Since 2012, Drury University has hosted the Humanities Film Series. For seven seasons, The Moxie, an independent cinema in downtown Springfield, has partnered with the university to show films that students may not have otherwise had the opportunity to see.

Dr. Kevin Henderson, the chair of the Department of Languages and Literature, has been spearheading the series from its inception. He does this in addition to teaching a class on film history. He told The Mirror, “Film offers an immediately appealing yet frequently complex way of studying the human condition.” The Humanities Film Series has the goal of touching on the complexity offered by the medium.

One way this is achieved is that each film has a sponsor who leads a post-film discussion. Just last semester, Dr. Jonathan Groves and Dr. Katherine Gilbert led discussions on “Good Night and Good Luck” (2005) and “State of the Union” (1948) respectively. The discussions ranged from the current presidential administration to viewing film through feminist lenses to the implications of realism. There is always something interesting brought to the table by members of the community.

Humanities and Democracy

This semester, “Selma” (2014) has already been screened. The final two films of the spring season will be “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (1939) and “No” (2012). The sponsors of these will be Dr. Daniel Ponder and Dr. Tim Robbins.

The Drury Humanities and Ethics Center’s theme for this school year is “Humanities and Democracy.” Being connected to the humanitarian department, the film series follows this theme.

Dr. Ponder spoke on his decision to screen Capra’s film, saying, “This film is a classic. It is one of the first movies to take on the political establishment.”

Ponder hopes his discussion will offer deep questions about the government’s place in society. “[I’d like to] get people to think about the American system of government. Is it corrupt? Or is it neutral, and can be corrupted by those who use it? And if so, what does that say about the system?” he said.

“No” likewise offers questions around government, though unlike every other film of the series, it is not the American government (or at least, not directly). The film is about the team looking to overthrow the Chilean dictator in 1988.

Discussing the remainder of the season, Dr. Henderson spoke on his excitement for the hugely divergent films. “They are two extremely different films–in form and content, and in historical and cultural contexts–and that they both make us question what we would fight to preserve or achieve,” he said.

If you are interested in viewing and discussing film, be sure to make it out to these events. “Mr. Smith” will be screened on April 13, and “No” will be on April 20. Both films will show at 1 p.m.

The Moxie is located at 305 S Campbell Ave. Tickets cost $5 for general admission and are free for Humanities students. As Dr. Henderson said, “I’m glad that in a digital age… there’s still a need to watch and discuss films as a communal experience.”

Written by Jacob Maher.