The Big House

In March, the observational documentary film The Big House had its North American premiere at the 56th Ann Arbor Film Festival. Directed by a team of U-M talents, the film has received much acclaim on the international film circuit. The film project came about as the result of a collaboration between U-M visiting professor Kazuhiro Soda and members of the U-M Department of Film, Television, and Media, or FTVM (formerly Screen Arts and Cultures), including professors Markus Nornes and Terri Sarris and 14 of their students.

In partnership with the FTVM and the U-M Center for Japanese Studies—which are both part of U-M’s College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA)—the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan (AAUM) will screen the film again during a Big House immersion weekend, to be held Friday, September 14, through Sunday, September 16.

The weekend of events begins on Friday at 4:00 p.m. in Auditorium 4 of Modern Languages (812 E. Washington St) with a panel featuring filmmaker Kazuhiro Soda and other U-M experts—including Kurt Svoboda, the Associate Athletic Director of External Communications and Public Relations for U-M Athletics; and Christopher Ratté, an LSA professor specializing in classics and art history—followed by a screening of the film at 4:40 p.m. and a Q&A with the filmmakers that’s moderated by AAFF executive director Leslie Raymond. To enhance the Big House experience, viewers can attend the 3:30 p.m. football game on Saturday when the Michigan Wolverines host the Southern Methodist University Mustangs. Guests may also choose to tour the stadium on Sunday.

This event allows viewers an amazing opportunity to view The Big House and speak with its creators while receiving a first-hand experience inside the largest college football stadium in the country!

To register or find additional information about these events, click here. We hope to see you there!