Learning More About: Film

The u3a subject adviser for film, Claire, talks about her experience running a u3a film group and her favourite films.

 Subject advisers are u3a members who volunteer to share their expertise on their specialist subject and the movement can contact them for advice on their subject. In the National Newsletter each month, we focus on a particular Subject Adviser. This month, we're talking to Claire of Belper u3a who is the u3a Subject Adviser for Film.

What are the best parts of running a film group?

The best parts are meeting other people who love film, sharing tips and ideas with each other, having a fertile ground for lively discussion, it’s the enjoyment and the company, over a coffee!

Do you have any tips for others who want to start their own film group?

I started Talk About Film when I joined Belper u3a as a complete newbie. I had the idea and pitched to the committee and they suggested what to do next. I met the prospective members and listened to what they wanted, we agreed a way forward for the group and came up with a catchy name.

In our group we all talk about what we have already watched whether films or series and take a lot of care to avoid plot spoilers. Two years later the group is still going strong.

There are many different ways to run a film group. Some groups watch an agreed film at home and then discuss on Zoom. Others involve more organisation – such as putting on film screenings in a community hall. This is a great option but every film you screen must be licensed. u3a can help with licensing advice – feel free to email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. My main tip is – enjoy the films and the company!

Any films to recommend?

For me at the moment it’s all about the cinema. Spencer I thought was very good (Kristen Stewart plays Diana). Upcoming treats include Last Night in Soho, Dune, and Mothering Sunday (based on the Graham Swift novel). For watching at home, I recommend Journeys End and an Alfred Hitchcock classic Suspicion, you can search by category of films with plenty classics and news films on BBC iPlayer.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - why not send a mini review of a film that intrigues you, or let me know how you run your film group.

Discover more about Subject Advisers on the Subject Advice page.

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