By ASHLEY SWEET
Advertising Manager
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For all those who have been in suspense as to when there would be a weekly movie watching session with your closest friends and the best of snacks, your wait is over. The Fall academic semester of 2014 saw the emergence of Saint Rose’s Film Enthusiasts Club. Victoria Creary, a junior Film/New Media and English major, began the weekly movie viewings on October 2.
“Last semester I had tried to start a filmmaking club, but that fell through,” said Creary. “I still wanted to create a club where people from different majors could get together and I mean who doesn’t love a good movie?”
Creary worked with Kacey O’Brien, senior Film and New Media student, to found the club. After speaking with Liz Richards, a Communications instructor, became the club’s faculty advisor.
“I enthusiastically told them to go for it,” said Richards. With some direction from Richards the club leaders carefully planned out how the club would operate.
The club does not only meet to watch desired movies, but meet to discuss them with other interested students. Each month has a central theme, such as horror for the month of October. So far this month the club will have watched, The Conjuring, The Shining, and Scream. Then, the leaders plan on having the “Cult” theme for November and options include movies like The Breakfast Club.
Beforehand Creary will show a short film that compliments the theme and gives notice to upcoming filmmakers and names. Following that, the main movie will begin and the snacks will be had.
“We have a discussion about the movie afterwards. We discuss different characteristics of movies, such as the directing style, acting, and the soundtrack. We also have amazing snacks,” said O’Brien in explaining how the meetings operate.
Creary believes it is a good way to have a small amount of time each week to be stress free, and contribute to discussions without the pressure of being graded.
“The film selection is diverse and quite appealing,” said Laura Flemming, senior Public Relations and Advertising student. Flemming also mentioned that the club offers snacks before, during and after the movie which is another draw for the members.
“You can meet new people who enjoy watching the same movies as you,” said O’Brien.
There are students of all different backgrounds who currently attend the weekly meetings.
“It’s a totally relaxed environment,” said Flemming, who also said that while she is an excited member, she will graduate in December.
Flemming expressed how she hopes the club will receive more recognition and grow each month.
“I’m really excited that this club exists now, and very proud of Victoria and Kacey for taking the initiative to turn their interests into something concrete,” said Richards. As the club advisor and a member of higher education, she also appreciates both students wanting to connect and involve others in this endeavor.
Both Creary and O’Brien express an interest in not only continuing the film screenings, but possibly making a short film club as well. Last semester when Creary tried to make a film club, it was based around the production of short films. However, there were not enough screenwriters to support the amount of actors and producers, so the endeavor dissipated shortly after.
This time, the Film Enthusiasts Club has a different element of attraction and its founders see a brighter future ahead.
“Anyone looking to meet new people, expand their taste and knowledge in films, or just unwind after a stressful week should come. We’re not in the least bit controlling; we like to hear what everyone has to say,” said Creary.
The Film Enthusiasts Club meets every Thursday at 4:30 p.m. in the Hearst viewing classroom, room 119. They are hopeful of new attendees, as well as new thoughts and suggestions in all aspects of the club. So stop by, enjoy the film, the conversation and the company.
