A film society is a membership club where people can watch Private screenings of films which would otherwise not be shown in mainstream cinemas. In Spain they are known as Cineclubs, and in Germany they are known as Film clubs.
They usually have an educational aim, introducing new audiences to different audiovisual works through an organized and prepared program of screenings.
Editorial work reinforces the work of these organizations, as they produce hand-programs, brochures, schedules, information sheets, and even essays, supporting the significance of their exhibitions.
Two common features that may characterize a film society screening are:
They begin with an introduction of the film to the audience and end with the promotion of a debate / discussion about the film, where members, organizers and sometimes filmmakers, interchange their views.
There are networks in many different countries, and these are organized into federations, councils, collectives, and local networks.