Barnum Hall will host an advanced screening of Michael Moore's latest film, "Capitalism: A Love Story," tonight as Tufts Film Series (TFS) continues to expand its scope and profile on campus.
The Film Series-sponsored showing of the firebrand left-wing filmmaker's most recent work will make Tufts the only college campus to host an advanced screening of said Moore film. The movie hits theaters nationwide tomorrow.
"We have some connections to the industry. Promotion companies are able to come to us with proposals for advance screenings," said TFS co-chair Talia Scotchbrook, a fifth-year senior graduating in December.
Vivian Chong, a promotions coordinator for Amp Agency, which is conducting some advertising for the Moore film, explained that her marketing firm reached out to TFS because of their shared history. Last fall, TFS held an advanced screening of "Four Christmases" with the firm's help.
"They're always very professional, very organized," Chong said of TFS. "They really do a great job ... they don't just book the theater and wait for students to show up."
TFS operates 35mm film projection equipment — the industry standard — in Barnum 008, where "Capitalism" will screen at 8 p.m. Handling the film requires trained student projectionists, according to Scotchbrook.
"That surprises some people," she said. "A lot of colleges just put in a DVD."
Advanced screenings can be a win-win event for all involved, according to John-Michael P. Sequeira, TCF's co-chair and programmer.
"It's publicity for ... the movie, but it raises the profile of our organization on campus," he said. "Everyone gets a lot of good publicity, and we put on a really cool event."
The documentary takes a critical look at the culture of corporations and unfettered capitalism closely associated with the United States, and also examines capitalism's implications in the recent context of the global economic crisis. Moore's previous works include "Bowling for Columbine," "Fahrenheit 9/11" and "Sicko."
Tonight's screening is one of several advanced showings taking place this week in the Boston area. Three early screenings took place last night at movie theaters in Boston and Harvard Square, according to the Greater Southern Massachusetts Labor Council's Web site.
TFC's advance screening fits into a grand advertising strategy to attract college students — already a large part of Moore's fan base — to the documentary.
"Michael Moore seems to have a pretty strong following with college students," Chong said. "Students are more open-minded and more liberal," she added, saying Moore's aggressive style is also "good entertainment."
Scotchbrook predicted a full house would turn out for tonight's screening.
"It's a good way to get the conversation going, and also to bring in new people who've never been to Film Series before," she said.
TFS plans to continue the many new initiatives it began last year, including screening more outdoor films, according to Sequeria.
Also, the group may again sponsor a trip to a movie premiere featuring discounted tickets; last spring, TFS took students to see "Watchmen" in IMAX.
Passes for tonight's screening of "Capitalism: A Love Story" are free and available at www.tuftsfilmseries.com and the campus center information booth. Even with passes, though, admission will be first come, first serve.
