After transitioning to the screening room in Dicke Hall last year with great success, the Trinity University Film Club is arranging to expand club activities further; this includes trips to movie theaters, off-campus screenings and introducing meetings exclusively for film discussion and analysis, while also maintaining their weekly film screenings.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, TU Film Club had regular meetings dedicated to casual discussions of favorite films and film analysis. They also made regular trips to local movie theaters to see screenings.
During the pandemic, however, the club could only host film discussion meetings over Zoom. When Dicke Hall opened in fall 2022, they got permission to use the screening room, which houses a state-of-the-art setup fixed with comfy chairs, surround sound and a nice projector.
After showing films in Dicke’s screening room last year, TU Film Club saw a lot of success. Matthew Kimbara, senior economics major and the club’s vice president, said that the officers are planning on reviving the discussion meetings.
“Our goal is to get people to both watch the movies and talk about them,” Kimbara said. “I think after our first event [this semester], there were a couple people that stayed to talk about the movie. So, I think that part of the community is starting to grow.”
Besides providing new ways of watching and enjoying films, TU Film Club prides itself on a chill and inclusive atmosphere.
According to the president and vice president, spaces that discuss film can become elitist very quickly. However, that is the opposite of the officers’ mission for the club.
Jack Bushnell, junior neuroscience major, and TU Film Club’s president, further commented on how the club focuses on inclusivity and approachability.
“You do not have to be a film studies major,” Bushnell said. “It’s about joining a community, having fun with it, and you can spend as little time in it or as much as you want.”
Prospective members do not need any prior knowledge of film studies or theory. Since TU Film Club is a social student organization, no academic interest is necessary. As long as new members have a passion for movies and a positive attitude, they’ll be in good company.
Julian Magee, first-year intended music composition major, is a member of TU Film Club and said that he already likes the community and plans on participating more in the future.
“I hope to get to know the members and officers better, and maybe one day I’ll be an officer myself,” Magee said. “But for now I just want to watch movies and talk about them.”
The next screening will be “The Raid: Redemption” on Thursday Sept. 14 at Dicke 108. All TU Film Club screenings have free admission, and no one has to RSVP to get a seat.
