About the Bright Lights series

The Bright Lights Cinema Series is presented by the Department of Visual and Media Arts at Emerson College. The mission of the series is to create community through cinema and welcomes both Emerson faculty, students, and staff as well as the general public. Bright Lights seeks to create an environment where cinema is not only viewed and appreciated but where dialogue is fostered and a community of media makers, academics, and aficionados are engaged and supported. The series is committed to screening at least 50 percent of films directed by people of marginalized genders and crafting a diverse program including filmmakers of color, queer cinema, and films addressing issues around disability. We are also committed to highlighting Indigenous stories each semester.

Screenings take place in the Bright Family Screening Room inside the Paramount Theater on Thursdays at 7pm during the semester with the exception of occasions when the College is closed (such as holidays, spring break, inclement weather). Doors open at 6:30pm and seating is on a first come basis. We do hold seats for Emerson faculty and staff as well as for any accessibility requests. Screenings are always free and open to the public. This series is curated and managed by the Head of Film Exhibition, Anna Feder.