Movie buffs find common ground in film through Film Society
Lauren fitch // Organizations Editor
Though High Point University has a robust communications program, some students may find themselves more interested in watching films than they are in making them. While Film Club focuses more on making films, HPU’s Film Society fills the need when it comes to watching.
Every Monday at 7 p.m., Film Society meets to watch a predetermined film and discuss it afterwards, similar to the way a book club works. The films usually last about two hours, and then media librarian Josh Harris leads the students in discussion.
The Film Society recently watched a movie called “The Warriors,” which was based on a novel, and learned trivia about the film afterward. For example, while the film, which is about gangs fighting to become the lead gang, was being screened, gang activity in cities dropped simply because all of the gang members in the city were watching the film. The group then learned that the HBO hit, “The Wire,” had the same effect.
The Film Society switches up genres week after week, always looking to bring something new and interesting to the table. A few years ago, the society did a Tarantino month and still aims to show films that have had a lasting impact on film, or at least are very entertaining.
Students have an opportunity at film society to expand their education. Sarah Leonard, junior at HPU, said, “It’s a really fun time to take a break and watch a movie with your friends.”
HPU Film Society is not chartered by the Student Government Association. Instead, it is run through the library because there is no cost associated with sitting back and watching a film with fellow students.
Students should most likely turn their attention to HPU Film Club for professional development opportunities in film, but for anyone simply looking to enjoy a movie with fellow film buffs, Film Society is a great fit.
However, HPU Film Society is also a great place for academic growth. Discussing topics like film and literature outside of class is a great way to test critical thinking skills, as well as a great place to connect with students who share similar interests.
Film Society meets on Monday nights at 7 p.m. on the bottom floor of Smith Library.