SNHU professors David Swain, Colin Root and Vanessa Rocco formed an idea in 2011 to showcase a collection of films to introduce the SNHU community to more culture. This showcase is known as the “Faculty Film Series.”
Since its inception, the Faculty Film Series covered several topics including, “Black Films Matter,” “The Documentary” and “Science Fiction.” Root stated that when he is choosing a film topic, he attempts to” find a theme that is current, thought-provoking, and enjoyable for students and staff alike.”
The series started as part of a Shakespeare course with Professor David Swain as a venue to show film adaptations of Shakespeare plays.
Eventually, professors Rocco and Root joined Swain and decided to ramp it up. As stated by Root, “it was decided that the series should take a more universal approach and serve the campus at large.”
In keeping with this process, this semester’s series is “Classics of Queer Cinema,” a series that depicts the struggle of queer identity in cultures over the years. All films will be shown on Wednesday’s at 5:30 p.m. in the Walker Auditorium with free popcorn outside the door.
The 1969 film “Boys in the Band” and the 1980 film “Cruising” have already been shown on February 6 and February 20, respectively. However, there are still films for students to look forward to. Root and his colleagues will be showing 1985 film “Desert Hearts” on March 6, 1989 film “Longtime Companion” on March 20 and 1999 film “Boys Don’t Cry” on April 10.
“From this particular series, we are hoping that students take away an understanding of LGBTQ representation in mainstream cinema throughout the decades,” said Root. “Queer stories are often mediated by Hollywood studios, but we have tried to choose films that give a more accurate representation of Queer lives in film.”
Any student looking to learn more about the history of the LGBTQ community or just looking to see interesting films is welcome to attend.
