I am writing an open letter to the Wesleyan community begging them for a favor. One of the best weeks in Wesleyan is coming up, and I will be unable to enjoy it. I am not referring to reading week, though that presents its own challenges to me. I am referring to an even better, secret week hidden inside of reading week—Film Week! For one marvelous week, May 1-8, the senior film majors will present their theses of all kinds and flavors to our college community. I, however, will not be able to enjoy them, so I am asking you, Wesleyan, to enjoy them in my stead. For enjoy them you will. We have astounding screenplays, historical theses on topics from “Crazy Finns” to “Bollywood,” and movies that will make you laugh, cry, and laugh again until you cramp up around the chest. But you will continue laughing, through the pain, because the movies make you feel so good.
As for me, oh, do not worry. I will be in attendance at every event. I will be at the screenwriting presentations on Sunday, May 1 at 2 p.m. I will be at the history-theory discussions on Monday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. I will be at the 16mm screenings on May 6 and 8 at 7:30 p.m , and at the digital movie screenings on May 5 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. But I will be so overwhelmed by the awesomeness of the work, so filled with the memories of the toil and fiery passion we brought to these humble projects, that I, without fail, will be moved to weeping, and will not be able to see the presenters/screen through my bittersweet tears. So, please, Wesleyan, I beseech you, come enjoy these projects in my place. Enjoy them by the dormload, for the new vinema holds 400, and is a beautiful sight to see. And, if you could, bring a hankie, for me.
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