Ebert Interruptus Returns Virtually for 2021 CWA
* The interactive portion of the event is now at full capacity, but it will be livestreamed to the .
The beloved Ebert Interruptus film series returns virtually for the 2021 Conference on World Affairs. This year's series will be a two-part event showcasing the film , part of the  (nominated for a Golden Globe for best Television Limited Series) directed by Steve McQueen, the first black filmmaker to win an Academy Award for Best Picture (12 Years A Slave 2013). Film critic and author Josh Larsen returns to host this year's series that will include in-depth analysis and the opportunity for viewers to "Interrupt" with questions.
The two-part series will take place Saturday, April 10 from 7-9 p.m. MDTÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýSunday, April 11 from 7-9 p.m. MDT, those that received confirmation will join via Zoom and it will be livestreamed to the .
We asked Josh some questions about this year's event:
Welcome (virtually) back to CWA Josh! What do we need to know about this year's film selection?
I absolutely cannot wait to watch Lovers Rock with other Ebert Interrupters, and not only because it was . Directed by Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave), it's a rich cinematic text that's ripe for close inspection - even though it's a brisk 70 minutes and mostly takes place over the course of a single 1980 house party in London's Caribbean community. For those who want to watch Lovers Rock ahead of time, it's available via , as one of the five installment's in McQueen's Small Axe anthology film series. (All five films are highly recommended.)Â
Have you done any of these virtual watch parties before and if so, what can people expect?Â
I have, and while they're no substitute for sharing a dark theater together (I'll see you at Macky in 2022!), it's still a meaningful communal experience for fans of film. And by using the Amazon Watch Party feature, we'll be able to stop and start the movie for everyone simultaneously, while also responding to comments and questions via Zoom. All in all a decent approximation of what we normally do in person at Interruptus.
We missed last year's Interruptus after the event cancellation in March 2020. What has our favorite film critic been up to over the past year?
I'm still having fun co-hosting the , while also adding hosting/producing duties for the relatively new , where we regularly discuss film. And rumor has it that copies of my book, , are still available.