2026 Roger Ebert Lecture

Join the College of Media's Ebert Center for the annual Roger Ebert Lecture. Allyson Nadia Field, professor and chair of the Department of Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Chicago, will focus on her book Acts of Love: Black Performance and the Kiss That Changed Film History (2026). Her research spans early silent film, with a particular focus on Black performers. Her book traces the rediscovery, identification, and significance of an 1898 film that represents the earliest portrayal of Black affection on screen. Rare film clips will be featured throughout the presentation. Attendees can join this free event in person or via Zoom (link to come).

Presented by the Roger Ebert Center for Film Studies.