Film critic Roger Ebert wrote
in the Chicago Sun Times today that he will soon be returning to movie review writing. Unfortunately, he still can't speak -- that would require another surgery. But he is cancer-free.
I am at last returning to the movie beat. After my current stay at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, I'm looking forward to opening night of my annual film festival at the University of Illinois on April 23, and I will resume writing movie reviews shortly thereafter.
Are you as bored with my health as I am? I underwent a third surgery in January, this one in Houston, and once again there were complications. I am sorry to say that my ability to speak was not restored. That would require another surgery.
But I still have all my other abilities, including the love of viewing movies and writing about them. And at my side I have my angelic wife, Chaz.
The festival is shaping up well. Thanks to festival director Nate Kohn, the schedule, which is already released at ebertfest.com, includes appearances by filmmaker and U. of I. graduate Ang Lee; directors Paul Schrader, Sally Potter, Tom DiCillo, Bill Forsyth and others.
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I am still cancer-free, and not ready to think about more surgery at this time. I should be content with the abundance I have.
So that's the latest. I have been so moved by the messages I've received from so many of you. Thank you. Now let's go to the movies.
You can learn more about Ebertfest at the website. Get well soon, Roger!
