campus news and events

Colby-Sawyer College to Present Global Film Series as Part of International Education Week

NEW LONDON, N.H., Nov. 11, 2010 – As part of International Education Week from Nov. 15 - 19, Colby-Sawyer College will host a Global Film Series, featuring films from Algeria, Vietnam, Iran and Mexico.

The films include “Mascarades,” a comedic tale of family and social acceptance; “Adrift,” a look at the dynamics of lust and marriage in modern Hanoi, “Becloud,” a film about the tangled connection between three Mexican neighbors; and “My Tehran For Sale,” the story of the suppression of a woman's artistic expression in, and her descent into, a secret world to keep her passion alive, on Nov. 18.

The public is welcome to attend these film screenings, which will take place in Wheeler Hall at the Ware Campus Center. Admission is free.

Kicking off the Global Film Series, “Mascarades” will be presented on Monday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m., followed by discussion led by Assistant Professor of Business Administration Eva Szalvai. “Mascarades” tells the story of social outcast, Mounir, and his search for acceptance in his village. Mounir attempts to gain the respect of his fellow villagers by inventing a story about his narcoleptic sister, Rym, whom the villagers believe will end up a spinster.

In a drunken state, Mounir claim his sister is engaged to a wealthy Frenchman. Accepting his story as the truth, the locals give Mounir and his family their respect and begin planning for the marriage ceremony. Meanwhile, Rym is secretly in love with Mounir's best friend, and the impending ceremony lacks one important player: a groom. This award-winning comedy provides light-hearted social commentary and was Algeria's Oscar submission for “Best Foreign Language Film” in 2008. (Arabic with subtitles in English. Algeria, 2008).

The second film in the series, “Adrift,” presented on Tuesday, Nov. 16, at 8 p.m., chronicles the unromantic, frustrating relationship between newlyweds Duyen and Hai in modern Hanoi. Finding a lack of passion in their marriage, the couple feels a growing void between them. A jealous female friend who harbors same-sex feelings for Duyen attempts to sabotage their marriage by introducing her to Tho, a seductive man who has the potential to unravel Hai and Duyen's troubled marriage. A discussion led by Assistant Professor of Natural Sciences Linas Kalvatis will take place following the screening. (Vietnamese with subtitles in English. Vietnam, 2009)

“Becloud,” the third film in the series, which takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m., tells a story of three neighbors and former childhood friends in 1960s Mexico. As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that the destiny of the entire neighborhood is tied to an infant who was found by one of the men and his friend in a dry lakebed years earlier. Told in an intricate sequence, the tangled plot keeps viewers entranced until the neighbors' fate is finally revealed. Professor of Social Sciences and Education Randy Hanson will lead discussion following the film. (Spanish with subtitles in English. Mexico, 2009)

The final film in the Global Film Series, “My Tehran for Sale,” will be presented on Thursday, Nov. 18, at 7:15 p.m. with Assistant Professor of Social Sciences and Education Eric Boyer leading a discussion after the film. 'My Tehran For Sale,' follows the life of Marzieh, a young woman living in modern Tehran. When actress Marzieh's work is banned by Iranian authorities, she is forced to lead a secret life like many other young people in Iran. At an underground rave, she meets someone who offers her a chance to live a life without fear. (Farsi and English with subtitles in English. Iran 2009)

These films are presented as part of Colby-Sawyer College's celebration of International Education Week, which highlights the benefits of international education and exchange planet-wide. This joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education is part of a national effort to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States.

-Jessica McLavey '10

Colby-Sawyer College is a comprehensive college that integrates the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation. Founded in 1837, Colby-Sawyer is located in the scenic Lake Sunapee Region of central New Hampshire. Learn more about the college's vibrant teaching and learning community at www.colby-sawyer.edu.

Colby-Sawyer College, 541 Main Street, New London, N.H. 03257 (603) 526-3000.