In 2019, Gonzalo Duran’s world was turned upside down. After surviving a devastating car accident, undergoing multiple surgeries, and enduring the emotional toll of a divorce, Duran found himself physically broken, emotionally drained, and searching for a way to rebuild.
He found that way in the dim glow of the movie theater.
For Duran, movies were more than just entertainment—they became a sanctuary. Theaters offered an escape and, more importantly, a path to reconnect with the world around him. What began as solo movie visits soon evolved into something much bigger. Armed with an AMC A-List membership, Duran began inviting friends to join him at screenings. Slowly but steadily, a small group of film enthusiasts emerged—laughing, debating, and escaping into stories together. They had built something special.
Then the pandemic hit.
Almost overnight, theaters shuttered, cities locked down, and the film industry ground to a halt. But instead of letting that be the end of their story, Duran and his growing circle adapted. Movie nights turned into video calls, watch parties went virtual, and late-night phone calls became deep-dive film discussions. Duran also began writing about the movies they watched, turning conversations into deeper connections.
“There is nothing like escaping into the magic of film—a few hours where new worlds unfold before your eyes, stirring emotions too powerful for everyday life, and reminding us that the possibilities in this world—and beyond—are truly endless,” Duran reflected.
When restrictions began to lift, Duran saw an opportunity to formalize the community they had created. The Movie Club was born.
With a renewed AMC membership and a fresh vision, Duran began rebuilding, one screening and one friend at a time. He traveled across boroughs, explored new theaters, and even invited strangers he met while on vacation. The response was overwhelming—not only did people join, they stayed.
Today, the Movie Club’s Facebook community boasts more than 1,000 passionate members. The club thrives on sharing memes, reviewing films, hosting meetups, and celebrating the art of cinema. Their story has even caught the attention of local newspapers, highlighting the club’s unique journey from a personal coping mechanism to a thriving community.
“This is not just about watching movies—it is about building something real,” Duran said.
For those inspired by the story, and movies, the Movie Club welcomes moviegoers of all stripes—whether casual fans or hardcore cinephiles. Anyone interested can join the community or reach out directly.To join the Movie Club, please visit here, or for more information contact Gonzalo Duran, Chief Executive Officer of Devil Dog USA Incorporated, at ceo@devildogusainc.org or 516-515-0240.
Image caption: Gonzalo Duran, the Movie Club Founder, and Elliani Tejada, Club Administrator.
