We’re All the Main Character

A chat with the Flinders Film Society on how a shared love for the world of cinema, brought them together in the real world.

How does your club help foster community in your particular field or area?

Lisa: As someone who doesn't study film or actively participate in the film world, the Film Club has been a great opportunity for me to watch an insane amount of films and talk about them with cool people. When I first started attending FUFS screenings, this kind of community was exactly what I wanted and I’m so glad that I got out of my comfort zone and ventured beyond my field. Lachlan: I think the most beneficial aspect of the Film Society for creating a community aspect is our post-film discussions; after every screening, we discuss what we have just seen and hear each other’s different opinions. That’s the best thing about art, really: how something makes you think and feel is an entirely subjective experience. There is no right and wrong, and you don’t have to be a film-nut to have an opinion. Apart from that, we routinely meet up outside of the university to stay connected with each other and maintain our already deep friendships.

Do you have any stories of connection or friendship born from your club?

Lisa: I think the first obvious answer is that Lachlan and I met through the Film Club, and as we gradually got to know each other we ended up being inseparable. We’ve now been dating for about 5 months and have stepped up as co-vice presidents to become full fledged co-presidents of the club this year. Our lives look completely different since joining FUFS and I wouldn’t want it any other way. Lachlan: Lisa’s already beaten me to it; clearly meeting her has been the biggest high-point of joining the club. I will say, though, that many of our club members have discussed collaborating on their own films through the connections they have made through the club. It’s a really wonderful feeling to know that we played a small part in facilitating that connection, and we wish them all the best with their future projects to come!

How has your club supported or celebrated the achievements of its members?

L&L:I think we’d both agree that seeing your mates, and meeting new ones, each week is a great opportunity to showcase your recent achievements and conquests. It’s been awesome to have such a consistent group of people to see each week, especially when it’s people who are invested in your progress and success. It’s also awesome to see when everyone progresses in the film world, whether that’s getting an awesome grade, finishing production on a project, or making waves towards their goals. Lisa: One little memory that I love is when I came home from a 2-month placement trip to a rural NT school, and walked into a surprise welcome back party with decorations and a very snazzy cake. I felt incredibly appreciated and loved the feeling of returning to a community. It was definitely a peak moment for me last year, and I hope everyone else felt as supported by Lachlan and I as well. Lachlan: We have also, on occasion, screened the projects that our members have worked on throughout the year. Giving them the opportunity to explain the creative process behind their work, as well as receive the recognition and praise that they so rightly deserve, is a really great way for us to celebrate the individual achievements of our members.

What could FUSA do to help grow your club?

L&L: FUSA, especially David the Clubs Officer, has actually been really supportive and encouraging of our different events on campus. David has always been incredibly helpful and present to answer concerns if we needed him. And we’ve really benefited from FUSA’s grant system, and wouldn’t have been able to have the events we did last year without their support. This year we’re keen to continue working with them and expanding upon our advertising and social media presence. We’re hoping to showcase ourselves on their Instagram this year, and we hope that they continue to allow for opportunities like these and let clubs take the limelight.

What kind of person would you encourage to join your club and how can they do so?

WELL, that’s pretty simple. We would encourage anyone, regardless of their experience, background, or collection of Criterion films, to come on down and try us out. The only requirement that we have is that you show others, our space, and our time with the same respect that we will show to you.

Do you think that building on campus culture is important and how do clubs contribute to this?

Campus culture is essential to the uni experience. It’s hard not to compare Flinders culture to other unis, but it’s definitely more productive to talk about what we can actively do in building community on campus in small ways. One way that we’re excited to be doing this year is to be working with more Flinders’ uni clubs in different ways. Even if that looks like going to each other’s events, co-hosting events, or even just knowing each other. We reckon that’s one solid way to build a solid foundation for Flinders’ culture.

If you are interested in joing the Flinders Film Society, scan the QR code below

Interview by Jessica Rowe