Roger Ebert documentary surpasses crowdfunding campaign goal

The filmmakers behind a new documentary about beloved movie critic Roger Ebert have surpassed their crowdfunding campaign goal and will premiere the film at the upcoming Sundance Film Festival. Last November (13), Hoop Dreams director Steve James started an online campaign via Indiegogo.com to help fund his movie, Life Itself, based on the memoir penned by Ebert, who died last year (Apr13).
His goal was to raise $150,000 (£91,274) to help complete the movie and pay for promotional costs, and thanks to the generosity of online contributors, he raised $153,875 (£93,632).
In the film, James interviews many filmmakers whose lives were impacted by Ebert, including director Errol Morris and Martin Scorsese, who serves as an executive director on the film.
James plans to donate the extra money raised to some of the critic’s favourite charities, including The Ebert Foundation, which supports educational and arts organisations.
Life Itself is slated to make its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on Sunday (19Jan14).