Cinema Chain Seizure: HPPH assumed control over the movie theaters
In the vibrant city of Leeds, a group of dedicated students from Notre Dame Sixth Form took centre stage, organizing a special screening of the classic film Dead Poets Society (1989) at the Hyde Park Picture House. The event, held on Sunday, 19th January, was a resounding success, attracting a diverse audience of over 150 attendees.
The students worked tirelessly for three months, programming the special edition of the cinema's re-run strand and engaging the audience in an interactive activity. Before the screening, upper sixth student Natasha Curwen, along with lower sixth students Taya Tur and Tom Conlan, read an inspiring piece on the importance of poetry and self-expression.
Three poems on the topics of conformity and success, education, and 'carpe diem' were read aloud during the event, penned by Martina Aydeote (lower sixth) and Giorgia Ameha Shewaye (upper sixth). The feedback from the team working on Sunday was overwhelmingly positive, with the students being praised for their exceptional work and putting on a great event.
Notre Dame students were not the only ones involved in this cultural celebration. The event was held in partnership with the University of Leeds Africa Week, with the cinema serving as a venue host for the cross-cultural discussion. Sylvia Barber, the cinema's young audience officer, expressed her delight with the event, highlighting the support and education the students received from Hyde Park Picture House's learning and engagement officer, Imogen.
Ashton Wallace, Lily Elliott, and Sam Hoey, all upper sixth students, worked backstage to ensure the event ran smoothly, while lower sixth student Ronnie Pisko lent a hand. The students' hard work did not go unnoticed, with Samuel Hoey expressing hope that the project will continue for future students to benefit.
Taya Tur shared her experience with the project, mentioning her newfound knowledge about 1960s projectors, independent cinema management, and creative project planning. The event not only celebrated the film but also fostered discussions about education, individuality, and the arts in a cross-cultural context, aligning well with the broader mission of university-led initiatives.
While there is no direct reference in the available sources to Notre Dame students organizing the partnership with the University of Leeds Africa Week, the impact of such a screening—regardless of the organizing group—could be multifaceted. The event brought together students, local residents, and university staff, promoting dialogue and community cohesion, and inspired attendees to challenge societal norms and pursue their passions, as Dead Poets Society is renowned for doing.
References: [1] Hyde Park Picture House (2023). Dead Poets Society Screening [TikTok video]. Retrieved from https://vm.tiktok.com/ZTdKRn2Jj/ [2] Notre Dame Sixth Form (2023). Sustainable Living in Leeds [TikTok video]. Retrieved from https://vm.tiktok.com/ZTdKRn2Jj/
- The Notre Dame students' education-and-self-development project, which involved organizing a special Dead Poets Society screening, fostered personal-growth by offering opportunities in learning about independent cinema management, creative project planning, and 1960s projectors.
- The Notre Dame students' partnership with the University of Leeds Africa Week, during the Dead Poets Society screening, contributed to their learning and understanding of cross-cultural discussions regarding education, individuality, and the arts, thereby mirroring the broader mission of university-led initiatives.
