Fifteen-year-old Hudson Purma has carved a niche for himself as the programmer for Austin Flick Clique, a club dedicated to introducing teenagers to classic films. One film that holds a special significance for him is the 1976 comedy “Nickelodeon,” directed by Peter Bogdanovich. His journey into the world of classic cinema began four years ago when his father took him to see this film at AFS Cinema, igniting a passion that has since blossomed.
“I told my dad, ‘We need to go see more of these,’” Hudson recalls, and soon after, his family became regular attendees at the Paramount Summer Classic Film Series, where they watched dozens of films. The pre-show introductions by Stephen Jannise, the programmer for the historic downtown theater, captivated Hudson, revealing the stories behind each classic film and showcasing them as true works of art.
However, there was one hurdle for the young cinephile: none of his friends had seen these classic films, making it difficult for him to share his newfound enthusiasm. To bridge this gap, Hudson founded Flick Clique, a film series designed for teens that celebrates the cinematic greats from Akira Kurosawa to Barbara Stanwyck. Screenings take place on the first Monday of every month at Sekrit Theater in Southeast Austin.
The next screening will feature George Romero’s iconic 1968 horror film “Night of the Living Dead,” scheduled for September 7, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. and the film beginning at sunset. Tickets are priced at $5 per individual and $10 per family at the door.
During a recent morning at his family’s home in South Austin, Hudson, dressed in a T-shirt emblazoned with “The Godfather” logo, unpacked Flick Clique’s poster archive on the dining table. A bust of W.C. Fields provided a watchful presence as the enthusiastic homeschool student shared his appreciation for director John Ford, with a vinyl soundtrack of “A Fistful of Dollars” on display like a treasured family photo.
Flick Clique primarily showcases films released before 1970, with Hudson personally curating the selections. He has organized themed series focusing on renowned directors like Alfred Hitchcock, adaptations of Shakespeare, and coming-of-age narratives, all of which require extensive research and viewing. After all, he is only 15.
“Night of the Living Dead” wraps up a series of monster movies, which also included titles such as “Godzilla” and “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.” Hudson ensures there’s something for every cinema enthusiast, be they fans of zombies, atomic lizards, or classic Universal monsters. The next film series will feature movies known for their iconic scores.
“You don’t hear anyone discussing these films, especially among newcomers, and if they aren’t talked about or appreciated, they will fade away,” Hudson explains. “We’re trying to keep them alive. If we can inspire people to love classic cinema, they’ll pass that passion on to their children, creating a chain reaction.”
Flick Clique is not just limited to a few members; the shows attract between 20 to 60 attendees, welcoming film lovers of all ages. Jane Long, an 18-year-old who joined early on, takes charge of designing all the promotional posters for the series. Once Hudson determines the upcoming films, Jane researches iconic imagery from each and sketches her ideas in graphite, later enhancing them digitally.
“Before this, I wasn’t really into films,” Jane admits. “But I’ve come to appreciate it as a serious art form. It’s deeper and more meaningful than I ever considered, comparable to paintings or literature. Observing the intricate details adds a whole new dimension to how ideas are communicated.”
On screening nights, attendees can admire Jane’s artwork at Sekrit Theater. Hudson’s father, Charles, prepares the evening’s film in the projection booth, while the family makes a quick trip to H-E-B for concession snacks. They also provide film notes filled with historical context and trivia for the audience.
Before each screening, Hudson takes center stage to deliver an introduction, a role he relishes despite feeling a bit anxious beforehand. He practices his speech several times to ensure he feels confident.
Hudson enjoys listening to the audience’s reactions, noting that the reception to “Paper Moon” was enthusiastic, while “Harvey” received a more muted response. Jane particularly enjoyed Hitchcock’s 1954 thriller “Rear Window,” admiring the performance of Jimmy Stewart.
“My favorite part is overhearing the kids,” says Hudson’s mom, Mackenzie. “Sometimes I hear them referencing old classic movies, and it just cracks me up. I love it.”
The inaugural film for Flick Clique, “The Searchers,” remains Hudson’s personal favorite. “It gives you a little bit of everything,” he reflects on the 1956 Western epic.
The greatest challenge Hudson faces is building and sustaining an audience. However, his passion remains infectious. Prior to a recent showing of “12 Angry Men” at the State Theatre, he promoted Flick Clique to an engaged audience of hundreds. Earlier this year, the Austin Chronicle recognized Flick Clique as the “Best Clique of Burgeoning Cinephiles.”
After one screening, Hudson was approached by an audience member who remarked, “For an old movie, this was actually kind of good.” This comment surprised him, as many people often dismiss classic films as inferior.
