Film critic Sartin returns to U. of C.

Hank Sartin

Hank Sartin

Veteran movie critic Hank Sartin, managing editor of RogerEbert.com and former film editor of Time Out Chicago, is returning to the University of Chicago, where he earned his doctorate in film studies.

Starting April 14, he’ll join the Department of Cinema and Media Studies as department coordinator.

After eight years at Time Out Chicago, where he rose to senior editor, Sartin left last April when the magazine changed ownership, ceased publication of its weekly print edition and dropped most of its staff. In May he joined RogerEbert.com, the comprehensive movie-review website and digital repository of Ebert’s work, operated by the late film critic’s wife, Chaz Ebert.

“It's been an honor and a privilege to work with Chaz and help her continue Roger's legacy,” Sartin said. “I’m proud of the work I've done to help lay a foundation for this amazing enterprise, and humbled by the kindness, intelligence and dedication of everyone involved.”

One of Sartin’s last projects was overseeing the website’s memorial tribute to Ebert on the one-year anniversary of his passing Friday.

Chaz Ebert praised Sartin’s contribution: “When I hired Hank last year I knew that his ultimate goal was to return to working at a university, so we have been fortunate to have him with us for the past year,” she wrote. “That doesn't make it any easier to say goodbye, however, because Hank is such a stalwart, helping on a day to day basis to keep RogerEbert.com a strong presence in the industry. In addition he is a gem to work with: unflappable and dependable, scoring high marks from all.”

While Chaz Ebert said she will “assess the next steps for the company,” Matt Zoller Seitz continues as New York-based editor-in-chief of the site, and Brian Tallerico continues as assistant editor here.

Sartin, who holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Stanford University, received his Ph.D. from U. of C. in 1998.