The Roger Ebert Film Festival announced a new addition to their lineup. They’re adding a musical performance to their closing event on April 22nd. Native American Artist Pura Fe will be performing following the film “Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World,” a documentary about the “little-known role of Native Americans in American popular music.”
Here’s a poster for the film:
It also looks like Pura Fe will be joining co-director and director of photography Alfonso Maiorana for the post film discussion, which will take place between the screening and the musical performance. Maiorana will be the guest that day, instead of the previously announce Catherine Bainbridge.
Here’s the press release:
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Roger Ebert Film Festival hosted by Chaz Ebert will close April 22 with a performance by Native American artist Pura Fe, following the film “Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World.”
The singer and musician, who appears in the film, will perform onstage following the 12 p.m. screening.
The festival, also known as “Ebertfest,” runs April 18-22 in downtown Champaign, with a schedule of 12 films, as well as panel discussions, which were previously announced.
“Rumble,” a documentary, chronicles the little-known role of Native Americans in American popular music, featuring figures such as blues pioneer Charlie Patton, jazz singer Mildred Bailey and guitar wizard Jimi Hendrix. It won the World Cinema Documentary Special Jury Award for Masterful Storytelling when it premiered last year at the Sundance Film Festival.
Pura Fe – a first name only, which means “Pure Faith” – is an heir to the Tuscarora Indian Nation and is an activist as well as an artist. Her musical career has touched on folk, blues, jazz, rock and traditional music from around the world.
She also is a founding member of the Native women’s a cappella trio Ulali and is recognized for bringing Native contemporary music to the forefront of the mainstream music industry. She has won a Native American Music Award, or Nammy, for best female artist, as well as the French version of the Grammy for best world album.
“Rumble” co-director and director of photography Alfonso Maiorana also will be coming with the film and will participate with Pura Fe in an onstage Q&A between the screening and the musical performance. Director Catherine Bainbridge, previously announced as a guest, is no longer able to attend.
For additional information on films, guests and other events, visit www.ebertfest.com.
Poster for Rumble found on Ebertfest Facebook.