By Guy Chapman – Navarro County Gazette
Yes We Can
For the longest time, I’ve wanted to start a local film club: The same concept as a book club, but movies instead of books.
The thought occurred to me during my last trip to Denton. For a little bit of personal backstory, I majored in film when I attended the University of North Texas. My background was film history and criticism, screenwriting and direction.
And then I ended up in front of the camera as an actor instead. What can I say? At least I stayed in the same field.
The Missus and I often go to Alamo Drafthouse, and we sometimes frequent the Denton location. Sure, my cinematic path took off over on the West Coast, but Denton was my start in really loving film, shaping something past the summer blockbusters and video store favorites. It got me to step out of my comfort zone, and try older films, foreign films, independent films, documentaries.
I sampled classics like Casablanca, Singin’ in the Rain, It Happened One Night, and The Bride of Frankenstein. I expanded into Seven Samurai, Cinema Paradiso, and Princess Mononoke. I discovered then-newer films like Almost Famous. Movies that really expanded my worldview. During those semesters, I joined the Deep Ellum Film Festival, and met other filmmakers.
And then I ended up in California. And after a few years, a few states, and a pandemic that allowed me time to sit home and do nothing but watch movies, I’m ready to have those discussions again.
Last month, Storefront held a documentary screening for a film called The Final Member. The subject matter was perhaps not a film for all tastes, but I liked the idea of sitting around and having a discussion about what we just saw. It’s a thought that hasn’t left me.
I’ve championed the idea Corsicana is indeed a movie town in the past. I’d like to see if there are people here who would like to be challenged by the larger ideas the medium of film can present, and what we can learn about ourselves from them.
It’s an idea. One I hope to expand soon.
Yes, there would be popcorn.
Please be sure to support those that support us here at the NCG and check out our advertisers:
CANA Girl Speaks Podcast | Warehouse Living Arts Center | Salvation Army | Moe Law Offices PLLC | CWTP Copy Center | Gallery Wah Wah
A big THANK YOU to our supporters.
If you too would like to help financially support the Navarro County Gazette please email us at news@navarrocountygazette.com