Film Series Archive

The FIUTS International Film Series seeks to spread cultural understanding through the beatiful and vivid media of film. Every academic quarter FIUTS shows two films from around the world. Each film is followed by an engaging discussion about the film's themes, usually led by a faculty member or a student.

Previous Films from 07/08

Machuca
Chile 2004
Written and directed by Andres Wood
shown Tuesday, October 9th 2007

In1973, the Chilean military, under the direction of General Augusto Pinochet, overthrew the shaky socialist government of democratically elected President Salvador Allende. Set against the background of the political instability that led to the crisis, this is a moving story of the friendship between two boys from different sides of the social spectrum. Click here for more information and resources.

Discussion led by Cynthia Steele, Chair of the Department of Comparitive Literature and Latin American film scholar

The Lives of Others
Germany 2006
Winner of Best Foriegn Film, Academy Awards
shown Tuesday, November 13th 2007

In 1984, five years before the fall of the Berlin Wall, Captain Gerd Weisler is a dedicated member of East Germany’s dangerously powerful secret police. He is assigned to spy on a celebrated playwright and actress couple. But as he observes their lives he begins to reexamine his own, and the question the power and motives of the government for which he works. Click here for more information and resources.

Discussion led by Lissy Rabusseau, FIUTS Student Board member and graduate student (Women's Studies) from Germany

The Yacoubian Building
Egypt 2006

Already hailed as one of Egypt’s greatest and most controversial films, The Yacoubian Building tells the stories of the residents who have lived in this Cairo apartment block. Based on the bestselling book of the same name, the film tackles political corruption, adultery, Islamic terrorism, and homosexuality in Egypt. Click here for more information and resources.

Discussion to be led by Jacinthe Assad, graduate student (Comparative Literature) from Egypt

Shower
China 2000
Directed by Zhang Wang

A young, wealthy business man, Da Ming, is lured from his fast-paced, modern life in Beijing back to his sleepy hometown to help his elderly father and mentally challenged younger brother who run a bathhouse.

Ming observes how his father and the bathhouse play such a vital role in the community. Shower is an excellent portrayal of what is happening to many families as China's quest for modernity collides with its traditional way of life. Click here for information and resources.

Discussion led by Shujie Zhang, undergraduate student (Business) from China.

Smoke Signals
United States 1998
Directed by Chris Eyre

Written by Sherman Alexie, who born in Spokane, Washington and is of American Indian heritage.  The story follows two unlikely companions, Victor Joseph and Thomas Builds-the-Fire, on a road trip to retrieve the remains of Victor's father.  Victor’s father played an essential but very different role in both of their lives: he saved Thomas from a fire when he was an infant, but he submitted Victor to the scourge of domestic violence and alcoholism.   Smoke Signals is full of humor, pain, redemption, and insights into contemporary American Indian life. Click here for information and resources.

Thursday,April 10th 2008 @ 6 pm

Arabian Nights
United States 2000
Directed by Steve Barron

Tales of cunning thievery, beautiful princesses, deadly suspense, raucous laughter, and magical genies are all part of this contemporary telling of 1001 Arabian Nights. Enjoy the vividly filmed stories of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves, Aladdin and the Genie of the Lamp and more.  Starring John Lequizamo. 

Tuesday,May 27th 2008 @ 6 pm

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