A group of Chicago writers and artists known as Underdog Collective will bring “Flick Lit: Reel-to-Real Storytelling for Movie Lovers,” a live storytelling event that combines performers’ narratives with the films that most affected them, to the Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee Ave., on Oct. 14.

According to Kirk Kicklighter, co-producer of the show, “Flick Lit” emphasizes performers’ nonfiction stories but highlights the way the movies they love shaped their experiences.

“About six months ago, [I went to see] a movie at the Music Box Theatre, and I got into this animated discussion about it afterward,” he said. “I realized as I was talking about the movie, I was actually talking about how I felt about life.”

Kicklighter added that he recalled sharing a similar experience with his family during his youth. His family was typically tight-lipped, he said, but they were able to discuss sensitive subjects more openly when they could examine those topics in the context of a movie.

“It’s such a good idea that I can’t believe no one else is doing it,” said Eileen Tull, a “Flick Lit” performer.

Tull will perform an excerpt from her one-woman show, “Bad Dates, Or What Killed That Monkey in Indiana Jones Only Makes Me Stronger,” which details her lifelong affection for Harrison Ford and how the obsession impacted her romantic and personal life.

“The movies you love make up who you are,” Tull said. “When you find someone who loves the movies you love, you have a connection with them.”

“Flick Lit” will also feature musical guest Tirzah Manley, a film debate in the style of Siskel and Ebert and a movie trivia contest with prizes, according to Laura Scruggs, co-producer.

According to Kicklighter, “Audience members can win a fake Oscar statuette for answering the most trivia questions.” 

He also stressed the event is open to a broad audience, regardless of their knowledge of film history. “We are not movie snobs,” Kicklighter said.

Scruggs agreed that movies have an accessibility that bridges the generations.

According to Scruggs, the launch of “Flick Lit” is focused on the theme “art imitates life imitates art,” but Underdog Collective has every intention to continue expanding the show’s scope.

“We want to do an ‘80s night, we want to do a night called ‘The Beginning of the End,’” Kicklighter said. “We even want to do a ‘bad movies’ night.”

Tull said that some storytelling events are confined by central themes that not all viewers will relate to—a problem she said “Flick Lit” is able to avoid.

“This is open to so many different types of audiences,” Tull said.

“Flick Lit” will continue on the second Wednesday of every month at The Logan Theatre, a location chosen precisely for its rich history, nostalgic atmosphere and significance to the community, Tull said.

“It’s a neighborhood staple and it’s so unique,” Tull said. “It’s got a big, beautiful marquee that really speaks to the classic experience of going to see the motion picture show. I often get disenchanted with the huge multiplex AMC.”

“Flick Lit” begins at The Logan Theatre  Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. For more information about “Flick Lit” please visit www.flicklitchicago.com.