CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Fans of independent cinema, storytelling and Wes Anderson’s signature visual style will have a chance to experience all three during a special late-night screening of “The French Dispatch” hosted by Arthouse 217 and Film-Fanatic.Club next month in downtown Champaign.
The event, scheduled for Thursday, June 4, at The Literary Bookbar, marks the first collaboration between the organizations at the venue and the first “midnight movie”-style screening presented by the club.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Wes Anderson, “The French Dispatch” features an ensemble cast that includes Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Benicio del Toro, Frances McDormand, Adrien Brody, Timothée Chalamet and Jeffrey Wright. The 2021 film centers on the final issue of a fictional American magazine published in a small French city and inspired by The New Yorker.
Organizers say the event is designed to be more than a traditional movie screening. “We want every screening to feel like an event,” said Paul Young, retired graphic design professor and co-founder of Film-Fanatic.Club. “These are films that come alive with an audience — where laughter, silence and even the music become shared experiences.”
Young said the screening continues the group’s “Film Fanatic Movie Nights” series, which showcases films in alternative venues throughout Champaign-Urbana. “This is our first screening at The Literary Bookbar in downtown Champaign,” Young said. “It’s also our first late-night screening which we’re promoting as a ‘midnight movie’ at 10:30 p.m.”
Each event includes a curated film introduction from a club member, a surprise short film and a post-screening discussion in a relaxed social setting. “All of our screenings reflect the club’s mission to spotlight bold, daring and underappreciated cinema from around the world,” said Rachel Storm, director of Arthouse 217.
Storm said Arthouse 217 was created to celebrate and rejuvenate independent and arthouse cinema in Champaign-Urbana by creating immersive and community-driven viewing experiences.
Audience members are encouraged to arrive early, stay after the screening and engage in conversation with fellow film lovers.
The Literary Events Manager Dylan Renner said the collaboration is a natural fit for the downtown venue. “We’re very excited about our collaboration with Film-Fanatic.Club,” Renner said. “We’ve always wanted to include film screenings as part of our diverse programming schedule and Wes Anderson’s ‘The French Dispatch’ is the ideal film to launch a new film series in our cozy and intimate space.”
Renner added that The Literary will offer a special late-night menu and a themed cocktail during the event.
Doors open at 10 p.m. with the film beginning at 10:30 p.m. at The Literary, located at 122 N. Neil St. in Champaign. Additional information is available at Film-Fanatic.Club.