Friday evenings might have a new starting time for some KIMEP University students, as one professor has begun a Friday cinema night, complete with homemade cookies.
Cole Russing, Assistant Professor in the Department of Media and Communications, began showing feature films Jan. 17 with the debut of “The Commitments”, a 1991 movie about an Irish R&B band based on the novel of the same name by Roddy Doyle.
“It was a huge success,” Russing said. “I was thrilled to have 14 people for that screening.”
One of the main reasons why Russing chose “The Commitments” was music.
“It has great music and it is such a high energy film. And it was so fun to see people foot tapping with music,” said Russing.
Russing, who teaches film courses and will be leading the new Film Minor in the fall, said he wants to broaden students’ perspectives about films and expose them to a multitude of movies from all around the world. He said he believes that the cinema industry in Kazakhstan is dominated by Hollywood and Russian cinematography.
He plans on showing a different film every Friday at 5 p.m. in Valikhanov #510. Everyone is welcome.
Attending students said they enjoyed the event and many said they would return for more movies.
“I really enjoyed Mr. Cole’s cookies, I heard that he makes them all by himself,” said Aidana Zhalelova.
Russing often plies his students and colleagues with homemade cookies, adding that he makes them from scratch.
Not every review was glowing.
“Overall, the film was not bad, for me it was kind of outdated,” Daniyar Anuarbekov said, “and I did not really understand the idea behind the ending. ”
Azhar Mekebayeva agreed.
“The music was great, but what’s the point of the ending?” she asked.
“One of the characters in the end stated that achieving the goal does not matter,” added Sophia Lanovyk. “What’s the matter is the people that you helped during the pursuit of the goal?”
Those questions may remain unanswered and more may come next Friday, as students said they plan on returning.
On Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. it will be the 1998’s film “Run Lola Run,” which was written and directed by Tom Tykwer, who also helped write and direct “Cloud Atlas.” It will be shown room 510 Valikhanov Building
Russing said he plans to add a new feature to the cinema night: Short animated films
“When I was younger when I went to cinema, every cinema had short animated film before the movie,” he said, “and I am looking to do the same”