The Davis Odd Fellows have resumed their bi-annual classic film Festival in Downtown Davis, screening doris day films for the third week in a row. The festival began in 2014, and this year it has resumed its tradition of showcasing classic films within a specific genre.
- The Davis Odd Fellows’ Classic Film Festivals began in 2014, and since then, they have screened a wide range of classic films.
- The film festival has featured various genres, actors, and more, including classic westerns, film noirs, and science fiction.
- The festival has been shown in the Odd Fellows’ lodge, where it has utilized the newly installed projection system.
The festival aims to provide not only a cinematic experience but also a way to educate attendees about classic films. To achieve this, the Odd Fellows collaborate with The Davis Enterprise film critic Derrick Bang to help choose and share more information about the movies.
- Derrick Bang has a deep understanding of classic films and has been a part of the festival since its inception.
- Bang presents a preview before the movie to explain why it was chosen and provide some context.
- Bang also helps host the Q&A with the audience to answer any questions they may have about the movie.
The festival’s decision to focus on Doris Day films this year was inspired by the desire to provide a lighter theme during a tumultuous time. As Rosenberg explained, “The United States is in turmoil,” and the committee decided to screen “old romantic comedies featuring Doris Day. It’s light, it’s fluffy, and while they are dated in many ways, they’re still fun.”
“I come up with a lot of ideas that are fun and contribute to the community,” said Dave Rosenberg, a Davis Odd Fellow and previous chair of the classic film committee. “I personally have always enjoyed classic films, so when we installed projection systems in the lodge around 12 years ago, it occurred to me that we should utilize them. Now we do through the classic film festival.”
The film festival has also received support from younger audiences, who appreciate the traditional experience of watching a movie in person. Alex Murdock, a first-year cinema and digital media major, emphasized the importance of keeping screenings alive.
“It’s all about the tradition of delivering a full experience, isn’t it?” Murdock said. “I think no matter if it’s a classic film at the film festival or a modern film, there’s always the aspect of stepping through the theater doors, watching the lights dim and anticipation [building] for the movie’s opening. Everyone should have the chance to experience a movie in person like the good old days.”
The Davis Odd Fellows’ Classic Film Festival will continue throughout April with the next screening scheduled for April 13.
