The Pocatello Film Society is an Idaho State University-based organization, falling under the umbrella of the Progressive Student Alliance, an ISU club.
The society shows films at low prices — $1-$2 per student with a Bengal ID, and oftentimes less — as well as offering “the cheapest concessions in town.”
Films are shown on a regular basis at the ISU Bengal Theater.
Founded in 2006, the society was dedicated to the idea of bringing documentaries to Pocatello viewers.
Bob Devine, a prominent voice in the society, says that they were initially interested in bringing only “social justice-type documentaries.”
The first movie shown by the society was Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth.
Devine and others had been “upset that it wasn’t shown at the local theater,” and had then contacted the Progressive Student Alliance about joining forces.
“We did about four or five of those,” says Devine, but notes that the audience began requesting a few more cheerful movies thrown into the mix.
“Documentaries like that can sort of burn you out,” admits Devine. “So we decided we should show some more inspirational types of movies.”
Despite the new dedication to more inspirational — and often alternative — films, the Film Society still feels that documentaries are important. Devine cites global events, such as the conflicts in Afghanistan and the Iraq War as fountains of new and interesting documentaries.
The Film Society’s showings are popular with students and Pocatello citizens alike, but the upcoming school year will see some changes for the society.
The two remaining students in the society are graduating soon, and without student membership the society is no longer privy to the perks of being an ISU club — such as free viewings in the Bengal Theater.
However, Bob Devine and others are optimistic.
“I’ve been talking to some students about joining clubs together under the Progressive Student Alliance,” Devine says, citing the ISU Feminist Alliance, the Sexuality and Gender Alliance, and the Green Up Club as potentially interested parties.
However, Devine is quick to explain that student groups would not lose any autonomy in this transfer. “There’s always a fear of losing individuality.”
Groups would potentially be working together more frequently, but Devine describes it as “how can the Feminist Alliance help SAGA?” and vice versa.
Similarly, the students would be in charge — “if we did the movies,” Devine explains, “that’d just be a side thing they’d do. They’d be in charge.”
Additionally, Devine says that the Film Society could be “a source of funding for the clubs.”
Devine has also been interested in showing the society’s films in a non-ISU theater in Pocatello, but he says those involved “still need to flesh that out.”
Regardless of the route the Film Society takes in the future, showings will still take place regularly for the remainder of the school year and the summer.
Film information, times, and dates of showings can be found online at isucinema.com.