Tufts is back in session and I will be providing a weekly (or so) schedule of free movies showing on Tufts campus. All films will be open to the public and you will be amazed at the variety and quality of films. Films will be heavily biased toward documentaries and foreign movies, but there will also be plenty of Hollywood blockbusters. Some of the films will have discussions afterwards, but you don't have to stay.
The most reliable source of films is Tufts Film Series which shows 2 movies per weekend, usually mainstream, but occasionally classics or foreign films. The schedule usually runs like this:
Film 1 at Friday 7:00 pm, Saturday 9:30 pm
Film 2 showing Friday at 9:30 pm, Saturday at 7:00 pm, Sunday at 8:00 pm (or sometimes 7 pm)
There may also be a midnight showing on Friday or Saturday.
Films are always shown in Barnum 008. Use the back entrance to the building (slightly down the hill, across from Fletcher School entrance) and try a couple of doors, because they don't always get them unlocked at the right time.
The projectionists are amateurs. Expect delays, framing problems, stops to fix the speakers or to change reels, no shows and other random problems.
FAQs:
* How crowded are the screenings? I've been to Film Series screenings for 5 years or so and I've only seen 5 that were close to packed. Most screenings attract between 15 and 30 viewers. I've had private screenings before (the projectionists are paid, so don't feel too bad for them).
* Is it really open to the public? No one asks for IDs or questions you because you have grey hair. One of the Film Series organizers contacted me through livejournal and was quite happy to see we were spreading the word. As long as Tufts students aren't denied a chance to watch the films, they don't mind (and they count the total audience as part of their funding request).
* Will I feel out of place? It's not like all the students are buds with each other. You'll see some people who aren't obviously students and there is plenty of room to spread out.
* Are the crowds irritating? You will see a lot of cell phones light up during the screening and more side conversations than usual, but at least you didn't pay $10 for the honor of being annoyed.
* What is the schedule for upcoming movies? Film Series has started a Facebook page and a Twitter account, an email list and a couple of web pages. They also have a Google calendar. I expect the Twitter feed to be most accurate and provide better last minute updates. Visit Tuftslife.com to check the schedule. The coming weekend's schedule is usually up by Weds. or midday Thursday. I expect tuftsfilmseries.com to be a pretty good source, once they have worked out the initial bugs.
* What about other Tufts films -- are they welcoming? For the most part, the Tufts students and faculty are really happy to have non-students join them. Since many of the films are from ethnically oriented groups (e.g., South Asian Club or French Department), they are really happy to have individuals who aren't from their cultural group come to learn more. If there are discussions afterward, let the students lead because it is part of their learning experience.
* Will there be food? Lots of the groups provide food. Be polite and let the students eat first, but feel free to dig in if there's enough to go around.
* Can I get into the buildings without an ID? Tufts doesn't have a card swipe system on most of their class buildings. Some of the classes could be locked when you arrive -- check other entrances or wait as it's usually a timing or communication issue.
Dorms do have card access systems, but there's only one dorm that has a screening area -- Sophia Gordon. The screening room is huge and right next to the back entrance. Tap on the window or ask a student to let you in. Otherwise, I never post a dorm or limited access screening unless the public is specifically invited.
See the complete Boston-area calendar online. There are two ways to access it:
• Directly through the link Boston Free Films (
http://tinyurl.com/2z8spc )
• Add the calendar through Google Calendar. Search for Joe’s BFF – Boston Free Films (any phrase should find it) and you can incorporate it with your own calendar.
The best place to keep up-to-date on Tufts happenings is Tuftslife, where most student events are listed. The official school calendar at Tufts Calendar will also show some school events as well. Tuftslife doesn't do last minute changes, so the calendar won’t always be accurate.
Check for last minute changes or contact the organizers to make sure events are still happening, especially in case of inclement weather. To find your way on campus, check out the map:
http://inside.tufts.edu/compass/
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