Chaz Ebert, the CEO of the film review site Rogerebert.com, has announced her directorial debut.
Ebert, who is the wife of legendary late critic Roger Ebert, directs documentary “Wellness Warrior” about the creation of celebrity wellness retreat Rancho La Puerta almost 100 years ago. Founder Deborah Szekely has been credited as the “Godmother of Wellness,” ushering in the modern-day spa industry.
The feature will premiere at the Chicago International Film Festival, which runs October 16-27.
“Women kept saying they were going to make a movie about Deborah Szekely, but no one started it, so my daughter Sonia encouraged me to do it,” Ebert said, citing that the feature was a “labor of love” to direct. “I think Deborah is amazing. One of the most amazing things about her is that she reinvents herself every 10 years. When she was 90 years old, she became the Wellness Warrior, urging people to take control of their own health instead of leaving it to the pharmaceutical companies. When she was 100, I asked Deborah what her project would be for the next 10 years. She said, ‘If you are healthy at age 100, there is the likelihood that you can live another 20 years. So now I want to concentrate on planting trees all over Tecate, Mexico, the place that has contributed so much to my life.’ She started the Green Umbrella Fund to do just that.”
The official synopsis for “Wellness Warrior” reads: “As World War II raged around the globe, a professor from Eastern Europe and his 17-year-old bride created an oasis just across the Southern California border in Tecate, Mexico. It became known as Rancho La Puerta, a sanctuary for people from all over the world to come and learn about health and wellness. That 17-year-old girl, Deborah Szekely, is now 102 years old and is the living embodiment of everything the Ranch aspires to be and to teach. The Ranch and its sister property, The Golden Door in San Marcos, California, continue today to serve celebrities, royalty, and anyone in search of a healthier life.”
While “Wellness Warrior” is Ebert’s first time behind the camera, she has executive produced films like “Passing,” “The Empire of Ebony,” and “Selah and the Spades” as the president of Ebert Digital LLC.
“Wellness Warrior” is produced by director Ebert, Scott Dummler, and Sonia Evans. The world premiere of the documentary at the Chicago International Film Festival will include an appearance by Szekely.
The Chicago International Film Festival is North American’s longest-running competitive film festival, now celebrating its 60th anniversary with an exhibition of more than 120 feature films and 70 shorts from countries around the world.
