The UNLV Department of Film recently debuted its new movie review podcast — The Film Dept. — featuring three film connoisseur students responding to screenings of recent films. The student hosts screen the films at The Beverly Theater, Las Vegas’ first and only independent film house, storytelling arena, and live music venue, and then record their observations and critiques in the UNLV Film podcast studio.
Executive producers and film professors Adam Paul and Roudi Boroumand led the podcast's creation to give students more options to express themselves outside of traditional or video essays.
"We look at this podcast as an intelligent, measured way to review films, and it also celebrates the art of film," said Paul. "The feedback has been very encouraging. Students shouldn't be limited in their expression, and we are excited to provide this outlet."
Boroumand said, "I feel fortunate to have this experience. Students are required to take courses in film theory and criticism, and developing this with Adam has provided our students with a wider range of opportunities."
Film student and podcast co-host Davey Parks said he enjoys conversations with friends about films, and is excited to be able to reach a wider audience. "It really forces us to articulate our thoughts and critical analyses of these films, and I think that's an important skill to hone."
Film student and co-host Simona Grigonis says the podcast has been an exciting and fulfilling experience. "I really wanted to try something new, and I love talking about what I’m passionate about so I just went for it. For the longest time, I had such anxiety whenever talking about film simply because I was worried how others would receive my thoughts, and how I articulate them. While they make sense to me, others might not truly understand. However, over time I realized that my passion is all that matters, and working on this podcast has only made me more confident."
"Just the idea of getting to talk about some of The Beverly's movies in podcast form was exciting to me," said film student and co-host Jeffrey Wallitsch. "Adam asked me to audition, and I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Working on The Film Dept. has been a very fun and insightful experience into the world of podcasting."
It is a UNLV Film team effort, with producers Tom Bjelic, a film professor, and Sam Decker, studio manager.
Current episodes are available now at the platforms listed below, and new podcasts are coming soon.
About the UNLV College of Fine Arts
The College of Fine Arts educates, empowers, and engages creative people to become visionary change-makers in the arts through acts of imagination. At UNLV we believe the arts are an essential good for society. We make education relevant and accessible through our programs and outreach. We create new knowledge in the arts. We celebrate independent thought and the power of bringing people together to foster creativity.
