UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Sustainability’s Intersections Film Series will screen three short films that highlight the value of “Third Places” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4. The online screening is free and open to all, with pre-registration required at this registration link.
Most of our time is spent at one of two places: home or work. But sociologists and public health experts have long recognized we need "third places," a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, which he defined as “a generic designation for a great variety of public places that host the regular, voluntary, informal, and happily anticipated gatherings of individuals beyond the realms of home and work.”
"Third Places" combines three short films depicting co-created spaces built for community wellbeing. The set of films shows various ways that community can be constructed.
“Reading North: Books in the Arctic,” by Saila Huusko, tells the story of Oula, a Nordic library bus driver, who connects remote communities to library resources. Oula doesn't just deliver books, he learns about community interests, and serves through creating a welcoming environment.
“The People Could Fly,” by Imani Dennison, connects the audience with a historic African American folktale about freedom. Dennison explores how feelings associated with freedom can be replicated through speeding around a communal roller rink. Skaters find unencumbered joy through participation in this space.
Lastly, “The Reality of Hope,” by Joe Hunting, shows the link between people in the physical world and representations of themselves in virtual spaces. Filmed both in real life and in virtual reality, “The Reality of Hope” shows how people can use this virtual space to more freely communicate about difficult topics, even including finding a transplant donor.
A panel discussion following the film will include experts exploring questions related to the creation and sustainability of third places. Preregistration is required at this link.
Scheduled panelists include:
- Amy Deuink, head librarian, Penn State Beaver and Shenango
- Dylan Paré, assistant professor of learning, design, and technology and director of Queer Code
- Harrison Pinckney IV, associate professor of recreation, park, and tourism management
- Elaine Meder-Wilgus, president of Webster’s Bookstore Cafe and whole-food plant-based health coach
"'Third Places' responds to this year's 'Seeing the Human Scale' programming theme by reimagining the ways that humans connect through space and time,” said Julius Camper, Penn State Sustainability’s student and public programming coordinator. “These short films will inspire viewers to interact in new ways, whether through campus organizations or community resources.”
For more information or to partner on future events, contact Julius Camper at jac8761@psu.edu.