ManDate – Feature Film Test Screening at the Fischer Theatre

Local Filmmaker Returns to Vermilion County for Test Screening of First Feature Film

Former Danville, IL resident James J. Gutierrez is returning to Vermilion County on April 10, 2026 to screen his first feature film, ManDate, a comedy starring Saturday Night Live alum Jon Lovitz!

Gutierrez, now a Los Angeles–based television and film producer, writer, and director, has sold over 30 television concepts over the course of his career. ManDate marks his first feature film as writer, producer, and director.

The Vermilion County event will serve as the film’s only public test screening, where audience members will be asked to provide feedback to help shape the final edit before the film begins a planned 2026 festival run and theatrical release.

For Gutierrez, the screening represents a homecoming — bringing his first feature film back to the community where he once lived before launching his career in Hollywood. Doors open at 5:30pm on April 10th, and the show starts at 6:30pm. Admission is a freewill donation to benefit the Fischer Theatre.

The comedy blends themes of grief, viral fame, and male friendship. The story follows actor Don Worley (A Time for Sunset, Pastor Shepherd) as a man navigating life’s challenges with the help of an unconventional self-help coach played by Lovitz, who pushes a group of socially awkward men to explore the awkward art of “man-dates” — friendships between men trying to reconnect with each other and themselves.

 Lovitz leads an ensemble cast that includes Louis Lombardi (The Sopranos, 24), Andrew Keegan (10 Things I Hate About You, Party of Five), Tara Reid (American Pie, Sharknado), Chris Kattan (Saturday Night Live, A Night at the Roxbury), Robert Davi (Die Hard, The Goonies), Carl McDowell (Ballers, The Babysitter: Killer Queen), and Nadine Velasquez (Queens, Major Crimes).