Magnolia Pictures has released the first trailer for Life Itself, a documentary that explores the story behind legendary film critic Roger Ebert. This loving tribute touches on his contributions to the world of cinema, his career in film criticism, and, to quote the title, life itself. Check out this first look that includes interviews with a number of Ebert's colleagues and admirers, before it hits VOD and select theaters July 4th.

Acclaimed director Steve James (Hoop Dreams) and executive producers Martin Scorsese (The Departed) and Steven Zaillian (Moneyball) present Life Itself, a documentary film that recounts the inspiring and entertaining life of world-renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert , a story that is by turns personal, funny, painful, and transcendent. Based on his bestselling memoir of the same name, Life Itself explores the legacy of Roger Ebert's life, from his Pulitzer Prize-winning film criticism at the Chicago Sun-Times to becoming one of the most influential cultural voices in America.