The words “subtitles” or “documentary” might seem scary to the average Movies 12 or “Dollar Theater”-goer, but taking a chance on films like these may provide for a fulfilling evening of entertainment.

“[SUB films are for] people who are looking for something different,” says Eric Yarwood, assistant program manager for the Memorial Union. “Some [films] you can’t rent — some you can only see by going to this event.”

Yarwood says that the films genres shown during SUB films range from anime to cult and mainstream to foreign.

“You name it — it’s pretty much covered in here,” Yarwood says.

Kathy Svec, former advisor for SUB films and marketing coordinator for the Memorial Union, says SUB films started around 1970 as a means for audiences to see films without having to make the trip to the theater.

“In the late ’70s, you couldn’t go to the video stores to rent movies. You had to go to the theater or go to SUB films,” Svec says. “We used to show 3 movies a week.”

According to Svec, the program is unique because the committee is made up of volunteers.

“We always just had these crazy movie people who love films. They have found their niche with showing classics and outstanding foreign films,” Svec says.

Today, SUB film patrons can see movies that range anywhere from 1925 to 2001, providing a better selection than what is available in many modern movie theaters.

“I feel that our films offer a broader range than Hollywood films,” says Phillip Ross, director of SUB films and senior in construction engineering.

Ross says the highlight of this year’s lineup is a lecture by independent filmmaker John Waters, followed later in the week by a double feature of two of his films, “Hairspray” and “Pink Flamingos.”

In “Hairspray,” overweight Tracy Turnblad dreams of making it on the “Corny Collins Dance Show.” The many hours spent dancing and practicing at home finally pay off when she wins an audition to appear on the show. But things quickly turn sour when Amber von Tussel, one of the show’s stars, stops at nothing to make Tracy’s life miserable.

Divine’s title as “The Most Disgusting Person in the World” is put in jeopardy when the Marbles move into town in “Pink Flamingos.” Not only do they sell drugs to children, they also kidnap and impregnate female hitchhikers. This graphic and perverse film has been declared John Waters’ exercise in bad taste, Ross says.

Two subtitled foreign films playing this semester are the German-language “Even Dwarfs Started Small,” about a group of imprisoned dwarfs, and “Bicycle Thief,” an Italian film focusing on a man and his son’s search for their stolen bicycle.

For anime fans, SUB films will also offer a free anime festival. “X”, “Ninja Scroll” and “Ghost in the Shell” will comprise an evening of Japanese-style animation.

For those hesitant about going to a SUB film, Yarwood says people can see things they don’t see every day.

“Be willing to try different things — expand your horizons,” he says. “If it sounds interesting, check it out.”

Who: SUB Films

Where:Pioneer Room, Memorial Union

When: 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays 7 p.m. Double features

Cost: $2—$3