Open Media

The aim of the Open Media Society is to show thought-provoking documentaries on a whole range of subjects. Founded seven years ago, the society shows documentaries which might have escaped the mainstream media’s attention. Whenever possible the screenings are followed by a question and answer session to give the audience a chance to discuss the film and anything they found challenging about it.

Society Chair Grace Williams told me: ‘I think that sitting as a collective watching a film is a much more powerful experience than sitting in front of a laptop and watching a film. There’s a big difference, I think, in the fact that there is a space there for people to discuss what they think with their peers.’

Open Media also collaborate with other societies when the opportunity arises. This gives its members an opportunity to learn more about the documentary being shown and having people with a particular interest in the topic of the film also helps generate discussion.

The society committee try to keep the programme varied, with a mixture of both light-hearted and more serious films. ‘That’s what’s good about it being quite a casual thing, so people can pick and choose which screenings they want to come to.’

In the future Open Media are keen to show a student-made film, to try and encourage student participation. This is something that has worked well in previous years, and the society hope to promote student films. This Wednesday 13^th February, Open Media are showing ‘Paris is Burning’ in Room 8, University of Manchester Student Union at 6 15pm.

You can find out more about Open Media Society and what screenings they have coming up on the union website, on Facebook and on Twitter, or simply look out for posters around the University

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