NAMSSN UI Chapter

Documentary & film evenings
Documentary & film evenings

A quiet space for maths-movie nights: occasional screenings of films and documentaries related to mathematics, science, and problem solving, followed by open conversations.

Why we host these evenings

These evenings are for sitting together, watching a story, and then talking honestly about it. They do not happen every week, but when organised, they let students see mathematics from its human side.

  • • Biographical films about mathematicians and scientists.
  • • Documentaries about problem solving, research, and discovery.
  • • Films showing how quantitative thinking shapes society and technology.

After each screening, there is time to discuss what the story says about learning, ambition, failure, ethics, collaboration, and the realities of academic life.

On campus Film & documentary
Next planned documentary or film evening
What appears here: the title of the film or documentary, the date, time, venue, and any simple instructions (for example “arrive a few minutes early” or “discussion circle afterwards”). During quieter periods, this card can simply note that the next screening will be announced through the usual NAMSSN channels.
Maths biopic Science documentary Ethics & society

New executives only need to update this card whenever a new screening is confirmed.

Past screenings & sample programmes

Whenever the chapter hosts a film or documentary evening, it can be added here as an archive card. These examples show the kinds of screenings that fit this space.

Maths biopic Film night
Feature film: The Man Who Knew Infinity
Overview: the story of Srinivasa Ramanujan, his journey from India to Cambridge, and the challenges of doing mathematics in a new environment.
Theme: genius, opportunity, mentorship, culture shock, ambition.
When this screening is held, its date, venue, and discussion notes can be attached here.
Documentary History of ideas
Documentary evening: A Brilliant Madness
Overview: a documentary about John Nash, his work, and his struggles. Useful for conversations about mental health, collaboration, and the legacy of research.
Theme: the human side of mathematical discovery.
After the screening, discussion highlights can be summarised here and expanded in the Student Bulletin.
Science & society Discussion-heavy
Film night: data, algorithms, and daily life
Overview: screenings that show how data, algorithms, and modelling influence everyday decisions—from finance to social media.
Theme: where mathematics meets ethics and policy.
When this type of screening is held, guiding questions and key reflections can be added here.

Discussion notes & reflections

After each film evening, facilitators may keep a short record of the conversation:

  • • Main questions raised during the discussion.
  • • Points that resonated with students.
  • • Disagreements or subtle insights worth revisiting later.
  • • Ideas for future screenings or related readings.

Longer reflections can appear in the Student Bulletin.