellod]

I believe it is cancer of his salivary glands, which is why the surgery's have left him unable to speak (due to the proximity to his throat!). I, too, think he's not looking so good, but I sure do wish him all the best. I miss him on the show though!

[sklfcats]

Roger & his wife are such a blessing.

[BethStuart]

All the best to you, Roger.

[buddusky]

Wasn't aware of any of this--so sorry to hear about it. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, Mr. Ebert. I'm sure you are in the thoughts of many friends and fans.

[nccp1870]

Rogert Ebert is one of America's Film treasures. He has not only written thoughtful criticism, but encouraged and supported legions of lesser filmmakers. writers and just plain film lovers. My husband and I are among them. We certainly do wish him a speedy and comfortable recovery.

It is still difficult to imagine Roger, who has always been so loquaious, silenced by his disease. Still, he carries on by oen and pixel and we are grateful for that.

[robotfog]

Everyone deserves better at age 65 than to end up like that. I hope he does well.

[KISSman]

Poor Roger. His luck is just so bad these days. I really hope he can recover from these issues. It really makes me sad that he can't just get back to doing what he loves to do.

[Shaddup]

I just wanna wish Roger the best. It's evident that this man sees film as an art form and loves it, while still trying to think of those of us who are worried about what we pay to see. From one SF geek to a guy that started out as one: Get Well!

[tmo78759]

Roger made me love film. Through is reviews as a young man, I learned that movies could be art, and art could be fun. Thank you Roger. Get well soon my brother.