Decked with bold posters, handmade signs and colorful table spreads, West’s Club Rush seemed to pull out all the stops in advertising the countless organizations on campus. The booming music and rushed footsteps could hardly mask the excited chatter of students, eager to explore the huge number of clubs available. Club Rush gave students the opportunity to develop new skills in horizons both inside and outside their comfort zone, as well as have engrossing discussions while bonding with fellow club members. Over 30 clubs are open for joining. This year one more was added to the list: the Film Critics Club, advised by art teacher Mr. Barr and led by co-presidents Catherine Pitrowski (10) and P.J. Jain (10). 

   The idea of forming a club had already been on the minds of Pitrowski and Jain, as Jain “really liked making things and organizing people.” It wasn’t until they had discussed potential topics before they discovered a common interest that their idea came to fruition: movies and film. “We were trying to bounce ideas around, and we found that we both like media. So we thought, ‘why don’t we make a film critics club?’ Jain recounted. 

    With the enormous amount of media circulating throughout the everyday lives of students, it can be difficult to see it from a different perspective or have more appreciation for it. As an organization centered on analyzing media, the club aims to have members appreciate the finer details of film and media rather than mindlessly consuming it. “We consume media so much, but we don’t really take time to think about it and appreciate the nitty gritties,” Jain explained. “I hope this is an opportunity for people to take something they saw before but maybe see it in a different light. 

   Having a welcoming environment is also key to starting a new club, and the Film Critics Club hopes to accomplish this by encouraging opinion-provoking discussions that allow students to express their thoughts more freely. While age and grade level can be slightly daunting gaps capable of creating small barriers, Film Critics Club ICC Representative Lily Mirowski (11) hopes that this will not be an issue. “It gets people of all experience levels to just interact with each other and be able to analyze media while having a good time,” she states. 

   However, organizing the logistical aspects of a club is no mean feat, and planning out the Film Critics Club was no exception. This issue was particularly apparent when planning for Club Rush. A lack of experience in planning out how to properly advertise and distribute information can be stressful, especially for new clubs. Despite this, the Film Critics Club was able to overcome the challenge by meticulously hand-sketching their poster designs and pre-planning the layout of their table. Although lacking experience with Club Rush, Jain’s skill at drafting and organizing setups allowed things to go smoothly for them. “It was a little bit stressful, because Catherine has never been to a Club Rush, and I barely remember last year’s Club Rush. So it was kind of hard to plan, but it honestly ended up going really well,” Jain further explained, a satisfied expression settling across their face. 

   Finding a faculty advisor to support them was also initially difficult, but Mr. Barr had agreed to support their club after Jain had expressed her idea to him. “I enjoyed Jain’s artwork in my class last year, so I was curious to see another side of her art appreciation,” he stated. As an art teacher, Mr. Barr also offered his perspective on the similarities between examining art and media: “Many of the same principles apply to analyzing both film and art, such as observing form and content and it affects the viewer’s experience.”  

   Having a faculty adviser to assist the club in planning helps lighten much of the workload that comes with organizing a club. However, Mr. Barr described his intention to have the club board find their own direction. While giving support to the Film Critics Club is a vital point for him, Mr. Barr finds it just as important for the Film Critics Club to run meetings as they see fit. “I’ll let PJ run the show. I’d be happy to suggest movies or shows because I have my favorites, but I’ll be there mainly for supervision and support,” stated. 

   After its first club meeting on Thursday, Sept. 29, the Film Critics Club will continue to open its doors to all students, prepared to face challenges and await what is yet to come.