TOOLKIT

Appendix 3: Hosting a Movie Screening
Movie screenings are an easy and effective way to spread the word and teach while keeping the
community engaged at the same time. Let the film do the talking for you.
Location:
Your School
They may have a space where you can show videos. An auditorium or even a study
hall with a large screen and projector would be ideal since it seats the most people,
but any classroom with a screen and projector can be just as effective (and perhaps
cozier). Projectors are expensive, though, so if your school doesn't have one, you
can always use a school TV.
Other Locations
Local Libraries, Parks and Recreation Centers, Community Centers, Religious
Locations or ask a local movie theater to donate screen time to host the film series.
Wherever you decide, ask if you can add the event to the group's calendar or
bulletin.
Timing
NOTE: If you’re showing the film in a public place, you may need to obtain screening
rights. Some documentaries have special nonprofit or educational editions you can
purchase that include the screening rights. If that option is unavailable, contact the
producer of the film you want to screen to ask if they will donate the rights just for this
day.
Feature-length films should be screened after working hours to ensure people can
attend.
Audience
Make sure you invite the student body and the community. Make sure to advertise the
event at least 2-3 weeks prior to the event. Hang posters, create Facebook groups and
Evites, and post flyers on community bulletin boards.
Group Discussion
After watching the film engage the participants in a discusion. Based on the movie,
choose 8-10 relevant questions that you can ask the participants to gauge their level of
understanding and also their level of engagement in making changes within the
community. Some sample questions for movies chosen throughout the kit are:
http://gaslandthemovie.com/_beta/pdf/HBO_GaslandHousePartyToolkit.pdf
http://trouble.3cdn.net/c3bddf59402c01ec00_0tm6bh5kb.pdf
Adapted from http://www.dosomething.org/actnow/actionguide/host-a-movie-screening-chops
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