Marquee FilmTalks is the leader in proven, crowd-pleasing film appreciation programs for libraries, seniors, assisted living and memory care facilities in the United States for more than two decades.  

Our founder, Steven Frenzel (see more on Steven below), presents engaging programs on dozens of topics in the movies with his signature, infectious enthusiasm.  FilmTalks personally hosted by Steven are interactive, virtual programs featuring a custom-edited selection of film clips around the theme of the FilmTalk. Our upbeat programs celebrate the power and joy of communicating through entertainment.  Our programs may be enjoyed in a group setting and/or individually depending on the preferences of your community members.

Each FilmTalk program features a unique collection of film scenes — carefully chosen scenes to effectively illustrate Steven’s observations and themes, interspersed with fun filmmaking facts, colorful stories about the actors, actresses, and filmmakers behind the movie magic and more.

Visit our programs page to browse specific topics, see program recommendations by month, learn how our presentations are structured on the FAQ page, or contact us for additional information.

Read more happy reviews on our feedback page!

 Founder and Presenter

Steven Frenzel

Steven Frenzel has been giving his popular interactive film presentations for schools, libraries, senior centers, and other organizations for over 16 years.  He is also is an Illinois certified teacher since 1988 and has taught at schools in Park Ridge, Wilmette, Schiller Park, and Winnetka.

“I’ll never forget the “a-ha!” moment I had one day while teaching math to a classroom of sixth graders. I had the idea of using a few film clips to outline a particularly hairy math concept, and as I watched the lightbulbs go off in one kid, then another, and another, I realized that I had uncovered something valuable.

I continued to experiment with using well chosen film clips to illustrate concepts to my students, and not only were they much more engaged in the lessons (not an easy feat in a math classroom!) but I watched as my students developed a better understanding of the subject matter with enthusiasm–it was a teacher’s dream come true!

I decided to take my love of film and expand it into film appreciation classes, and the students just couldn’t get enough of them; it was then that I knew I needed to offer my film presentations to a wider audience. And, as a lifelong film buff, I also knew that beyond using movies to teach classroom subjects, there was so much that I could share with fellow movie lovers to help them get even more enjoyment out of their favorite films.

Friends consider me the walking encyclopedia of film trivia, and I now had a way to turn my obsession into a useful and hugely entertaining experience for other film goers, rather than just “treating” my friends to Secret Star Wars Fact #259.

Today, I do live FilmTalks on a variety of fun topics on the internet, from Harry Potter to special effects in the movies.
I love seeing those same “a-ha!” lightbulbs going off in one audience member to the next, as people discover behind-the-scenes facts about wonderful films, both new and old, and when everyone is still glued to their seats at presentation’s end, I know I’ve done my job.” — Steven Frenzel

Browse our list of more than 50 FilmTalks here!

See what audiences have to say about Marquee FilmTalks with Steven Frenzel.

*Formerly known as Marquee Movie Presentations.