PolyU club attracts strong support from students and staff

The International Film Society at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) grew out of a summer course designed to promote the study of English through movies. It has developed into one of the most popular clubs at the SAR's largest institution of higher learning.

When asked to comment on its success, Tracia Wong, who liaises for the group's student committee, attributed it to an ability to offer quality events.

'Also, there are so many people at the PolyU who really love films,' Ms Wong said.

One of the things that sets the society apart from most campus organisations in Hong Kong is that it has attracted strong support not only from students, but also from the university's employees. 'Forty per cent of our 1,000 members are faculty and staff,' Shari Nazir, a language instructor at PolyU, said.

'We ourselves are amazed at how popular we have become in such a short period of time.'

Interest in the club's activities has been spreading to other campuses - and not just at the tertiary level. A showing of Clockwork Or ange last spring caused a minor hiccup when a group of English literature students from a secondary school showed up with their teacher. The film was rated Category III, which restricts access to those aged over 18.