The opening night of the 25th Annual Roger Ebert’s Film Festival began with Bob Fosse’s Star 80. In this this film, boundaries were challenged due to the behaviors in a pressure-filled relationship. Award-winning actor Eric Roberts attended the festival and engaged in a discussion after the film. Hearing Roberts talk about his days working on the film added much emphasis to the experience. The sense of realism in the diverse viewpoints about Star 80 still captivates with evolving revelations. Roberts talked about how Fosse was a director who had some strange behavior patterns himself, in part related to drug use. Roberts has continued to persevere as an actor and to this day Star 80 remains one of his most well-known films.

This film is a true story of a monumental talent. It is brilliant, spellbinding, and only half an hour long. Conducting Life follows the life story of a man who worked through his way upto make it as a conductor. That man is Roderick Cox and this movie about his passion, trials, and errors is under the direction of filmmaker Diane Moore. The exploration of talent and what it takes to truly grow as a conductor is inspirational in Conducting Life. Cox is now on the road working as a conductor in many places around the world. Seeing his story moved me and resonated with the audience. Persistence is where Conducting Life shines with an encouraging message to never give up.

Directed by Rana Segal, this is an honest, artistic documentary about the struggle for culture and rights. The story is real and is supported by layers of empathy. The Light of Truth: Richard Hunt’s Monument to Ida B. Wells paints a portrait of how racism and history have important roles to play in art. It follows an artist, Richard Hunt (who has sadly passed), who builds meaningful sculptures involving his backstory and his ethnicity. His art is also a way of showing appreciation for how times are different than the past. Hunt’s legacy involves honoring the work that African American journalist and activist Ida B. Wells did fighting for racial and gender equality. This film is an insightful portrait of courage and positive empowerment.