With over 300 organizations on campus, students often overlook potential opportunities during their collegiate career. For those looking for a way to expand their interests in filmmaking or film-watching, The Scene is a club with a lot to offer.
This completely student-led filmmaking club meets weekly at 7 p.m. in Old Main Academic Center. The organization also hosts monthly movie nights and short film showcases.
Recently, The Scene hosted its second trivia night open to all students. Their first trivia night asked general questions about topics such as movie quotes, however, the most recent trivia had a specific Academy Awards theme in light of the event following the Oscars.
This Jeopardy-style game was curated by The Scene secretary Campbell Carter and gave prizes to the trivia champions at the end. With a consistent group of members, senior English major Annie Kilpatrick leads this group as president.
“The prizes for that one were two VIP passes to the Magnolia Film Festival, some old posters from the UEC cinema here in Starkville, and then a movie candy basket,” Kilpatrick said.
The Scene also puts on one major event every year, which will take place later this semester. Kilpatrick shared details on this annual event and how students who are interested can partake.
“Our big one is the student filmmaker showcase, which is happening April 23,” Kilpatrick said. “It is open to the public. Anyone can come enjoy but also anyone can submit a film. They don’t have to be a The Scene member, just as long as they’re a student as Mississippi State.”
According to Kilpatrick, students thinking about entering this showcase can submit a short film, music video or any kind of short film content. This opportunity is available through a link on the club’s Instagram page or from QR codes on flyers hung around campus.
The Scene is open to receiving submissions and hoping that the showcase will also act as a way to find new members who share the same passion and zeal for the art of filmmaking.
Joining a new organization can be intimidating to some students, but since there is no experience required or specific qualifications, The Scene is a welcoming and exciting club to jump in to.
“Most of the people in The Scene don’t plan on going into film,” Kilpatrick said. “I think our usual cinema photographer is looking for a degree in marketing. We have some engineers in there and it’s mainly a passion for a lot a people.”
The Scene is is geared toward those who simply like film and have an interest in expanding their horizons in the realm. Although a place for filmmaking, members do not need to be looking for a career in film.The club is also looking for members who want to join for fun. Whether a trivia night or showcase, there is a place for everyone to enjoy the organization.
According to Kilpatrick, The Scene has seen a resurgence of members throughout the past two-to-three years, however, they are looking to continue number growth.
“We’ve really been trying to expand the club, grow memberships, because we have a few solid members but we’re sure there’s others out there that would be a great fit if they knew what we were,” Kilpatrick said.
