On Thursday, October 16th, FPM students were whisked away to a land inhabited by talking animals, masked spirits, dragons, and susuwatari. The Anime Club transformed the school’s courtyard into a theater for their annual movie night, featuring the film Spirited Away, directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
Spirited Away was selected as this year’s film because of its popularity among anime fans and non-fans alike. Its themes of identity, coming of age, greed, and consumerism allow viewers to gain a new outlook on life. Similarly, its gorgeous animation drawn by hand, Studio Ghibli’s signature, immerses the viewer into this world of spirits.
At the beginning of the school year, the club plans the movie night at their meetings every Tuesday after school in room 209. They hold a vote on the movie, typically a recently released film or one experiencing a big anniversary, and then they organize how they’re going to set up the movie night, what they are going to sell to raise money for the club, and how they are going to advertise it. This year, the night was a success. The club raised $23 in pizza and water sales in addition to the general ticket sales. Despite the night being a little chilly, those who came to watch the film enjoyed it. The club profited and is planning to continue the annual tradition.
The Anime Club offers a unique environment at FPM, where those who love the Japanese style of animation, known as anime, can discuss their interests with others and share it with those less familiar. The movie night, along with other events hosted by the club, provides opportunities, “for the general student population to be exposed to anime and its beautiful animation style,” according to the club supervisor and AP Chemistry teacher, Ms. Wiswall. Moreover, it gives “students who are unable to attend the meetings due to other conflicting commitments a chance to watch anime with the club.”
When asked about potential improvements the club may implement for future movie nights, Ms. Wiswall explained that they may rent blankets to raise more funds for the club. The fall movie night is often very cold and viewers frequently forget to wear layers or bring a blanket. Advisors may also ask club members to bring baked goods or a larger variety of snacks to appeal to more customers and raise more funds. Lastly, since FPM’s marching band practices the night of the Anime Club’s show, Ms. Wiswall believes that by improving the sound quality of the projector and speakers, viewers will be better able to focus on the movie.
For those interested in joining the club please contact Ms. Wiswall or Mr. Buhse for more information. If you can’t attend meetings the club is holding a few events later on in the year such as Sewanha-Con, and their Spring Movie Night Under the Stars. Sewanha-Con is held at Sewanhaka High School on Saturday, March 14th from 12-4, and the next movie night will be held on May 7th from 7-9.
