Watching films “together” in creative ways: tips and strategies
Watching Films “Together” in Creative Ways
Sometimes in life, we just need to slow our busy pace of life to hunker down for a while. This might need to happen because of unforeseen world events or because of something unique that’s personally happening to your family. Examples of the latter can include, for example, recovering from surgery or welcoming a brand-new baby to the home.
No matter the reasons why you may need to temporarily stay close to home, this can be an ideal time to spend more time with friends and family—and this can include watching films together.
Sometimes, you can literally watch the film of choice together in the same room, chomping on handfuls of popcorn while wearing slippers and settling down in comfy chairs. Other times, groups of friends or church members or coworkers might agree to watch the same movie—in different locations—and then discuss their thoughts and impressions.
If you want to watch the same film with a group, with participants viewing it in multiple locations, here are questions to consider and creative ideas to explore:
• What films can readily be streamed? Public libraries are making wide collections available now, even when physical library locations are temporarily closed. Can everyone who wants to participate in your film event access the movie?
• Consider setting up a Zoom call to chat afterwards or use Free Conference Call or another service that allows you to have group conversations. How important is it for you to have video capabilities? Some people want to see the other people in the conversation; for others, it can be distracting.
• Just as you would with an in-person film discussion, have someone assigned to take the lead in the conversation. This person may only need to have a few starter questions to get people engaged (and, if none are needed, that’s the sign of an engaged group!). Conversations don’t need to be ultra-formal. Casual, in fact, can be good. You just want to have someone be a gentle guide.
• Questions that the discussion leader could have in his or her back pocket to start a conversation could include the following, among others. What did you think of the plot of the film you watched? What were the high points? How believable were the characters? Did the film keep your attention? What underlying messages are worth discussing?
• You may decide to set up a round robin event, where people watch the film at somewhat different times. If that’s the case, you could set up, say, a private Facebook group where people can leave comments and have a thoughtful discussion.
• If there will be children involved, here are tips on how to discuss films with kids.
As a bonus tip, your kids might like watching live feeds of animals—from elephants to tigers, and from pandas to penguins—from the San Diego Zoo and watch sea otters, sharks and more swim at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
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