Welcome Film lovers!
My name is Dr. Joe Fortunato. I am a former Entertainment Industry professional and current full-time Film Professor. I am also the host and creator of the popular "Fortunato Film School" - an educational, interactive community engagement program.
On this page you will see upcoming events I'm hosting, links for my social media, archives of my weekly radio segments on WAKR, and various podcasts and interviews that I've been part of!
watch, Listen, learn, enjoy!
This is the "main event" - Fortunato Film School! Screen a classic movie with me as I do LIVE commentary, then we discuss the movie afterwards. These events are done either live locally or online via Zoom (and sometimes both!).
See the Events Page for upcoming screenings!
What IS Fortunato Film School? Click to learn more!
Join me for my weekly "Film School" radio segment on WAKR every Friday at 8:15 am EST.
Listen live or stream the segment later on the WAKR website or my YouTube archive!
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Podcasts, Lectures and Interviews
Listen to Podcasts or Interviews I've done, Including my newest guest spot as a rotating co-host on "The Serious TV Drama - The Twilight Zone" podcast!
upcoming events
Here is the next event. For a complete list of upcoming events, go to the EVENTS tab!
FORTUNATO FILM SCHOOL - rocky! (50th anniversary!)
November 7, 2026 | 11:00AM | IN PERSON |
Fortunato Film School LIVE!
Save the Date! Join us for a special presentation of Fortunato Film School - Rocky (1976) at Jilly's Music Room, November 7, 2026 .
Tickets can be purchased here: (Tickets will be available soon, please check back)
Or you can check the calendar at Jilly's for more information. https://jillysmusicroom.com/events-calendar/
$5 entry fee for a reserved table (you choose the location!) and optional brunch can be ordered off the menu. Our hearty breakfast includes many delicious choices, and a Full cash bar. Brunch 11AM-3PM. Movie starts at 11:30. Note that ticket holders get $5 OFF their brunch, so if you're eating brunch, the movie is essentially FREE!
Join us to celebrate one of the best films of all time! Fortunato Film School at Jilly’s Music Room presents the 50th Anniversary of “Rocky” (1976)
The evening will start with a brief discussion about the background and making of the film with WAKR Radio Personality Ray Horner. Enjoy brunch at Jilly’s while you screen the film! Think of it as a “living room book club” for film fans! During the film, live commentary will be provided, giving you insights into the filmmaking process and some guidance on how to “read” a film creatively.
After the film, Joe and Ray will invite the audience to discuss what we’ve learned and debate if it lives up to its reputation as a film classic.
Tickets for reserved seat/table are only $5! Brunch is menu price. Brunch 11AM-3PM. Movie starts at 11:30.
(NOTE: While no “homework” or prior knowledge of film or this movie is required, if you’ve never seen the picture, some people might want to watch it for the first time before coming to the event without the interruptions of live commentary to “experience” the film as it was intended. That is a personal choice, of course, and not a requirement to attend!)
For more information, visit the Facebook Event Page!
Doors open at 11:00 am EST Film starts at 11:30am.Duration: 3 Hours
Save the Date! Join us for a special presentation of Fortunato Film School - Rocky (1976) at Jilly's Music Room, November 7, 2026 .
Tickets can be purchased here: (Tickets will be available soon, please check back)
Or you can check the calendar at Jilly's for more information. https://jillysmusicroom.com/events-calendar/
$5 entry fee for a reserved table (you choose the location!) and optional brunch can be ordered off the menu. Our hearty breakfast includes many delicious choices, and a Full cash bar. Brunch 11AM-3PM. Movie starts at 11:30. Note that ticket holders get $5 OFF their brunch, so if you're eating brunch, the movie is essentially FREE!
Join us to celebrate one of the best films of all time! Fortunato Film School at Jilly’s Music Room presents the 50th Anniversary of “Rocky” (1976)
The evening will start with a brief discussion about the background and making of the film with WAKR Radio Personality Ray Horner. Enjoy brunch at Jilly’s while you screen the film! Think of it as a “living room book club” for film fans! During the film, live commentary will be provided, giving you insights into the filmmaking process and some guidance on how to “read” a film creatively.
After the film, Joe and Ray will invite the audience to discuss what we’ve learned and debate if it lives up to its reputation as a film classic.
Tickets for reserved seat/table are only $5! Brunch is menu price. Brunch 11AM-3PM. Movie starts at 11:30.
(NOTE: While no “homework” or prior knowledge of film or this movie is required, if you’ve never seen the picture, some people might want to watch it for the first time before coming to the event without the interruptions of live commentary to “experience” the film as it was intended. That is a personal choice, of course, and not a requirement to attend!)
For more information, visit the Facebook Event Page!
Doors open at 11:00 am EST Film starts at 11:30am.Duration: 3 Hours
quick links
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What IS Fortunato Film School?
This week's Film School segment on WAKR: Stand By Me (1986)!
October 24, 2026 | 11:00am | In Person |
Lecture - THE LEGACY OF THE UNIVERSAL MONSTERS (Free!)
Lights! Camera! Action!
Join Film Professor Joe Fortunato for a journey into the world of the Universal Monsters from "Dracula" to "Wolf Man." Discover the history, legends, and cultural impact of these iconic monsters.Learn how classic films such as "Dracula," "Frankenstein," "The Wolf Man" and "Creature from the Black Lagoon" helped define modern horror, introduced some of cinema's most enduring characters, and continue to influence popular culture more than 90 years later.
This program is presented in person at the Green Branch Library. Visit their page for more information!
https://services.akronlibrary.org/event/16879934Doors open at 11:00 am.Duration: 1 Hour