For new students strolling Madison while searching for the nearest megaplex, the answer to that movie craving is closer than you think. Nestled in the Wisconsin Union, the Wisconsin Union Directorate Film Committee plays host to a wide variety of films, from current releases to independent films to cult classics.

Committee director Kelsey Field told The Badger Herald the program offers a lot to new students.

“We’re the only student-run film program on campus, and we’re the main place for students to see films for free, as well as recent films they would have to take a bus to go see and pay money for,” she said.

Although some people may associate “free” with limited options or lower quality, WUD Film boasts a wide variety of free programs to attract the most diverse movie lovers.

Memorial Union Films are the committee’s largest venture. MU Movies screens some of the most popular films just before their DVD release.

A few examples of previous MU Movies include “Superbad,” “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” and “No Country for Old Men.” It takes place every Friday and Saturday at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Getting there early is key, as popular films tend to fill up fast.

Yet WUD Film offers more than just the big releases. There’s Starlight Cinema, an avante garde film program, which alternates weekly with the documentary program, Real to Reel. Also available is International Cinema, which screens global films, Midnight Movies, which specializes in midnight screenings of cult favorites, and Sneaks, which shows movies before they hit theaters. Field also mentioned their role in a variety of special events, as well as their work with the Wisconsin Film Festival.

But WUD film is not just about entertainment.

“It’s important to know that we’re a student-run program,” Field said. “Students get to pick which films we play on campus.”

It’s also good to know these hand-picked gems are free, and WUD “gets a variety of films that in general you couldn’t even see even if you were willing to go to another theater. We’re the only people that bring certain films to Madison,” Field said.

And the momentum doesn’t stop with the end of the school year. Each summer provides more opportunities for entertainment in the Summer Film on the Terrace program. This summer has featured a musical theme, with films including “Hairspray,” “This is Spinal Tap” and “Moulin Rouge.”

This year will also mark a return of an old favorite: a student film competition.

“Small films will be submitted, and the winner will have their movie shown before the MU movies as the last film of the year,” Field said. “It’s a way for us to recognize student filmmakers on campus.”

For new students wishing to get involved, Field said it’s pretty easy.

“All you have to do is show up. You can come at anytime throughout the year; you don’t need to come to the first meeting,” she said.

Field also recommends simply “coming to the films and getting to know what we do” as a great way to begin helping out.

New students have already been playing a role in the WUD Film Committee. SOAR students in all sessions have participated in voting for the film to be shown as part of Wisconsin Welcome at the New Student Movie Night on Saturday, Aug. 30 at the Union Theater. The event will also include more information on getting involved with WUD Film as well as music on the terrace.

With a film for every taste, the WUD Film Committee is one of the best ways to get some pop culture in your life without breaking the bank or a long bus ride.

For those interested in getting involved, the WUD Film Committee has meetings each Tuesday at 6 p.m. Check the Today in the Union (TITU) schedule for details.