We decided to watch a film of our own choice during the month.  During our scheduled Film as Literature class time, we will write up some thoughts about the film and share this with the rest of the class.  This worked well for our April 8 time.  There was a wide range of films watched and it was interesting to read about these.  I would be interested in watching some if I can source them, and I am sure other member of the class would also be interested in following up on some of them.  Films watched included Brassed Off, Arthur Newman, Bran Nue Dae, The Physician, The Stranger (a Netflix series), the new Phryne Fisher movie, Lion, and Shaun the Sheep.  In general, the class members enjoyed the process and are interested in continuing until we can resume our usual class sessions.
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Joy Shirley

You may have seen on the website that all U3A classes have now been cancelled.  This related mainly to classes where people are together.  I have checked with Dorothy and she has agreed that on-line classes can go ahead where an approach can be worked out.  I would like to try the idea that I shared with you a few days ago.  And to make this easier, I am asking your permission to share your email address with the rest of the class.  If I do not hear from you, I will assume that you agree to this.
 
The process as I see it will be as follows:

• Watch a film before 8 April (our scheduled class time).  This can be any film of your choice, from any source available to you
• On 8 April (our scheduled class time) write some comments on the film to share with the class.
• Send your comments to the whole of the class using an email list that I will provide in my next email.

 
To help you focus your comments, you could use the following ideas:

• What genre (type of film – comedy, drama, animated, science fiction etc)
• Provide a brief idea of what the film was about (2-3 sentences)
• What did you like about the film – performances, music, cinematography, etc
• What did you not like about the film – language, weak performances etc
• Who do you think would like the film – children, adults etc
• Give the film a rating out of 5

 
Remember if you do not want me to share your email address with the rest of the class, you need to get back to me as a matter of urgency.  I will send out the complete list of class members with email addresses by Tuesday.   I hope that you will all participate in this process.  It gives us a chance to keep in touch with the rest of the class.  This is particularly important as we find ourselves more isolated over the coming weeks.
 
Joy
0417 065 351

You may have seen on the U3A Page that we are not able to use the Library for our classes until further notice.  With the class the size it is, it is not practical to meet in another venue unless a time slot opens up in the U3A room.  This will not be known until we know which classes will continue.

​BPACC is still operating, but the program of films screening is changing – it has already changed twice.  As I let you know earlier this week, the two films we nominated for our April discussion have both been  dropped from the program – mainly because the distributors want to hold them until they can be sure of a reasonable audience level.  In other words they do not want to lose money.  You can see the latest program at http://bpacc.com.au/benalla-cinema/#coming-soon.  There are extra screenings of “Call of the Wild” and “Onward” is now screening from 26 March.  Both of these are on the list I handed out at the March class.
 
I have been thinking about how we can still watch a film and share our thoughts without meeting face to face.  My best idea so far is the following:
 

• Watch a film of your choice anywhere – BPACC, another cinema, DVD or TV (SBS World Movies, streaming service such as Netflix) – there are number of options
• Send your comments on the film you choose and send it to me by the scheduled class date – I will send you some generic questions you can consider to help you prepare the comments
• I will forward the comments to the rest of the class.  OR I could share the email addresses and you can send to the rest of the class yourself.

 
So my question now is whether you like this approach for keeping the class going.  Please respond and let me know, or if you have a different idea for keeping our involvement in Film going while we are having problems meeting as a group.  It is essential that you let me know your thoughts or I will not be able to proceed.
 
Thanks
 
Joy
0417 065 351