4 minute read
Issue 3, Vol. 63
Bringing the silver screen to Gables
The newly added Gables Film Club provides a welcome break from academic stress by showing films for students
Advertisement
BY CAMILA PEREZ-CLAVARINO, STAFF WRITER
GABLES HAS A WIDE ARRAY of clubs for students to choose from. This year, the club roster has expanded with the addition of Gables Film Club. With an aim to mitigate student stress and give students access to films, over 200 Cavaliers have signed up.
Sponsored by AP English Literature and Composition and Theory of Knowledge teacher Maria Valencia, Gables’ film club was created to expose the student population to a variety of films while giving them a break from pressures they may be under. Despite her sponsorship being what allowed the club to become a reality, it was not Valencia who originally had the idea to start the club.
Last school year, a discussion arose about books and films in one of her English classes. In this conversation, senior Sarah Whalen, a junior at the time, expressed her wish for a film club at Gables as a film fanatic herself. Valencia then offered to sponsor the club, and after coordinating with Student Activities Director Ana Suarez, the club’s status was official. Due to her involvement in the process of creating the club, Whalen was appointed as president and put in charge of choosing the board that would work with her.
“I have always loved movies, and the second I heard there was a film club, I wanted to join. I hope to be introduced to films I normally wouldn’t choose for myself and meet people who have similar interests as me,” junior Anabella Rodriguez said.
Unlike other groups, the film club is not based on volunteer work or academics. Rather, its goal is simply to provide students with a break from academic pressure by giving them a place to relax and enjoy films they may not have access to at home, opening up viewing to watch the film and discuss it with each other. Students will also be provided with snacks to enjoy prior to entering the “theater.”
Since movies can be longer than students can commit to, members are not required to attend every meeting. Students can attend if and when it fits in their schedule. In addition, they will be allowed to enter and exit as they please. Students seeking to become members may do so finding information on the club’s instagram, @gablesfilmclub, and paying the club fee.
“I think this club will bring many benefits to Gables. School can easily become a source of stress for students, and this club gives them an opportunity to decompress and socialize with their friends,” Valencia said.
LIGHTS DIMMED: Junior Linda Bohanan watches Coraline during film club’s October meeting.
Courtesy of CavsTV
Throughout the year, the club will choose which movies are played by taking votes from members through its Instagram account. However, both Valencia and Whalen have their favorites that they would like to share with the students.
Valencia hopes to show the 2019 film “Greener Grass,” which follows two soccer moms who compete against each other in their suburban lives as their children battle it out on the field. She believes it is captivating, humorous and thought provoking.
opportunities for those who may lack them.
The club meets on the second Wednesday of each month for as long as the duration of the film. During meetings, members are able
Valencia and Whalen encourage any student with a love for film to join the club. As film lovers themselves, they hope to positively impact members’ lives this year.
As for Whalen, she would like to show the iconic 1999 romantic-comedy “10 Things I Hate About You,” during their February meeting in honor of St. Valentine’s Day.
