Brock University Film Society not returning this fall

With the new fall semester around the corner, I thought it might be time to take a stroll down to the BUFS website and see what fantastic foreign and independent films the Film Society would be presenting this year. Instead of a list of this season's cinematic excellence, I was greeted with a somber message. BUFS as we know it is no more;

[BUFS] presented weekly screenings of independent, international, and Canadian films to a loyal audience for some fourteen years. Members and non-members alike braved rain, hail, sleet, and snow to get to the top of the escarpment for BUFS’ weekly screenings in the David S. Howes Theatre here on Brock’s main campus.
Regretfully, due to rising costs and an ever-changing film industry, BUFS is no longer viable in its current incarnation.

I remember the earlier days of BUFS when screenings still took place on St. Paul at the Town Cinemas. Checking out festival favorites in my own backyard was always a treat. I was sad to see it leave the Town as I knew I wouldn't be visiting as often, but as a community we should be devastated that it may not be coming back at all. It's as if a part of our towns culture just died a little.

Still -- there's hope for the future;

The BUFS Collective, in collaboration with the Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film (the home of Brock’s Film program), is investigating the possibility of a new Brock University Film Society--one that is even more accessible to the community that has faithfully supported it for so long. As we work toward this goal, we will take a hiatus in programming for the fall season. It is our great hope that January, 2009 will see the launch of a new Brock University Film Society.

Keep your eyes on their official site for updates as they come.

Image: Brock University

TAGS: Arts, Brock University, Bufs, Culture, Film, Movies, Stcatharines