International Film Week continues throughout weekend

For all who are tired of the typical blockbuster films with extravagant special effects, A-list stars and contrived plot devices, the University Program Board organized an International Film Week to showcase award-winning foreign films.

"We encourage everyone to come out and watch a foreign film sometime this week," said sophomore Jeremy Paredes, UPB media and public relations director. "The UPB encourages anyone interested in foreign films — or even those who have yet to see a foreign film — to come to the Grafton-Stovall Theatre and partake in an evening of cinematic satisfaction."

International Film Week kicked off yesterday with a Polish film, "Crows," which won the Special Jury Prize at the Polish Film Festival, according to UPB. "Crows" is the story of a 9-year-old girl — nicknamed "the Crow" — and her journey to find a family.

"There will be foreign films shown from China, Italy, Israel and Sweden," Paredes said. Paredes hopes the film festival will both educate audiences and entertain them.

"I am highly anticipating International Film Week," senior Justin Williamson said. "Mainstream films seldom appeal to me, so I am excited that JMU has actually made efforts to show foreign films to its community. I’ll be there opening night."

Senior Leander Koger seemed excited about watching foreign films. "I am a huge fan of foreign cinema, and I am thrilled that JMU has taken the initiative to show foreign films at the Grafton-Stovall Theatre."
Paredes said he hopes this year’s festival will go as well as in the past.

"We want to show the JMU community a variety of films that many students and faculty members may have never been exposed to before," Paredes said. "We have hosted this event for at least three years now, and we usually have a pretty good turnout."

The festival began Wednesday, Oct. 20 and continues through Sunday, Oct. 24. The festival is co-sponsored by the Madison International Association. All of the films will be shown at the Grafton-Stovall Theatre in lieu of the regular films shown. Tickets will be $2.50 per person, with FLEX and cash accepted.

For more information on International Film Week, visit the UPB Web site at upb.jmu.edu/.

International Films playing in Grafton-Stovall Theatre

"Platform" - This Chinese film runs Thursday at 7 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m.

"The Last Kiss" - This Italian film won a Best Actor Award at the Newport International Film Festival. It will run Friday at 7 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m.

"Lilya 4-Ever" - This Swedish film was nominated for Best Film and Best Actress at the European Film Awards. It will run Sunday at 7 p.m. and again at 9 p.m.