IRL Movie Club Flexes Power of Community

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Home-based viewing is made possible by streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon, allowing us easy access to a wide range of documentaries.

Annie Roney, initiator of the In Real Life (IRL) Film Club, aims to rekindle cinema enthusiasts’ love for going to theaters.

Why?

“People are hungry for connection,” Roney says. “Film is a great way to meet other people.”

As a dedicated film enthusiast, I’m part of a countrywide, non-profit community that gathers people to enjoy profound documentaries and engage in meaningful discussions. It’s not about binge-watching shows on streaming platforms and vegging out; it’s all about the classic art of sharing thoughts and experiences over old-school chats about life and art.

Roney expresses that there’s a strong desire for collective memories. He confirms this feeling in himself, and he senses it among the group as well.

Roney boasts over two decades of professional background in the industry, which she now brings to the club. Her company, ROCO Films, distributes documentaries globally to both audiences and media platforms. Recently, she’s broadening her influence by launching the IRL Movie Club last year, with the aim of rejuvenating the movie-watching experience.

The timing, as she sees it, is urgent.

Movie attendance suffered significantly due to the pandemic and the shortening of the Video on Demand (VOD) release period. However, it may be even more challenging for thoughtful documentaries, according to her statement.

For over three decades now, I’ve been dedicated to sharing enlightening public-interest documentaries with the global audience, whether they’ve found a home on cinema screens, the BBC airwaves, school classrooms, or corporate boardrooms.

“I’m seeing the very clear decline on the commercial side of supporting documentaries,” she says.

Documents that create a stir tend to garner the most interest, such as Netflix’s “Martha” documentary or the growing number of true-crime stories on the digital scene. However, according to her, the influence of these documentaries transcends just those who appreciate the documentary style.

“Americans are more isolated and divided,” she says.

The IRL Club kicked off in the autumn, starting off with the fitting title “Join or Perish,” considering the movie’s theme. Renowned social scientist Robert Putnam delves into the craving for companionship and the consequences that ensue when a society loses touch.

Option: Roney ensures affordable access in two ways. Each screening costs only $5, and the club avoids formal, post-film question-and-answer sessions that can feel pretentious. (94 characters)

Club goers are prompted to “turn around” and talk to their fellow audience members instead.

As a passionate cinephile, I’m thrilled to be part of this nonprofit initiative that offers a much-needed boost to struggling theaters and talented filmmakers alike. Together, we form an essential alliance in the world of cinema. In return for joining this exclusive club, both parties receive valuable grants that help ignite the creative spark within us all. The deserving theaters are finally getting the break they need, as I firmly believe – just like Roney says.

“They’ve made it through COVID. They’re very good at building community,” she says.

Starting this coming February 2nd, I’ll be joining the IRL Movie Club for a fascinating cinematic experience in over 67 theaters across the nation. The movie we’ll be watching is “The Thinking Game,” which delves into the life and groundbreaking work of visionary scientist and Nobel laureate Demis Hassabis, particularly his pioneering efforts in the realm of artificial intelligence. I can’t wait to witness this captivating story unfold on the big screen!

Here are some of the comments gleaned from IRL Movie Club attendees in recent months:

At present, I reside in San Antonio, Texas. Reading Robert Putnam’s ‘Bowling Alone’ has inspired me to foster stronger relationships and community ties. I have a soft spot for movies and aim to bolster my support for local cinemas instead.

I’m quite eager to explore new perspectives through the films I watch. Having a specific cinema to visit makes the choice simpler compared to picking from a large selection!

I’ve mostly missed connecting with people, something I used to do a lot before the pandemic. Now, I’ve found myself spending more time at home and not being as socially active as I once were. I’m eager to break this pattern and reconnect with others again.

If you’re eager to establish a Real-Life Movie Club in your community, head over to the official website! There, you can propose your favorite local theaters to become part of our network. We’ll take care of reaching out to them on your behalf, making it easier for us all to enjoy movies together!

Roney’s group focuses solely on documentaries. That could expand in the years to come.

She mentions that we excel in sharing real-world anecdotes, but as our brand expands, you can expect a potential blend of reality and fiction in our future work.

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2025-02-01 20:03