Essays
International Films to Watch on Kanopy: Bringing Global Stories to Life
Visit the Kanopy website today to learn how to access thousands of movies with your library card. Discover how the streaming service can enrich your library experience with films from around the world that both educate and entertain. Read more
Sep 16, 2022
7:08 AM
Using Film to Teach Ethics in the Classroom
By taking advantage of educational film resources, you will inspire your students on how ethics exist in several movies. Educators can present these films in a public or classroom screening and encourage a discussion amongst their students. Read more
Mar 13, 2023
2:24 PM
Educational Documentaries for the Science and Technology Classroom
Films can be a valuable addition to a teaching curriculum. There are many notable films from various distributors to teach science and technology concepts that are found on Video Librarian's robust discover page. Read more
Feb 23, 2023
11:54 AM
80 Years of Casablanca
Instructors teaching with film can use Casablanca to explore World War II history and the importance of embracing the past no matter how tough it is. Library patrons can find Casablanca resting on the classic film shelves. Read more
Feb 20, 2023
9:47 PM
Discover Oscilloscope Laboratories' Unique Website Features
Oscilloscope’s recognizable neon-green waveform display logo is synonymous with heartfelt films that push boundaries. Much like a scientific laboratory, the Oscilloscope website offers plenty of insights and discoveries to be made. Read more
Feb 11, 2022
1:14 PM
The Age of Love: A Timely, Engaging Look Into the Search for Love After 70
The Age of Love would be ideal for public libraries on the lookout for unique Valentine’s Day programming. This film can be an exceptional tool in classrooms, as it promotes understanding by revealing elders as emotionally intricate individuals. Read more
Jan 24, 2023
1:14 PM
How to Host a Film Screening at a Museum
Hosting your film screening at a museum is an amazing way to bring art to life. You will need to secure public performance rights in order to screen your film of choice. Whatever your organization, there are countless themes you can do. Read more
Feb 14, 2023
4:41 PM
History of Labor Struggle in FILMADRIA's Haymarket Documentary
Haymarket: The Bomb, The Anarchists, The Labor Struggle is a unique film that would be an optimal choice for library collection development centering on American history and politics. Read more
Jan 17, 2023
12:16 PM
The Beauty of Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge!
Moulin Rouge! is a visual feast for the eyes that moves at a breakneck pace. The film feels like a roller coaster ride of emotions, jostling between raucous comedy, a whirlwind romance, and devastating tragedy within a short amount of time. Read more
Jan 22, 2023
10:14 PM
The Meaning of the Babylon Ending
The montage at the end of Babylon is confusing and viewers may wonder what director Damien Chazelle’s intentions are. This article addresses the film's paradoxical depiction of Hollywood movies and the people who make them. Read more
Jan 22, 2023
9:45 PM
How Much is a License to Show Movies in Public?
Public performance rights are an important consideration for any library or industry seeking to publicly screen films. But what is the cost of a license, and what are the different options for securing public performance rights? Read more
Jan 21, 2023
12:07 PM
What M3GAN Teaches About Grief
M3GAN is campy and violent, but it has an important message about letting technology distract you from the pain of trauma and grief. By adding M3GAN to your film collection, you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the human connections in your life. Read more
Jan 20, 2023
8:27 AM
How to Hold a Movie Night at a Community Center
You take matters into your own hands by hosting a movie night at your community center. All it takes is learning the right materials to use, the type of movies to show, and how to secure public performance rights. Read more
Jan 19, 2023
7:28 AM
There Will Be Blood: 15 Years Later
With excellent visuals, performances, and fascinating moral quandaries, it’s no wonder this drama is so highly regarded. This is a must-have title for public library shelves. Paul Thomas Anderson’s epic spectacle will grab patrons’ attention. Read more
Dec 21, 2022
9:28 AM
Hosting a Movie Night at Your Daycare
Once you’re aware of the materials, what movies to show, and how to acquire a license to host a public screening, you’re all set for a fun movie night for your daycare students. Read more
Jan 5, 2023
8:17 AM
Bringing Books and Films Together to Inspire and Engage Students
There are many classic book and film pairings for educators and librarians to choose from, inspiring and powerful combinations that can offer a greater understanding of a historical event or of a specific experience or topic. Read more
Nov 6, 2022
12:00 AM
How Film Distribution Works
In this article we will uncover what film distribution is, the process of how films are distributed to movie theaters and other platforms, and how film distributors make money. Read more
Aug 8, 2022
11:02 AM
The Princess Bride 35th Anniversary
October 9, 2022 marks 35 years since the theatrical release of the beloved fantasy film The Princess Bride. But what makes it remain a staple among film collections in homes and libraries? Read more
Oct 4, 2022
9:31 AM
What is the Female Gaze in Film?
Feminist film theorist Laura Mulvey conceptualized the female gaze in the 1970s. Film studies students should be familiar with this theory and film studies professors should request titles for their academic library collection that provide examples. Read more
Oct 13, 2022
9:10 AM
How to Start a Film Society For Your School or Community
By teaching and watching films from a variety of different filmmakers, students, patrons, and community members can learn about various film techniques and themes. Here are some ways to start a film society for your school or community. Read more
Nov 28, 2022
11:55 AM
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio as an Anti-fascist Fairytale
This story of anti-fascist disobedience feels timely and urgent, but Pinocchio’s unruly noncompliance makes him an apt hero for today. The film is a continuation of themes established in the director’s earlier works: fascism through children's eyes. Read more
Jan 3, 2023
8:50 AM