Fri. Mar 29th, 2024


Photo by Lydia Hoover / @lydiahooverphoto. 

Then, Chicago Tribune Film Critic and Filmspotting Guest Host Michael Phillips took the stage to recognize Chaz Ebert for her numerous contributions to the film industry followed by a tribute video created by Mint Media Works, and the presentation of the FACETS Legend Award, an engraved glass brick from Catalan artist Jaume Plensa’s Crown Fountain in Chicago’s Millennium Park, provided by the Richard Gray Gallery. Ms. Ebert’s acceptance speech was mostly off-script and incredibly sincere and heartfelt. Before the event’s conclusion, Alyssa Quinlan from Hindman Auctions presided over the paddle auction. 

Photo by Lydia Hoover / @lydiahooverphoto.

Karen Carderelli, the Executive Director of FACETS said the goal of the fundraiser was to raise $70,000 and was elated to announce that the total amount raised exceeded $90,000. All proceeds benefit the Bross Scholarship Fund which supports under-resourced youth. Scholarships provide free access to FACETS’ Chicago International Children’s Film Festival and Summer Film Camps. “Ms. Ebert has been a longtime supporter of FACETS and a beacon of advice and encouragement as the organization has found its new place in the cinema landscape,” said Carderelli.  

The board of FACETS joined Louis Ferrara, Deputy Director, Illinois Film Office and Thavary Krouch, Independent Film Coordinator, Chicago Film Office and other organizations in celebrating the launch of the Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals. 

By Dave Jenks

Dave Jenks is an American novelist and Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. Between those careers, he’s worked as a deckhand, commercial fisherman, divemaster, taxi driver, construction manager, and over the road truck driver, among many other things. He now lives on a sea island, in the South Carolina Lowcountry, with his wife and youngest daughter. They also have three grown children, five grand children, three dogs and a whole flock of parakeets. Stinnett grew up in Melbourne, Florida and has also lived in the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and Cozumel, Mexico. His next dream is to one day visit and dive Cuba.