SPJ hosts ‘Reel Issues’ film nights

By Caroline Young | gargoyle@flagler.edu

The Society of Professional Journalists is preparing to begin a new semester-long series of film nights.

According to members, these events include the full showing of a film, focused on either current events or serious issues of debate, then followed by a discussion panel and refreshments.

The organization recently arrived at the decision of three informative films believed to attract students of all interests and majors.

“The films we have chosen raise awareness of important issues; same-sex marriage, the environment, and prostitution,” said faculty adviser of SPJ, Dr. Helena Sarkio.

One of the first films to be shown is “Freedom to Mary,” which centers upon the controversy over the rights of gay marriage. This event will be held on Oct. 27 at 5 p.m.

Three weeks later, the club will present “Who Killed the Electric Car?” a film that explores the birth of the electric car, the death of the product, and the reason for its lack of demand.

This event will be held on Nov. 10 at 5 p.m.

In addition to these two films, “Born into Brothels” will be included as a part of Flagler’s Human Rights Week.

The documentary captures the lives of children in Calcutta, whose mothers are prostitutes. It will be shown on Nov. 18 at 5 p.m.

In order to reveal opposing viewpoints and generate discussion, SPJ will host a panel of guest speakers following both showings of “Freedom to Mary” and “Who Killed the Electric Car.”

All three film nights will be held in the Gamache Theatre of the Ringhaver Student Center and are open to anyone for viewing and debate.

“It is important to hold these kinds of events because they let students see serious issues that are currently happening both locally and around the world,” said Haley Walker, president of SPJ.

“We are bringing enlightenment to real issues, discussing them and upholding the kind of democratic ideals that should be a part of any academic atmosphere.”