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Cinema Salon is a monthly program sponsored by the Iowa City Senior Center that invites Center members and other movie lovers to view a discounted screening of a new release film at FilmScene, followed by a 30-minute discussion facilitated by Frank Murray.

In today's film, Happyend, best friends Yuta and Kou are about to graduate high school in a near-future Tokyo, where the threat of a catastrophic earthquake pervades daily life. One night, they pull a consequential prank on their principal, which leads to a surveillance system being installed in the school. Between the oppressive security system and a darkening national political situation, Kou feels increasingly frustrated with the world while Yuta seems completely unaware.

Finding an empathetic ear in a passionate student activist, Kou’s political consciousness blossoms. Assuming that Yuta would never understand his newfound interests, Kou begins to avoid his friend. For the first time in their lifelong friendship, the two are forced to confront differences that they never had expressed before. Watch the trailer.

Frank Murray has his Ph.D. from Stanford and 45 years of teaching literature, film, and philosophy. He enjoys examining the methods a film uses to convey meaning and to listen to what others see and understand about the film. Films are announced about two weeks in advance.

Cinema Salon screenings are open to the public and seating is first come, first served. Register online or by calling the Senior Center by 5 PM pm the day before each screening, at 319-356-5220. Fee: $6 for Senior Center members (discounted); pay at the FilmScene box office.

Registration and Senior Center membership required for the discounted fee; others pay the full price (usually under $10 for seniors).