The Southern Illinois Philosophy and Film club kicked off its second year of existence last night with a screening of the film ‘Encounter Point,’ which focuses on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

The theme of this year’s film selections will deal with culture, said Rebecca Farinas, president of the club.

Each week a different film will be shown to encourage philosophical dialogue, she said.

With each film shown a different professor of the philosophy department will help mediate conversation, she said.

‘Film allows for a philosophical discussion with people who are not necessarily in the discipline,’ said Kandace Riddle, vice president of the club.

Film is a good way to discuss philosophy because of how comfortable and familiar people are with it, she said.

‘It is a great way to bring people into philosophy and delve deeper into questions raised,’ she said.

The club is partnering with Morris Library and the Global Media Research Center, Farinas said.

‘The library thought our idea was right on target with their new mission,’ Farinas said. ‘The library wants to use these programs to help create a place for an exchange of information.’

The library partnership brings with it the new auditorium for viewing films and assistance to help facilitate discussions, she said.

‘With each film, a librarian that specializes in different subject matter will give a brief presentation on the material and where someone could find more information,’ Riddle said.

‘The more we can collaborate cross campus like this, the richer and more stimulating our intellectual life together becomes,’ said John Downing, president of the Global Media Research Center.

He said each film and discussion would open up a range of ‘interesting’ contemporary problems.

Downing is scheduled to introduce and speak about the film ‘The Dupes” at 4:15 p.m. on Oct. 2.

He said the film raises issues regarding the forced immigration of Palestinians in 1948.

‘ ‘We want to open the area of study of philosophy and film on our campus and allow for everyone to participate,’ Farinas said.

Film and philosophy have a long running partnership together beginning after World War II, she said.

Older films will be used, along with modern ones as well, such as ‘The Matrix’ and how it relates to Kant’s philosophy, Riddle said.

Film helps us question what it means to be human, she said.

Chris McGregor can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 275