Dear fellow members and distingushed guests,

Imagine sitting in a darkened theater; the screen lights up, and you are transported to another world. The music, the lights, the characters, the story — all crafted meticulously to elicit emotions, provoke thoughts, and inspire dreams. This is the magic of movies, a collective effort of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of individuals who pour their hearts and souls into creating a world for us to experience, if only for a couple of hours.

Consider the classic tale told in the movie “The Shawshank Redemption,” a movie that didn’t make much noise during its initial release, grew to be beloved over time. It is a testament to the power of hope and the human spirit. We appreciate not just the story, but the subtle performances, the direction, the cinematography — all elements that coalesce into a film that many consider one of the greatest ever made.

Turning our gaze to the stars, we have “The Martian,” a cinematic celebration of scientific endeavor and human ingenuity. This film, based on Andy Weir’s novel, tells the story of astronaut Mark Watney, played by Matt Damon, and his struggle to survive on Mars after being left behind by his crew. It is a riveting adventure that showcases science not as a dry collection of facts and figures, but as a thrilling, life-saving pursuit that requires creativity, critical thinking, and an undying spirit of exploration.

Appreciation in the context of “The Martian” extends to the scientists and engineers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to push the boundaries of what’s possible. It’s about respecting the meticulous nature of scientific work, the trial and error, the hypotheses, and the experiments. The film inspires us to acknowledge the marvels of modern science and technology, the same marvels that allow us to grow food in space, communicate across the vast emptiness, and navigate the treacherous terrain of an alien planet.

Appreciation, in essence, is about connection. When we watch a movie that touches us, we are connecting with the creators’ vision, the actors’ portrayal, the composer’s melodies, and the collective efforts of all those behind the scenes. We are also connecting with each other, sharing experiences across the aisles of theaters or the comfort of our living rooms.

Furthermore, in our current digital age, where content is consumed rapidly and often fleetingly, it is more important than ever to pause and appreciate the art that we are fortunate to have at our fingertips. Streaming services have made it possible for us to access a global library of films, each with its own unique narrative, cultural background, and emotional palette.

So, I urge you to take a moment after watching a movie to think about what went into making it. Appreciate the writers who crafted the story, the actors who brought characters to life, the directors who envisioned the flow of each scene, the composers who set the tone, the editors who ensured the rhythm was just right, and the countless others involved in the filmmaking process.

The movie is a canvas that paints the inherent beauty of human vulnerability and the strength that comes from it. Appreciation here extends to recognizing the courage in others and ourselves, the courage to pursue happiness even when circumstances seem bleak. It reminds us to value the small victories in life, the warmth of a shared meal, the security of a job, or the laughter of a child. It challenges us to appreciate not just our successes but also the journey that got us there, with all its hardships and lessons.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as we walk away from these stories, let us carry with us a renewed sense of appreciation for the world around us. Let us look at our fellow human beings and see the heroes of their own epic tales. Let us gaze at the night sky and not just see the stars, but also the infinite possibilities they represent.

In closing, whether it’s through the lens of a camera or the lens of a telescope, the stories we tell and the discoveries we make all contribute to this magnificent tapestry of human experience. “The Shawshank Redemption” and “The Martian” are not just stories on a screen; they are reflections of our own lives, our own struggles, and our own triumphs. They remind us to appreciate every moment, every person, and every heartbeat of progress. They remind us to look beyond ourselves and our immediate surroundings to the vast potential that lies within and all around us.

So let us applaud not only the creators of these cinematic marvels but also the spirit they embody — the spirit of appreciation for the humanity that connects us and the science that propels us forward. Let us leave here today with a commitment to find appreciation in the everyday — in the quiet moments, the grand gestures, the simple acts of kindness, and the monumental achievements of our species.

May we all continue to be inspired by the stories we watch, the lives we lead, and the universe we are a part of. And may our appreciation for the intricate dance of life and knowledge be the light that guides us through our own narratives, as compelling and as rich as any film ever projected onto the silver screen.

Thank you.