Director: Nina Tedesco; Script and research: Paulo Cruz Terra, Nina Tedesco; followed by discussion with Paulo Terra (Universidade Federal Fluminense, Brazil); Sara York (Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro) and David Tenorio (University of Pittsburgh)
Join us for a screening of A Normal Family at Frick Fine Arts Auditorium 125, a gripping adaptation of the novel The Dinner that delves into personal morality amidst a family crisis. As two brothers, Jae-wan and Jae-gyu, clash over their differing ethical views, their respective children’s legal troubles force the family to confront their values and relationships.
Join us for a screening of In the Land of Brothers at Frick Fine Arts Auditorium 125, a poignant drama about Afghan refugees in Iran. The film explores how the family's displacement reverberates across generations and speaks to the constant feeling of otherness that comes with being a refugee. Through the lives of Mohammad, Leila, and Qasem, this beautifully shot debut by Alireza Ghasemi and Raha Amirfazli reflects on the enduring struggle for belonging and identity amidst political upheaval.
Join us for a screening of Girls Will Be Girls at David Lawrence 121, a bold and provocative look at a young woman's journey through self-discovery and societal expectations. As Mira, a model student at her boarding school, confronts her growing romantic feelings and the weight of her responsibilities, she is drawn into a rebellious exploration of identity. Featuring a stellar performance by newcomer Preeti Panigrahi, this film speaks to the generations of women forced to suppress their desires in the name of propriety.
Join us for a screening of Great Absence at Frick Fine Arts Auditorium 125, a gripping tale of memory, loss, and family reconciliation. Veteran actor Tatsuya Fuji stars as Yohji, a retiree whose failing memory leaves his estranged son, Takashi, searching for answers about Yohji’s missing wife. As Takashi unravels the stories his father weaves, the film delves into questions of love, reality, and the fragility of the human mind.
Join us for a screening of In Flames at Harris Theater, a haunting examination of the intersection between personal trauma and societal oppression in Pakistan. After Miriam's father dies, she and her mother Fariha are left vulnerable, facing a growing sense of dread that blurs the line between supernatural menace and real-world threats. This film starkly portrays the gender dynamics and violence that women face, offering a powerful, socially relevant narrative that debuted at Cannes in 2023.
Join us for a screening of Black Dog at Harris Theater, a visually stunning exploration of an ex-con and his unlikely bond with a stray dog in the Gobi Desert. This moving film delves into themes of isolation, belonging, and the search for redemption against the desolate beauty of the desert. With breathtaking imagery and an emotional journey that is both wistful and humorous, Black Dog reflects on love, longing, and the unpredictability of the future.
Join us for a screening of Sweet Dreams at Harris Theater, a darkly comedic and surreal exploration of colonial legacy in Indonesia. As the plantation owner’s death uncovers familial strife and colonial absurdities, the film delves into the complex relationships and power struggles within a sugar plantation. With its blend of malevolence and absurdity, Sweet Dreams critically examines how colonialism permeates and distorts every facet of life.
Join us for a screening of City of Wind at Harris Theater, a hauntingly beautiful drama set in the cold, arid landscape of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. This film follows Ze, a teenage shaman, as he struggles to balance his traditional spiritual role with the modern, chaotic world of adolescence. Between rituals and everyday life, Ze's journey through romance and self-discovery reveals the delicate line between two worlds that coexist in his reality.
Join us for a screening of The Cats of Gokogu Shrine at Frick Fine Arts Auditorium 125, a poignant exploration of an ancient Shinto shrine and its feline inhabitants in Ushimado, Japan. This film captures the interconnected lives of the cats, the local community, and the filmmakers themselves, as they attempt to blend into the aging, traditional town of Ushimado. Set against the spiritual and natural backdrop of Gokogu, this delicate portrayal touches on themes of community, belonging, and the bond between all living things.
