To help bridge the gap between cultural diversity and cultural awareness through film, London Coe, a student at Sinclair Community College, has created Reel Culture Club with the hopes of doing just that.
“The club offers films that showcase cultural experiences and bridges the missing link on campus between awareness and conversation,” Coe said.
All club meetings will be held tentatively on Monday evenings at 5 p.m. in Building 8, Room 073. The location of all meetings will be announced on the clubs Facebook page by searching Reel Culture @ Sinclair.
With Sinclair having such a diverse population, Coe said, “the idea of cultural diversity goes beyond black and white, to include yellow, red, brown…you name it, but not only in race, but also by social class, by personal and academic experience.” “Through film we can have cultural context, see the scenery, hear the music, watch the interaction, enjoy the language and live in a temporary immersion.” Coe said.
While the club has already generated more than 40 members, Coe said the club will benefit others students, faculty and non-students immensely.
“The benefit of a Club like Reel Culture at Sinclair is that many of us do not have personal experiences with people from different cultures in a way that also lets us see them – really see them,” according to Coe. “By exposure we hope to lessen fear, call to action, broaden experiences and dissolve the vapid understanding of diversity.”
Whether a member or not all students or faculty can participate in movie screenings and discussions, Coe said. To join the club students can either come to a meeting or a campus event. Everyone is welcome, according to Coe.
“We would like your support in growing a fantastic option for students, faculty or non-members to further explore not only diversity but also growing your own self-definition.”
According to Coe, the perks of Reel Culture are “exposure, move screenings, short meetings, creative people, community support and club field trips.”
For more information about the club or to join, Coe said students should check out the Facebook page Reel Culture @ Sinclair for updates or call (937) 546-7172.
“We seek through this club to deepen and widen the cultural and personal lens of the Sinclair body,” she said. “Education stretches you to be exposed and introduced to different facets of life and movies sometimes can be a great way of changing your opinion or widening your perspective.”