Steven Spielberg Introduces AFI Movie Club’s Inaugural Film

By JENNIKA INGRAM | Reporter    

Palisadian Steven Spielberg introduced the inaugural film for the new American Film Institute Movie Club on March 31.

AFI is offering “movies to watch together while we’re apart” as part of an initiative to recommend a different movie each day as the coronavirus pandemic continues. The idea is that people can watch a movie with the use of their pre-existing streaming service credentials and share a communal viewing experience.

“All you have to do to become a member is to love movies,” Spielberg shared in a video promotion. “I have the honor of announcing the very first film we would encourage the world to watch, ‘The Wizard of Oz.’”

Spielberg pointed out the 1939 classic, starring Judy Garland, shares a relevant message: “There’s no place like home.”

AFI shared that it wants to encourage people to stay home and enjoy movies, according to New Daily.

“AFI’s goal is to live in a world of art above anxiety,” CEO Bob Gazzale, AFI president, said in a statement.

“Each day’s film—announced by a special guest—is accompanied by fun facts, family-friendly discussion points and material from the AFI Archive to enrich your viewing experience,” according to the AFI website.

Morgan Freeman introduced the next film the following day, the 2001 version of “Moulin Rouge!” starring former Palisadian Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. Kidman was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress for her role, and the film garnered eight nominations altogether, as well as being an AFI Movie of the Year honoree.

Next up, Helen Mirren and Taylor Hackford introduced “Some Like It Hot,” the 1959 feature film starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and two AFI Life Achievement Award recipients, director Billy Wilder and star Jack Lemmon. The movie is ranked number one on AFI’s “100 Years … 100 Laughs” list of funniest films of all time.

The movie choice for the day is announced at 9 a.m on its website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and in the AFI Movie Club e-newsletter.

AFI is a nonprofit, member-powered organization dependent on the support of its fans.

To join the AFI movie club, go to afi.com/movieclub and use any of the listed streaming services to watch the film.