Graham School Events

Join us Thursday, June 3 at 6:00 p.m. CT for the final discussion in our On The Road series.

About the Film

Although Queen’s uncle refers to them as “the black Bonnie and Clyde,” the protagonists in this re-working of the genre are neither self-defining criminals like the famous outlaw pair, nor self-liberating buddies who “just take to it” (to quote Thelma’s gleeful identification with transgression). After an unpromising Tinder date, Queen and Slim are thrown together when a traffic stop results in the death of a white police officer. Forced to run, they become, as Queen puts it, “accidental activists” and ambivalent icons, whose freedom to choose a life together is cut short by structures that define their very survival as criminal.

COST  (It's free!)

This series if free and open to the public. You will need to watch the films on your own, which may require some payment. But there is no cost to enroll and participate in our discussions.

WHO MAY ATTEND

The only requirements for attendance are good will, curiosity, an interest in sharing your ideas, and a hunger to learn from others. We hope that seasoned movie buffs will join our conversations, as well as individuals for whom watching a feature length film is an occasional or even rare event. In short: all are welcome!

The Discussion Leader

Eva Fernandez, who has taught in the Graham School’s Basic Program since 1999, will lead our discussions. Ms. Fernandez is the 2011 recipient of the Graham School’s Excellence in Teaching Award. Her interests and enthusiasms span from classical to late medieval literature and philosophy, American literature, contemporary poetry, and film, especially horror and science fiction. Ms. Fernandez thinks that the pandemic offers an interesting perspective from which to contemplate what’s at stake in movies set on the road.

HOW IT WORKS

Participants are asked to watch the assigned film in advance, using the guiding questions to help prepare for the conversation. At the start of each session, which will meet remotely via Zoom, Ms. Fernandez will explain the format for the evening, provide some additional context, and offer a brief introduction of the film. Participants will then be broken out into smaller breakout groups, and Ms. Fernandez will rotate through those rooms. The entire group will then reconvene for a final discussion. Ms. Fernandez will conclude the evening with the entire group and provide some final commentary and points of reflection.

Please note:

• Guiding questions will be provided at least two weeks in advance, and posted to the individual film registration pages. 
• Allow yourself time to watch and think about the movie in advance of the meeting. The films are widely available on popular streaming services, such as AmazonPrime, Netflix, Hulu, Crackle, YouTube, Vudu, Google Play, and iTunes. Check the registration page for recommendations on where to find each movie.
• Engage your fellow participants in friendly, respectful discourse. We reserve the right to bar from conversation and participation anyone whose conduct is offensive or disruptive.
• Registration is required to participate in the group discussions

Where can I find Queen & Slim?

Queen & Slim is available for free on Hulu and HBO Max and can be purchased starting at $14.99 on FandangoNow, YouTube, Google Play, and Apple TV.

Coming soon: guiding questions for Queen & Slim ›

CHECK OUT THE FULL SERIES