Online film club session for the III international contest in film-based essay writing for senior school and 1st-year university students: "Watch Reflectively, Research Honestly, Think Critically, Write Creatively!"

On February 20, 2025, 4th year students and members of Inter-University Research Laboratory of Modern Technologies of Teaching Foreign Languages and Cultures Vlada Homolia and Kateryna Panchenko held an online film club session for students of Sumy Classical Gymnasium, Sumy Lyceum No. 33, Kryvyi Rih Lyceum No. 71, Okhtyrka Lyceum No. 3, Poltava Scientific Lyceum No. 3, Academic Lyceum "European," as well as first-year students of the T.H. Shevchenko National University "Chernihiv Colehium", Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University, H. S. Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University, and Uman Pedagogical University.

The event brought together future participants of the III international contest in film-based essay writing for senior school and 1st-year university students: "Watch Reflectively, Research Honestly, Think Critically, Write Creatively!" (in English).

The interactive video training session was conducted using the authorial methodology "Film Club for English Teachers," developed by H.I. Podosinnikova. This year the film assigned for viewing and discussion was the iconic science-fiction movie "Interstellar." The film emphasizes the role of scientific research, critical thinking, and technological progress in humanity's survival. It portrays a future where ecological collapse threatens civilization, underscoring the necessity of scientific advancements and the search for alternative means of existence.

While watching and discussing "Interstellar", the film club participants raised their awareness of sustainable development and global citizenship issues, deepened their knowledge of astronomy, physics, artificial intelligence, and the philosophy of human existence. The discussion addressed key topics such as:

• Humanity's responsibility for preserving the planet and the prospects of space colonization;
• The emotional and scientific aspects of critical thinking and decision-making;
• The impact of time and space on human life.

The film inspired students to reflect on the role of scientific research and critical thinking in society’s development and technical progress. According to their feedback, watching and analyzing "Interstellar" was not only an intellectual challenge but also an engaging experience they would love to repeat in the future.

The event highlighted the significance of cinema as a tool for developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and creative writing, which are key aspects of modern education.