If you have longed for the experience of sitting in a movie theater and watching a great film on the big screen again, then look no further than the International Film Festival, set to kick-off March 3rd.
The Ross Pendergraft Library and the Department of World Languages have teamed up to bring the campus and community a sample of the finest films from around the world.
Each film will be shown in Doc Bryan Auditorium at 7:00 P.M. While the university remains in Phase 1, attendance will be limited to 30 people on a first come, first serve basis. Each film is registered as a Global Focus On Track event. Admission is free and open to the public.
Take a trip and never leave the university with these eight films from Germany, Argentina, Japan, Cuba, and France:
Wednesday, March 3rd – El Secreto de Sus Ojos (The Secret in Their Eyes)
This crime drama from Argentina tells the story of a retired legal counselor writing a novel and hoping to find closure for one of his past unresolved homicide cases and for his unreciprocated love with his superior – both of which still haunt him decades later. This film won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2009.
Thursday, March 4th – Sanjuro
A crafty samurai helps a young man and his fellow clansmen save his uncle, who has been framed and imprisoned by a corrupt superintendent. This 1962 action-packed comedy was directed by Akira Kurosawa, and it is the sequel to Yojimbo. It is in Japanese with English subtitles.
Tuesday, March 9th – M
When the police in a German city are unable to catch a child-murderer, other criminals join in the manhunt. This German language thriller from 1931 was directed by Fritz Lang and stars Peter Lorre as the serial killer. It is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time.
Wednesday, March 10th – Ernest et Célestine
This animated French language comedy from 2012 features the story of an unlikely friendship between a bear, Ernest, and a young mouse named Célestine. The film has won numerous international film awards, including the Magritte Award for Best Film. It was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
Thursday, March 11th – Una Noche (One Night or Until Two Friends)
In Havana, Raul dreams of escaping to Miami. Accused of assault, he appeals to Elio to help him reach the forbidden world 90 miles across the ocean. One night, full of hope, they face the biggest challenge of their lives. This 2012 Cuban-set Spanish language thriller has won numerous international film awards, including best actor, cinematography, and new director honors in the Tribeca Film Festival.
Tuesday, March 16th – Miss Hokusai
This 2015 animated film portrays the life and works of Japanese artist and ukiyo-e painter Katsushika Hokusai, as seen from the eyes of his daughter, Katsushika O-Ei. Hokusai is the artist responsible for one of the most recognizable works in Japanese art—the woodblock print of The Great Wave off Kanagawa, also known as The Wave. This Japanese language film includes English subtitles, and it is based on a Manga series of the same name.
Wednesday, March 17th – Barbara
A doctor working in 1980s East Germany finds herself banished to a small country hospital in this 2012 German language drama.
Thursday, March 18th – Jeux d’enfants (Love Me If You Dare)
This 2003 French language romantic comedy features best friends Julien and Sophie who continue the odd game they started as children — a fearless competition to outdo one another with daring and outrageous stunts. While they often act out to relieve one another’s pain, their game might be a way to avoid the fact that they are truly meant for one another.
For more information about the film festival or the films, contact the event coordinator Philippe Van Houtte at pvanhoutte@atu.edu. This event would also not be possible without the World Languages faculty who selected these films and the other organizers of the festival: Dr. Nelson Ramìrez, Associate Professor of Spanish and Coordinator of World Languages and Dr. Lowell Lybarger, multimedia librarian and instructor of music.
We hope to see you at the movies!