The department of Language
and Literature began a Foreign
Film Series in the library auditorium
last week.
The series highlights cultural
differences in award-winning
films by accomplished directors .
If you’re not fluent in several languages,
all films are subtitled in
English.
“La Finestra di Fronte” or “Facing
Windows,” directed by Ferzan
Ozpetec, winner of five David di
Donatello awards, including best
film, was shown Thursday, Oct.
11. The movie tells the tale of a
young working-class wife and
mother who has little time for the
senile and elderly man her husband
rescued from the streets.
On Nov. 7, the thriller “Das
Leben der Anderen” or “The Lives
of Others,” by Florian Henckel
von Donnersmarck will be shown.
Winner of an Academy Award for
Best Foreign Film, the movie portrays
an East Germany secret
police wire tapper whose political
beliefs change through his overheard
conversations.
“Volver,” a tragic-comedy
directed by Pedro Almodovar, honors
women and their strength. This
movie stars Penelope Cruz, whose
performance earned her an Academy
Award nomination.
Professor Arlene Toro said she
anticipates seeing Volver. “It is a
chance to see Spanish on all levels
and be exposed to one of the best
Spanish directors who was
unknown before the film gained
exposure from an Academy
Award,” said Toro.
Directed by Michael Haneke,
“Cache” or “Drama,” showing in
April, is about a married couple
tormented by mysterious video
tapes observing their private life.
Susan Darrah, chair of the Language
and Literature department,
said students interested in cultures
and languages would appreciate
the film series. “It is good for students
to hear language spoken in
the context of the film, and the
films, in general, are always fun to
go to since they have the translation
at the bottom,” said Darrah. “And it
is a good exposure to other cultures,
plus the film is free.”
Refreshments will be served at
the screenings.