Academics Bring Their Expertise to Host of Films

The series of screenings at Worcester's Henry Sandon Hall is thanks to a collaboration between the University and Worcester Live, a charitable trust promoting art and culture events in Worcester, and hopes to offer an alternative to the current box office offerings.

Experts from the University in film, history, media and culture will introduce a film on Monday evenings, with the films grouped into different genres within the film industry. The series is programmed up to March 2019, but organisers hope if it proves successful to continue the sessions.

Senior Lecturer & Course Leader for Film Studies, Dr Mikel Koven, said: "It's great to be a part of a project like this, offering an alternative venue to the main commercial houses. While Splendid Cinema catered to this audience in some capacity, working with others at Henry Sandon Hall means a more varied programme of world cinema and established classics. As course leader for Film Studies at the University of Worcester, these screenings are a wonderful opportunity to bring the University and larger Worcester communities together."

The next four films all look at adaptations of novels, starting with To Kill a Mockingbird, introduced by Dr Koven on Monday (October 15). Following that, it is The Exorcist on October 22 with Professor of Early Modern History, Darren Oldridge, an expert on demonic possession and exorcism, who will also introduce We Need To Talk About Kevin on October 29, and The Remains Of The Day, introduced by Lecturer in Film Studies, Dr Paul Elliott, on November 5.

Beyond that, there will be talks related to a series of films that feature female directors, like Lost in Translation and The Hurt Locker, followed by a Christmas themed session for It's a Wonderful Life. This is followed by a look at Australian films, including Gallipoli, Rabbit Proof Fence and The Hunter, then at British cult films like The Wicker Man, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and A Clockwork Orange.

Principal Lecturer in Media and Cultural Studies, Dr John Parham, will also contribute to these discussions.

Chief Executive of Worcester Live, Chris Jaeger, said: "We are delighted with the partnership between Worcester Live and the University of Worcester regarding the new Film Club at the Henry Sandon Hall. The expertise of the University has helped greatly with the choice of films and the introductions by the film staff bring a new dimension to the film-going experience."

For more information on the screenings, which all start at 7.30pm, visit http://www.worcesterlive.co.uk/henry-sandon-hall.asp. Tickets cost £7.50.