Oak Lawn Library Launches 'Cineversary' Film Discussion Group

OAK LAWN, IL -- How do you wish a happy birthday to one of your favorite movies? Forget the candles, cake and presents: instead, attend Cineversary, the Oak Lawn Public Library’s new once-a-month series that celebrates a milestone anniversary of an artistically, culturally and historically important film.

At Cineversary, participants gather for three hours on select Saturday afternoons in the lower level theater at the Oak Lawn Public Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave., to watch the complete movie. Afterward, Erik J. Martin, the creator and long-time moderator of CineVerse, the Oak Lawn Park District’s weekly film discussion group, engages participants in a group conversation.

Cineversary kicks off on Saturday, Jan. 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. with director Quentin Tarantino’s unforgettable crime thriller “Reservoir Dogs,” which marks its 25th anniversary in 2017. Next up is Woody Allen’s quirky comedic masterwork “Annie Hall,” celebrating its 40th anniversary, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 18 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Martin has carefully curated several other feature films celebrating significant birthdays in 2017, including “Casablanca” (released 75 years ago), “The Graduate” (50 years ago), “Star Wars” (40 years ago), and “L.A. Confidential” (20 years ago). Dates for these and other forthcoming Cineversary events will be announced in the coming months.

Martin says that, while it’s always fun to re-watch a cherished movie, the real value of attending Cineversary will be to meet fellow film fans and explore why that chosen motion picture is worthy of anniversary honors.

“We’re going to examine why these beloved movies have stood the test of time, how they’ve inspired other filmmakers and influenced our culture, and what they can teach us today,” says Martin. “We’re also going to talk about historical and sociological context—what it would have been like seeing this particular film for the first time when it was originally released—as well as elements of the film that perhaps haven’t aged so well. And we’ll offer predictions on what kind of continued longevity the movie can expect years from now.”

Cineversary is free and open to adults 17 and older; no registration is required. For more details, phone the library at (708) 422-4990 or email cineversegroup@gmail.com.

To learn more about about, Oak Lawn’s weekly film discussion group that meets every Wednesday evening from 7-10 p.m. at Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St., or to view its current schedule, listen to a podcast recording of a group discussion, or read in-depth analyses of the films discussed, visit the CineVerse blog. The current CineVerse schedule can also be heard via a recorded hotline by calling 708-529-9028.

Photo: "Annie Hall," which celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2017.