Students prefer ‘Flick’ over ‘Floating’ at UB movie event
August 28, 2016
Tarvaris Gould, a sophomore engineering major, and Esther Simon, a sophomore elementary education major, watch “Zoolander 2” and swim during “Flick and Float” in the Ray Padovan Pool Saturday. They and a few others were the only people who got in the pool. Other viewers watched from the bleachers located behind the pool.
The Ray Padovan Pool turned into a movie theater Saturday night as students sat on the bleachers and in the pool to watch a screening of “Zoolander 2.”
During the “Flick and Float” event, the pool had the lights off, and the sun was setting through the windowpanes, giving the area a movie theater-like atmosphere.
Even though the event was intended to be a pool party, only three people ended up in the water.
Hillary Fuller, the University Board’s movie coordinator, said she was happy with the turnout of Flick and Float, despite students not getting in the pool.
“It’s an OK turnout. I would hope more people would swim next time we do this,” Fuller said.
Fuller had no problem with students not swimming at the event, and she said now the UB knows what it can do to make future movie screenings better.
One thing Fuller would like to do for the next Flick and Float is send people better directions on how to get to the pool though the locker room since a few students were confused on how to get there.
Sara Triplett, graduate assistant for the Student Life Office, said if she was not working, she would have gotten in the pool, because being able to watch the movie from the pool would have made her experience that much better.
“I love swimming,” Triplett said. “I wish more people would get in the pool.”
Carlita Dixon, a senior communication studies major, said she would rather watch the movie from the bleachers but would love to get in the pool next time.
“It definitely would give it a different vibe,” Dixon said. “You’re used to watching movies in a movie theater or at home, but (this time) you’re actually in water.”
If Flick and Float happens in the future, Dixon said she would come to give the UB some support.
Some students said they did not come for the pool but rather to see “Zoolander 2.”
Jasmine Martinez, a sophomore psychology major, was one of these students; however, she said being in the pool would have made her experience better.
“It’s so hot right now without being in the pool,” Martinez said.
Gladys Valentin, a senior Spanish major, also came for the movie but did not get into the pool.
“I didn’t want to get wet today,” Valentin said.
Janet Pernell can be reached at 581-2812 or jopernell@eiu.edu
