Speaking in stages of grief, the denial phase lasted a long time for me when I heard that the film streaming service FilmStruck would be no more after 11/29. This beautifully curated site has become invaluable to me as a way to find amazing new movies and learn more about them via a rich array of special features, in addition to being the only way to stream my favorite classics.
The brilliance of FilmStruck was in the programming. Its weekly themed categories were a fantastic way to explore new areas, filmmakers, and stars. I love how they cast a wide net over cinema, including everything from monster movies to the wildest experimental flicks, and just about anything you could imagine in between. It’s also been valuable for the diversity it celebrates, promoting works from different cultures and shining a light on films made by women and people of color.
While I will be able to find most of the titles that were on my 343 deep watchlist at my local library, I will lose the insight and viewing suggestions I gained from the knowledgeable team at FilmStruck. In her essential Slate piece about the demise of the service, Joanna Scutts wrote: “if the only art you see is the kind of art you’ve already heard of, then you’re missing the challenge and the thrill of true discovery.” This is what hurts the most about losing the site.
As I settle into the acceptance phase, I have pared my watchlist down to a still steep, but more manageable 68 films (Some of them are shorts. I can do this!). I’ve decided to share my favorites here in the hopes that those of you who are subscribers may find new cinematic treasures in this last month of a truly magnificent site. Bookmark this post, because I will be adding to it all month:
Update 11/5:
Original Post:
No comments:
Post a Comment