Nate von Zumwalt

Over the next few months we’ll be chronicling memorable moments in Festival history as we reveal the mystery behind the 2011 snowflake icon. This week we examine the “thumbs up” icon, the definitive sign of approval in the world of film.

Roger Ebert and Micheal Moore

Founder of the universal thumbs up/thumbs down film rating system, Roger Ebert spent the last four decades sifting through films and discerning potential Oscar-winners from certain box office busts. Equipped with an uncanny knack for film criticism, his reviews range from eloquent praise to sarcastic disparagement . Ebert began his illustrious career at the Chicago Sun-Times in 1967 before inextricably pairing himself with fellow critic Gene Siskel on their syndicated television show. He has attended the Sundance Film Festival since 1984 and remains a faithful advocate for independent film.