Beyond Netflix: Top Kanopy Picks for the Socially Distanced

By Erin Brady | gargoyle@flagler.edu

The Proctor Library is an establishment both on and off-campus that is essential for every Flagler student. However, one of the lesser-known services that the library provides is a service called Kanopy. Kanopy is a free streaming service with a number of different films and videos, all accessible with just your Flagler log-in. The website (which also has a mobile app) has a movie for every mood you are probably experiencing.

FEELING BORED?

If you are someone who always wants to learn new things, check out ‘The Great Courses’ section of Kanopy. There, you will find over six thousand videos covering a wide range of topics. Some are educational, while others teach you about different hobbies. Perhaps you want to brush up on your French, learn about Benjamin Franklin, or even debate how science fiction can be used in philosophy. Whatever you are interested in, there is a ‘Great Courses’ video on it.

WANT TO WITNESS A TRUE STORY?

Kanopy is home to a wide range of documentaries meant to engage and enlighten. The Public Broadcast Service, or PBS, hosts many of their documentaries on Kanopy, including the acclaimed Ken Burns-directed documentary ‘The Central Park Five’. Other acclaimed documentaries include the Black Lives Matter documentary ‘Stranger Fruit’ and the heartwarming ‘Faces Places’ co-directed by legendary French director Agnes Varda and artist J.R.

FEELING ROMANTIC?

When you are stuck in isolation, it is pretty easy to fantasize about being with that special someone. Lucky for you, romance films from all over the world are available on Kanopy. If you are wanting a good laugh, movies like the Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant starring ‘Charade’ and Jenny Slate vehicle ‘Obvious Child’ are great picks. If you happen to be slightly more cynical, check out movies like Ingmar Bergman’s classic ‘Scenes from a Marriage.’

WANT TO BE SCARED?

Surprisingly, Kanopy has an incredibly impressive library of horror films, both contemporary and classic. Some of the most famous silent horrors, such as ‘Nosferatu’ and ‘Phantom,’ are available in fantastic quality. Newer movies such as the 1960s homaging ‘The Love Witch’ are also worth adding to your watchlist. Indie giants A24 have their impressive horror library on Kanopy, as well; give ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ and ‘Midsommar’ a rewatch if you dare.