nullChaz Ebert will be honored on Saturday for her contributions to cinema, at the Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF). 

A tribute to Chaz Ebert will follow a special screening of the documentary “Life Itself," the documentary on her late husband, Roger Ebert, his career, 10-year cancer battle and the Eberts’ inspiring love story.

Chaz Ebert is President and CEO of The Ebert Company and Ebert Productions, and organizes the annual Ebertfest film festival. 

The festival runs through Sunday and features film screenings at various venues in Nassau and Harbour Island, including a bevy of independent films difficult to access elsewhere. 

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Roger Ebert was a champion of indie films. His famous “two thumbs up” seal of approval was coveted by filmmakers and could help advance their careers. Together, the Eberts opened doors to diverse voices in film criticism, established the Ebert Fellows scholarships for aspiring critics through the Sundance Foundation, and created global access to movie news and opinions in a digital forum (Rogerebert.com).

“I’d like to thank Leslie Vanderpool, executive director of the Bahamas International Film Festival, and her amazing team for this honor and for supporting independent films and putting on this outstanding showcase of diverse works from around the world,” said Chaz Ebert.

She manages Rogerebert.com, the multimedia platform re-launched in April 2013 as a property of Ebert Digital and organizes the annual Ebertfest film festival in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, where Roger Ebert was born. She has participated in a year of touring and promotion of “Life Itself” with the film’s producer Steve James (Kartemquin Films). 

"Chaz is a role model for women everywhere,” Vanderpool said. “Not only is she keeping Roger’s legacy alive, but she is a publisher and producer who is continuing to champion cinema as a vital art form. I look forward to the people of Harbour Island getting to know the importance of film through her spirit and legacy. Through her efforts, we will never forget the great Roger Ebert."