About Film-Fanatic.Club
Film-Fanatic.Club is a community of movie buffs who believe cinema is one of the great art forms—and that it’s best experienced together. Based in and around Champaign–Urbana, Illinois, we bring passionate film lovers together to discover, discuss, and celebrate movies that exist beyond the mainstream.
Our mission is to champion bold, daring, and underappreciated cinema, and to revive the spirit of repertory theaters and film festivals like EBERTFEST. Roger Ebert originally envisioned his festival as a showcase for “overlooked” films—movies deserving of a larger audience and deeper conversation. We share that philosophy and strive to bring forgotten, underrated, obscure, and unconventional works to central Illinois.
While Ebert personally curated his festival, Film-Fanatic.Club takes a more democratic approach. Local cinephiles are invited to help shape our programming by curating themed movie nights, director spotlights, and special screenings. Our focus is on the shared cinematic experience—films that come alive on the big screen and spark lively post-screening conversations. We aim to create a welcoming hub where film fanatics can connect, exchange discoveries, and build lasting friendships. Members are encouraged to vote on future selections and even present their own favorite films.
Our primary venue is Gallery Art Bar in downtown Urbana—a stylish, intimate space equipped with multiple projectors and a large screen. Embracing the energy of a bar setting, our programming goes beyond traditional art-house fare to include cult classics, grindhouse, midnight movies, underground cinema, vintage gems, and more. The result is a vibrant, social environment where adventurous cinema and good conversation naturally meet.
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Film-Fanatic.Club Advisory Board
Film-Fanatic.Club is managed by a group of local film aficionados and industry professionals:
- Luke Boyce (director, writer, producer at Shatterglass Films)
- Sanford Hess (former operator of the Art Theatre)
- Chuck Koplinski (respected regional film critic)
- Geoff Merritt (former owner of That’s Rentertainment)
- Kim Robeson (Eberfest committee member and host)
- Rachel Storm (Krannert Art Museum Community Engagement, Arthaus 217 Director
- Nat Dykeman (Chambana Film Society Director)
- Paul Young (retired Parkland College professor)
Film Fanatic Movie Nights Programming Committee
Film Fanatic Movie Nights is our primary project and the centerpiece of our exhibition program. This ongoing “film festival” series of communal screenings is designed to stimulate the senses, engage the mind, and dazzle the eyes. Each film is presented by a member curator who introduces the work, provides context and insight, and leads an informal, lively discussion following the screening.
Our current programming committee members include: Hannah Brown, Chike Coleman, Nat Dykeman, Sanford Hess, Chuck Koplinski, Geoff Merritt. Guest curators include: Sam Veremchuk, Andy Warfel.
Interested in joining our club and serving on a committee? Please send us an email: programming@film-fanatic.club
Film-Fanatic.Club • Gallery Art Bar
119 W Main St, Urbana, IL 61801