Films to be screened in honor of World War I anniversary

In honor of the 100th anniversary of World War I, Park University will host a Movie Talk series that will show selected films throughout the 2014-15 academic year.

All films are free, open to the public, and will be shown at 7 p.m. on selected dates in the McCoy Meetin’ House on the Parkville campus. Following each film, a discussion will be led by Park students majoring in history and English.

The first film, “All Quiet on the Western Front” was shown Sept. 10.

Tim Westcott, Ph.D., associate professor of history explained the motivation behind the Movie Talk series.

“It is to commemorate the centennial of the beginning of World War I by hosting international produced films for the general public and Park University students, staff and faculty,” he said.

The series includes seven films, Westcott said.

“(The films) were selected for their international perspective but also to feature some of the most noted films related to World War I. The list had to be narrowed based on availability of particular films. In addition, certain films were selected based on well-known events.”

Wescott said he hopes the films will open up discussion among viewers and “provide opportunities for attendees to view scholarly films based on producers, actors, the literature of films, and cinematography.”

Westcott also said he aims for the films to allow viewers to “share their perspectives from a historical and literary opinion.”

The Movie Talk series is co-sponsored by Park University’s Zeta Omicron chapter of Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society and the Alpha Eta Epsilon chapter of the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society.

For more information about the series, contact Tim Westcott, Ph.D., at [email protected].

Upcoming Film Dates

“Westfront 1918” – Wednesday, Oct. 22

“The Outskirts” – Monday, Nov. 17

“Joyeux Noel” – Wednesday, Dec. 3

“Grand Illusion” – Wednesday, Feb. 18

“Darling Lili” – Wednesday, March 18

“Lawrence of Arabia” – Wednesday, April 8