THE FOLLOWING IS A FISCHER THEATRE RELEASE
Two-Day Film Festival to Celebrate One of Danville’s Famous Leading Men August 16–17, 2025 | Fischer Theatre, Danville, IL
Danville, IL – The Fischer Theatre is proud to present FischerFest: The Cinematic Legacy of Gene Hackman, a two-day film festival honoring the extraordinary career of Oscar-winning actor and Danville native Gene Hackman. The event will take place August 16 and 17, 2025, at the beautifully restored Fischer Theatre, blocks from where Hackman spent his formative years.
Audiences will enjoy five of Hackman’s most iconic films over the weekend, spanning decades and genres. The lineup includes:
Saturday, August 16
⦁ Bonnie and Clyde
⦁ The French Connection
⦁ Unforgiven
Sunday, August 17
⦁ Crimson Tide
⦁ Dessert and Discussion, a community film discussion
⦁ The Royal Tenenbaums
In addition to screenings, the festival will host a special “Dessert and Discussion” event on Sunday, offering an opportunity to explore Hackman’s enduring influence on film and his connection to the Danville community. Film critic Chuck Koplinski will lead the discussion.
Before each film, Koplinski and Pam Powell will share the film’s behind-the-scenes facts and interesting anecdotes. After each film, they will offer a Q&A with the audience for 10 minutes. Chuck and Pam are known for their work on the show Reel Talk with Chuck & Pam, where they review movies and streaming series. They are based in Chicago and Central Illinois.
Norah’s Smokehouse, a popular local food truck, will be on-site both days, offering delicious eats to complement the weekend’s entertainment.
Local Artist Katie Weston will create a live, date-stamped portrait of Gene Hackman at the event. Need to ask Ashton whether to include this.
Just added: Custom, commemorative t-shirts will be available for purchase. The Danville Public Library will share a unique, informational piece with details about Hackman’s life and work. Hackman photos from Liberty Estates and original artwork by John Jansky, courtesy of Linda Darby Dowers, will be on display. Themed cocktails and trivia questions will round out the weekend fun.
FischerFest is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. Thanks to our sponsors, 100% of the ticket price is a donation to the theatre.
⦁ State Representative Brandun Schweizer
⦁ Iroquois Federal
⦁ WhiteSmith Marketing Group
⦁ Luxe Lift
⦁ The Halloran Family Foundation
⦁ Chuck & Pam
“We’re thrilled to celebrate Gene Hackman’s legendary career in his hometown,” said Fischer Interim Theatre Director Ashton Greer. “This festival is more than a film event. It’s a tribute to a man who helped put Danville on the cinematic map. And we hope this is the first of many events like this one.”
Ticket Pricing
One Reel Deal – Enjoy One Movie for $10
Saturday Pass – Enjoy a whole Saturday of Three Films for $25
Sunday Pass – Enjoy Sunday’s events of Two Films, and the Dessert and Discussion for $25
Reel Deal Pass – Enjoy all the film festival has to offer. All Five Movies, Dessert and Discussion, Bottomless Popcorn and Preferred Box Seating for $75.
Dessert & Discussion – Enjoy the Sunday discussion for $10
Purchase your tickets at www.fischertheatre.com. Follow the Fischer Theatre on social media for event updates.
Location: Fischer Theatre, 158 N. Vermilion Street, Danville, IL 61832
Please mark your calendars and join us at the Fischer Theatre for a weekend of unforgettable films and local pride.
