One of the most beloved couples in the movie business will be honored this year by the Black Harvest Film Festival. At the Gene Siskel Film Center’s opening night celebration of the 20th annual festival on Friday, August 1st, the Deloris Jordan Award for Excellence in Community Leadership will be presented to Chaz Ebert and posthumously to Roger Ebert. LeeAnn Trotter of NBC 5 Chicago will serve as Master of Ceremonies, and the event will be followed by a reception at the Joffrey Tower, featuring performances by the Chicago Sinfonietta.
Six short films will also be screened at the event, dubbed “A Black Harvest Feast.” The line-up includes Delmar Washington’s “Chris’s Briss,” Oliver Azis’s “Frayed,” Elizabeth Myer’s “Strange Fruit,” Lydia Darly’s “The Way You Love,” Maharaki’s “Vivre” and Derrick Sanders’s “Perfect Day.” Washington and Sanders are tentatively scheduled to attend.
The ceremony kicks off at 6:15pm. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for students and $15 for Siskel Center members. Proceeds from the event benefit the Siskel Center’s educational programs. To purchase tickets, click here. For more info on the event, visit the Siskel Center’s official site.