Community film enthusiasts can watch movies from around the world this week
at the International Film Festival.
The Union Program Council’s International Committee is presenting the festival which features a nightly film in the Union Colonnade Theater.
Ellen Burris, International Committee adviser, said the festival promotes campus appreciation of international cultures.
“We try to bring aspects of different cultures to campus,” Burris said. “The overall goal is to enhance the diversity on campus.”
Burris said more than 120 students and community members attended Monday’s viewing of “Spirited Away,” the first movie of the festival. She said this was a good turnout, considering it was the first night of the festival and the weather was poor. She also said she was pleased with the diversity of the viewers.
“We had a lot of people from the community that are not students,” Burris said. “When you look around the room, you see people of all races.”
She said the festival exposes people to movies they would not normally be able to see and also encourages students studying different cultures to further explore those cultures.
“I know a lot of Spanish professors have been promoting [the festival],” Burris said.
Students at the viewing of “Spirited Away” agreed with that assessment.
“It’s a lot of movies that you wouldn’t watch on your own,” said Stephanie Gross, a biological chemistry junior.
Other students said they came to the festival for that same reason.
“I wanted to see new movies,” said Holly Nagin, a photography junior.
The festival also appeals to people familiar with international films.
“[‘Spirited Away’] is one of my favorite movies,” said Andrew Pyle, a photography freshman.
Most students said they would attend other films shown throughout the week.
Burris said she anticipates tonight’s showing of “My Left Foot” and Friday’s showing of “Amores Perros” to be especially popular.
“My Left Foot” is an Irish film shown in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, Burris said. “Amores Perros” is a Mexican film.
Burris said the films are chosen by the International Committee, but students can make suggestions for future viewings if they attend the festival.
Films begin at 7:30p.m. and the festival runs through the week. It is free for all people who wish to attend.