In their first screening of the semester, REACT to FILM is planning on starting their season strong.
Teaming up with the Senate Appropriations Committee, REACT to FILM will begin their screening season in Walter Hall 235 at 7 p.m. with a presentation of The Interrupters, a documentary from filmmaker Steve James (Hoop Dreams) about Chicago violence and the effects it has on the youth.
According to The New York Times, the film is an award-winning documentary that explores a year in the life of Chicago youth as they try to control and understand the violence that eschews around them.
“We are using this film to contribute attention to the topic of violence amongst youth today,” said Caitlin Stone, president of REACT to FILM on campus. “I’m excited to be able to see this film with everyone and hear what everyone has to say about the film.”
In addition to the screening, the organizations will also be hosting a discussion after the screening in order to have members of the audience speak out about what they felt about the film and its topics. REACT to FILM will be providing free pizza and drinks for those in attendance.
Primarily, REACT to FILM members said the film is important and relevant to show on campus as it relates to recent events in America such as the Sandy Hook shooting. The group hopes that the film is able to spread the word as much as possible on campus.
“This is an extremely important film that should provide good feedback from the audience,” said Meghann Foss, REACT to FILM promoter. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s reaction to the movie.”
The viewing also represents the first time that SAC and REACT to FILM have worked together to screen a film on campus. SAC’s role in the screening was to provide the money and rights to show the film on campus, while REACT to FILM promoted the film and will provide food and discussion during the feature.
REACT to FILM is a Washington, D.C., based organization that seeks to showcase the best in documentary filmmaking today and to inspire and promote social responsibility and civic engagement across the country. The Interrupters will be one of three films that will be shown on campus this semester. At this time, the organization does not know what films will be planned afterwards.
“All REACT to FILM programs start a dialogue to arm the audience with the requisite information to react positively to each film/issue, and to share this enthusiasm with others in their social networks to drive for broader change on the issue,” said Coraline Paul, president of REACT to FILM.
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