Impressions of a science film festival: chewing gum versus the event banquet

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I recently attended opening night of the Imagine Science Film Festival and was left contemplating what it was that I thought made a good science film.  What were my expectations?  Should I have expectations?  Was the validity of the science important or was it the point more to promote inclusion of science in the work?  I was left with the impression that there were two basic groups of films:  1) the chewing gum variety and; 2) the banquet variety.  Let me be clear, I enjoy both gum and good food, but I enjoy them for different reasons…

Chew on this…

These were the films that usually had some aspect of science included but did not necessarily seek to inform.  I liken them to my feelings about chewing gum:  I chew gum and enjoy sweet flavor for a brief time and then spit it out…I understand that my “relationship” with the gum is fleeting and forgettable, but I do enjoy it.  I appreciate the talent and effort that went into the making of these films, but I did not find them memorable.  Although all the films were short films, these particular films were extremely brief, sometimes just long enough to introduce a concept and perhaps this was the point…a starting point for further discussion and perhaps a whetting of the appetite?

The full dining experience

When I reminisce about the (few) fancy dining experiences in my life, it’s not just the food that I remember; it’s the setting, the company, the feelings, the complexity of the event itself.  I don’t expect to enjoy extravagant dining on a daily basis, and maybe that is why they are that much more special—it’s the contrast between extraordinary and ordinary.  Likewise, I found the more memorable films that I saw were the ones that were not only visually stunning, but had an interesting point of view and conveyed some science while evoking some emotion.

I don’t pretend to know anything about film critique, but I do happen to love science.  To that end, I applaud any enterprise that promotes the dissemination of science.  I congratulate all science filmmakers and I encourage everyone to appreciate art whenever possible.   Now as Star Wars plays in the background, I think I’ll chew some gum and consult the nearest restaurant guide.

[box type=”bio”]This post is written by Mona Wu, scientist extraordinaire. She is finishing one grad degree and contemplating her future…pure science, writing, design, or a mix of all?

Thank you for sharing your views on our fun time at the science film festival![/box]