Fine Line Creative Arts Center brings the best of AfterImage Film Fest for outdoor screening

Posted July 20, 2026 11:53 am

Submitted by Fine Line Creative Arts Center

Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles has once again partnered with the AfterImage Film Festival to create Best of Fest 2026, an outdoor evening featuring a selection of the best short films from this year’s edition of the AfterImage Film Festival.

Fine Line Creative Arts has been creating art experiences in the Fox Valley for over 40 years. The AfterImage Film Festival, which was held in April this year, is an annual celebration of independent film in the Fox Valley region of Illinois.

This event includes several short films, including “Fred’s Basement Bijou” and “The Bakers Hotline.” “Fred’s Basement Bijou” tells the story of a young insurance agent from Wisconsin who, in 1956, rescues a colossal 1920s Wurlitzer organ from Detroit’s Michigan Theatre. He then spends the next five decades transforming his basement into a fully functioning movie palace.

“The Baker’s Hotline” tells the story of a dedicated team of passionate bakers who work at the King Arthur Flour call center, offering advice and answering perplexing baking questions. During lockdown, calls start coming in for sourdough recipes, but really, people are just looking for a connection.

In addition to the fantastic films, the evening will include great food to purchase from Smeauxk Craft BBQ, along with beer and wine.

The doors open at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Fine Line Creative Arts Center, 37W570 Bolcum Road, just west of Randall Road in St. Charles.

The screening will begin at 8:30 p.m. There is ample free on-site parking. Attendees are encouraged to come at 7 p.m. to secure their spot on the grass and enjoy great food and wine before the screening starts.

Attendees should bring their blankets, lawn chairs, and friends for a memorable summer night with films and good company.

Tickets cost $20 per person and can be purchased online at fineline.org or by calling Fine Line at (630) 584-9443 during business hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.