Illini 411: What was the first movie shot on campus?

Pro Patria, 1916 (Image courtesy of U of I Archives)

A: The first “moving picture” shot on campus was the student-made, alumni-produced Pro Patria in 1916. Pro Patria (Latin for “for one’s country”) attempted to show a realistic depiction of college life, telling the love stories of two couples against a background of frat parties, chemistry labs and baseball games. Distribution of the film was limited—it was shown in local theaters and to alumni groups—and reception was mixed, with The Daily Illini giving it a rave review and alumni calling it “melodramatic piffle.” Today, like most silent films, it is considered “lost,” with no known copies in existence.

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