It all started following a late night of television and a vintage screening of "The Fly." The film starred Vincent Price and an unknown actor named Al Hedison. Instantly, Chuck Horak was overwhelmed by the visuals, the amazing camera shots and the unique horror of the film.“I was so compelled by it all, and as time went on it was time to share my love of film,” says Horak.

Horak is an architect by day, but by night, he watches every film voraciously and has been sharing that love of film with the rest of El Paso for the past five years.

The host of “On Film,” on KTEP (88.5 FM, Saturdays at 11 a.m.), Horak has been the man behind the films on the first Saturday of every month at Trinity First United Methodist Church. “We began with 'Citizen Kane' and have offered everything from musicals to Westerns to films of the 1960s,” Horak says. “I love the opportunity to share the films that have made a difference in American cinema.”

From Stanley Kubrick to silent features, the Film Salon has had a loyal following for the last five years. “It is truly rewarding to see how film lovers return over and over again to see great films." Horak also likes to focus his attention on films that the whole family can enjoy. (Musicals are particularly popular with the younger set.) “It is always comforting for parents to know that there are quality films the children can enjoy, “ Horak says.

This year, Horak is exploring the amazing films by director Billy Wilder. His Film Salon has featured the noir favorite, "Double Indemnity"; the World War II study in character development, "Stalag 17"; the amazing transgender comedy "Some Like it Hot," starring the incomparable Marilyn Monroe; and in the first weekend in April, the winner of the Academy Award for Best Film of 1960, "The Apartment."

Last spring, Horak was able to attend the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. He had the opportunity to talk with film directors like Martin Scorcese. “Meeting with Scorcese and learning more about his inspiration with film was like a dream,” Horak says. For the last three years, Horak has also attended the Broadcast Film Critics Awards in Santa Monica, Calif.

Horak excitedly looks to the future. “The Film Salon is a small humble group, but we are looking to further explore the opportunities to work with other organizations to introduce the finest in film. In January, the Film Salon collaborated with El Paso Pro Musica to present films that deal with classical composers and music. “The collaboration with the film salon was truly amazing,” says Kathrin Berg Pettit, executive director of El Paso Pro Musica. “Chuck brought a whole new audience in to appreciate the classics.”

The future means more films, more genres and more love for the celluloid. Horak continues to work to drive the community to the cinema and to educate and encourage the love he holds for every film that makes its way to the silver screen.

“There is nothing more rewarding than sharing a good film with a friend, and through the Film Salon, I have made many friends over the years,” Horak says.

The first Saturday of every month at 7 p.m. sharp, at Trinity First Methodist Church, it’s time for a good quality film. The genre will always be different, but one thing is always constant, Chuck Horak will graciously invite you in for a film and a discussion. One trip to the salon, and you’ll return for more.

This article appeared first in the March issue of El Paso Magazine