International Film Series at UR to focus on migration this spring

January 6, 2017

The University of Richmond will continue the 28th annual International Film Series (IFS) with 12 new films beginning Jan. 20.

A new feature of the series is that each screening will explore the topic of migration, both as a natural human tendency and as the result of political and economic distress.

“Our recent screenings have been sparking wonderful conversations,” said Martha Merritt, dean of International Education. “We are excited to engage viewers this semester by focusing the theme of migration, an acute and timely topic proposed by our faculty.”

“With millions of displaced persons on the move in response to war and conflict, the films we have selected give voice to individual stories of migrants and refugees, highlighting their humanity, courage and resilience, while also asking us to engage with their lives and not look away,” said Kathrin Bower, German studies professor and IFS committee member.

The free series, which is open to the public, features celebrated and notable films from around the world in what is often their only public screening in the Richmond area.

Films screenings include:

  • Jan. 20 & 22: “The Namesake” (U.S./India, 2007)
  • Jan. 27 & 29: “Neukölln Unlimited” (Germany, 2010)
  • Feb. 3 & 5: “Black Girl” (Senegal/France, 1966)
  • Feb. 24 & 26: “Shun Li and the Poet” (Italy, 2011)
  • March 17 & 19: “Persepolis” (France, 2007)
  • March 31 & April 2: “The Second Mother” (Brazil, 2015)
  • April 7 & 9: “Ixcanul” (Guatemala/France, 2015)

As part of this series, five additional films from China and Taiwan will be shown during ChinaFest, Feb. 10 through 12. Additional information is available online.

Screenings take place in the Robins School of Business, Queally Hall, Ukrop Auditorium. The films are played in their original language with English subtitles. Friday screenings are at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday screenings are at 7:30 p.m.

The 3 p.m. screening on Friday includes faculty-led introductions and post-film discussion.

More information on the series, including trailers, reviews, ratings, mailing list registration and specifics on parking is available online at www.richmond.edu/ifs.

The International Film Series is co-sponsored by the Office of International Education and the Boatwright Memorial Library Media Resource Center.

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