The Washington College Film Series is in full swing again this semester. These films are chosen not only to entertain the eyes, but to stimulate the mind as well.
The Film Series on campus was started by Dr. Martin Kabat in the early 1970s. Dr. Kabat taught various classes on film and began to introduce foreign films to the student body that the average student would have trouble accessing. After Dr. Kabat left the college, Dr. Thomas Pabon took over the film series tradition.
As students enter William Smith Hall, most will take notice of the large poster advertising the coming week's attraction. Many students have also noticed that the films being shown are not the big box office greats that most people would remember and want to see again. Usually, the films offered are shows very few people have ever seen with actors and directors that even less people have heard of. There is no Truman Show, no Scream, nor the classic Gone with Wind. Many students seem to lose interest in the film series all together.
But as Dr. Pabon explains, that is exactly the point. As head of the Washington College Film Series, Dr. Pabon has tried to maintain the tradition started by Dr. Kabat of bringing independent films to the campus that are not only pleasurable to the eye but to the intellect as well. As Pabon said, "I believe as an educational institution, we have a responsibility to display films that are intellectually challenging and require that the viewer be more actively involved in the thematic and structural development of the film."
The films shown are often incorporated into different classes. Dr. Pabon uses them in both of his film classes. "They're a good teaching tool for the semiotics of film," said Pabon.
The purpose of the Film Series is not to compete with local theaters. On the contrary, it is to bring a type of film to the college that would stimulate the minds of college students as well as capture their interests.
According to Pabon, the last film entitled The Winslow Boy, shown October 8, 10, and 11, is taken from Terrence Rattigan's 1946 play. "[It] is a stirring paean to British ideals of justice," Pabon said. "Based on a court case that challenged the authority of the British Crown, director David Mamet emphasizes the values embodied in the members of a bourgeois household in Edwardian England as they attempt to clear the name of a Naval cadet expelled for stealing."
Contrary to some opinions, the Film Series is drawing a large crowd. The theater was packed all three nights for the showing of The Winslow Boy. Pabon was very impressed with the turnout.
The Film Series is also gaining support from the administration. This year, Norman James Theatre has been furnished with new equipment, including a new sound system and two new projectors.
"We're extraordinarily pleased that the college saw fit to get us this equipment," said Pabon.
Films are shown in Norman James Friday, Sunday, and Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free to students, staff, faculty, and all members of the college community.
300 Washington Avenue, Chestertown, Maryland 21620 | 410-778-2800 | 800-422-1782