TORONTO – The artistic director of the Toronto International Film Festival is mourning legendary film critic Roger Ebert.
Shortly after news broke of Ebert’s death Thursday, Cameron Bailey tweeted:
Ebert was a fixture at the fest, attending a slew of screenings and press conferences each year, and blogging prolifically about the movies he saw.
Festival-goers who spotted Ebert on Toronto streets would frequently greet the critic with his famed thumbs up.
The Chicago Sun-Times, where Ebert had been a film critic since 1967, reported the Pulitzer Prize winner died Thursday at age 70.
News of his death came just two days after he announced on his blog that he was undergoing radiation treatment after a recurrence of cancer.
National Post film critic Robert Cushman also took time to reflect on Ebert’s career and influence.
The Toronto International Film Festival released this statement on the passing of Roger Ebert:
We are terribly saddened by the news of the passing of our friend Roger Ebert. More than a friend, Roger was family. He knew us from our humble beginnings, stuck by us, and helped us grow, as only family can do.
It is no exaggeration to say that Roger, through his championing, had a large hand in making us who we are today on the world stage. He was a pioneer, a true lover of film. His passing is a huge loss for cinema. He inspired us and will continue to inspire generations. We are taking this opportunity to remember and celebrate our beloved friend, Roger Ebert.
Our hearts go out to Chaz and to their family and friends.
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