Bryan, TX – March 8, 2024 – The Queen’s Film Society is thrilled to announce an ambitious new film series set to enrich the cultural fabric of the Brazos Valley. Thanks to a generous $10,000 arts and culture development grant, approved by the Bryan city council on Tuesday, this yearlong initiative will bring a curated selection of feature-length films and a special week-long "Visions of Texas" film event to both local and visiting cinema enthusiasts.
About the Film Series
The Queen’s Film Society hosts monthly screenings of films chosen based on their cinematic quality, community interest, and the ability to spark thoughtful discussion without provoking controversy. This series offers a consistent cultural experience, with each film introduced by the member who nominated it, followed by a lively discussion led by the society's members.
"Visions of Texas" Week-Long Centerpiece
In September, the series will feature a "Visions of Texas" centerpiece, showcasing films set in the Lone Star State. This week-long event includes screenings of classics such as "The Searchers," "Giant," "Texas Chain Saw Massacre," "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," "Paris, Texas," and "True Stories." Each screening will be accompanied by a 30-minute lecture from scholarly experts, including John Lenihan, Juan J. Alonzo, Harry M. Benshoff, Sean Griffin, and Stefanie Harris, highlighting the cultural and cinematic significance of the films.
Film Competition
As part of the "Visions of Texas" event, The Queen’s Film Society will also host a film race competition, inviting teams to visit the Bryan area, write, film, create, and submit short films inspired by the featured Texas-set movies all within the span of a weekend. This competition is designed to foster talent and encourage creative engagement with the state's rich cinematic heritage. A screening of the films for the general public will occur later in the year.
A Platform for Cultural Exploration
Thanks to the community arts grant, The Queen’s Film Society will continue to provide a year-round platform for cultural exploration and community engagement through cinema. "This grant not only supports our mission to foster the art of cinema but also allows us to reach even more members of our community," says Keith Marrocco, president of The Queen’s Film Society.
"We are excited to offer this series and especially the 'Visions of Texas' event to celebrate and explore the diverse narratives of Texas through film. We believe that cinema has the power to bring people together, spark important conversations, and enhance our understanding of the world."
Event Details and Ticket Information
The monthly screenings will take place at such venues as The Queen Theatre downtown, Bryan’s new Travis Bryan Midtown Park, the high-tech and innovative Lakewalk area, and other areas of significance in the Bryan community. Detailed schedules and ticket information will be available on The Queen’s Film Society’s website. Members of The Queen’s Film Society receive free or discounted access to all events, with tickets for the general public available for purchase. For more information on the film series, the "Visions of Texas" event, and to participate in the film competition, please visit thequeensfilmsociety.org.
About The Queen’s Film Society
Founded in 2019, The Queen’s Film Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the art of cinema and creating a vibrant film culture in the Brazos Valley. Through screenings, discussions, and educational events, the society aims to bring meaningful cinematic experiences to the community, fostering a deeper appreciation for film as an art form.
