I work for a magazine that runs monthly film screenings, and it's genuinely exciting to get to know our regulars, learn what they think about the movies, and to realise just how many people are willing to spend time with the weird and wonderful films we screen (Armenian arthouse! Chilean surrealism!). Most of the time I prefer going to the movies alone, but it's a real pleasure to be in a cinema with people you know, all cheering or gasping at what's on screen.
Love this idea. While I’m an AMC guy due to convenience, I also have a local indie theater I go to every once in a while (when I saw The Holdovers there, it felt like such an experience because of the aesthetics of that old theater too!) I’d love to make that the spot for something like this!
Yeah I often hop over to a chain if it feels like the movie wants the biggest screen possible/best sound, but the audiences at Indie theaters are often much more respectful (at least around here) so that’s a plus, and it feels good to support an independent spot when hosting a group like this. Let me know if you give it a try!
I do one via my house but ours is basically a white elephant move night.
A member of the group gets to pick a film they wish others have ( but probably haven’t!) and they have to give a short defense on why they chose it.
I have found so many new films I would t care for had I not invited other people to let me be a captive audience for their opinions. Also it’s super fun!
Great idea to run a cinema club! I’ll have to ask a few friends and get one started! In London there are a few projector film clubs and cinemas popping up which would be perfect for a film club
Love this idea, just started my film club last month (but made the debrief mandatory) and then dinner/hangs after very organic (and lovely). Unfortunately, movie 1 was the Secret Agent, so a little tough for those 5 people haha.
Next up, Project Hail Mary! 6 committed for 70mm IMAX (also a further theater for all the people).
Have 21 people on the invite list right now but we’ll see what it actually turns into and I’m also so excited to turn some of my solo movie watches into IRL hangs!
I love this. I hope this becomes a more routine thing. I just started a film club on here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-188742017 This has made me determined to give it an offline place to exist to.
I work for a magazine that runs monthly film screenings, and it's genuinely exciting to get to know our regulars, learn what they think about the movies, and to realise just how many people are willing to spend time with the weird and wonderful films we screen (Armenian arthouse! Chilean surrealism!). Most of the time I prefer going to the movies alone, but it's a real pleasure to be in a cinema with people you know, all cheering or gasping at what's on screen.
Starting mine next weekend! Beginning with some lighter fare by taking in Hoppers, excited to see where it goes from there!
Maybe I should do Hoppers to help folks recover from The Secret Agent this month! Let me know how it goes!
So the beginning of movie club was a solo mission, but still enjoyed Hoppers. Gonna give it another go next month with The Drama.
Oh man, it feels like it took me a month to come down from The Secret Agent so I understand that big time. Hoppers might be a good call 😂
Love this idea. While I’m an AMC guy due to convenience, I also have a local indie theater I go to every once in a while (when I saw The Holdovers there, it felt like such an experience because of the aesthetics of that old theater too!) I’d love to make that the spot for something like this!
Yeah I often hop over to a chain if it feels like the movie wants the biggest screen possible/best sound, but the audiences at Indie theaters are often much more respectful (at least around here) so that’s a plus, and it feels good to support an independent spot when hosting a group like this. Let me know if you give it a try!
Just did this with a screening of darjeeling limited. It was cool because they also played hotel chevalier at the beginning!
I do one via my house but ours is basically a white elephant move night.
A member of the group gets to pick a film they wish others have ( but probably haven’t!) and they have to give a short defense on why they chose it.
I have found so many new films I would t care for had I not invited other people to let me be a captive audience for their opinions. Also it’s super fun!
Mmmm looks interesting ....
This does sound like fun. I wish someone else would start one near me :)
I pitched the idea but the responses I got as potental films were all comic book franchises and my head imploded. I am dead now.
Great idea to run a cinema club! I’ll have to ask a few friends and get one started! In London there are a few projector film clubs and cinemas popping up which would be perfect for a film club
i have to try this out
Love this idea, just started my film club last month (but made the debrief mandatory) and then dinner/hangs after very organic (and lovely). Unfortunately, movie 1 was the Secret Agent, so a little tough for those 5 people haha.
Next up, Project Hail Mary! 6 committed for 70mm IMAX (also a further theater for all the people).
Have 21 people on the invite list right now but we’ll see what it actually turns into and I’m also so excited to turn some of my solo movie watches into IRL hangs!
There are a number of Meetups in the Bay Area that do this.
Thanks Thomas. I already attend my local theatre quite a lot, you inspired me to start this. Will text a few friends today and see where this goes!
People have been saying!
I love this. I hope this becomes a more routine thing. I just started a film club on here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-188742017 This has made me determined to give it an offline place to exist to.
I love this idea! Very inspiring indeed. A wonderful way to create connection and community!