The Patriot

Issue date: 9/24/08 Section: Campus

It's that time the of year again and for Dr. Shawn Smolen-Morton, it means finally getting to put forth something that he has been working towards all year - the annual English Film Series.
Smolen-Morton, the coordinator of the film series, has helped to breathe new life into the long-running Francis Marion tradition. With degrees in film studies and comparative literature, he was the right man for the job.
The Series, revived by Smolen-Morton last fall, incorporates not only what he feels should be shown and seen by the public, but what other professors need as well.
"I choose all the films," he said. "But in choosing the films I consult with other professors in (the English) Department and in other departments, to see what they might need or what might be useful for them or their students or their courses."
He also selects films that have a great significance within our culture and on movies today.
The first film in the series, 1920s silent sci-fi flick "Metropolis," influenced such movies as "Star Wars," "The Matrix" and the children's animated adventure "Antz."
The German-made film, which was shown on Sept. 9, attracted over 50 in one of its showings people to Lowrimore Auditorium.
"One of the things we're trying to do with the English Film Series, is to expose students to cultural artifacts, cultural experiences that they wouldn't have on their own," Dr. Smolen-Morton said. "We're trying to get (the audience) into contact with films that they wouldn't normally come into contact with."
The next film shown in the three film event is the 2007 hit comedy, "Juno." Gender Studies and the English Department have teamed up for the Sept. 30 showing. Following the film, there will be a reception with free food, door prizes and a discussion of the film and the issues it raises.
By showing "Juno," which will be shown at 3:30 and 8 p.m. in Lowrimore Auditorium, Dr. Janis McWayne, Assistant Professor of Health Education, hopes to promote "more understanding of gender, gender roles, stereotypes and socialization in our culture, as well as others."
Ultimately, the series offers a way for students to learn about other cultures and have new experiences beyond what they see as normal. It serves as a gateway to other ways of thinking and doing things, not only helping to expand the mind, but, in the long run benefitting people in the working world as well.
"In order for the Pee Dee to grow socially, culturally and economically, we have to do business with and social interaction with the rest of the world," Dr. Smolen-Morton said. "And we're not going to be successful about that unless we know who the world is."
The last scheduled film of the Series, "Rome, Open City," will be shown on Oct. 28 at 3:30 and 8 p.m. in the Lowrimore Auditorium. In the spring "Daughters of the Dust" and "American Gangster" will be shown. All of the films are open to the general public and admittance is free.

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