The Center for International Service is pleased to present a week-long international film series from Monday, Feb. 10 to Friday, Feb. 14.

Screening of the five feature films will take place on campus at different locations and are open to all members of the College community.

The purpose of the presentation is to familiarize our students with the rigors of studying film and media, and promote the study of film as crucial to a comprehensive and multidisciplinary liberal arts education. These presentations also help us to fulfill the Mission of CSI “to strengthen our diversity and foster civic-mindedness, and nurture responsible citizens for our city, country, and the world.” Through interaction with our speakers, faculty, and students, the presentation provides forums for the exchange of ideas and critical thinking.

We look forward to kicking off the International Film Festival at CSI in spring 2014 and showcasing the strong commitment of international education at CSI. All the screenings are PG CLUE events.

The five films are:

-Documentary film #1: Children of War, 75 mins., 2010
Monday, Feb. 10, 1:30pm to 3:00pm, Library Theatre (Building 1L, Room 103)

Children of War is a feature-length documentary film directed by Bryan Single and released in 2010. Filmed in northern Uganda over a period of three years, the story follows the journey of a group of former child soldiers in northern Uganda as they undergo a process of trauma therapy and emotional healing while in a rehabilitation center.

-Documentary film #2: Piercing I, 75 mins., 2010
Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2:30pm to 4:30pm, Center for the Arts (Building 1P), Room 223

Strikingly different from the majority of recent Chinese filmmaking, Piercing 1 tells a darker yet compelling tale of contemporary Chinese society and the drive for wealth and success. Increasingly disenfranchised, Xiaojun and his friend Dahong are convincing animated characters, attempting to deal with their situation in a manner worthy of the Coen Brothers. Refreshments will be served.

-Documentary film #3: China: From Cartier to Confucius, 50 mins., 2012
Thursday, Feb. 13, 12:30pm to 2:00pm, Dolphin Cove, South Building Conference Room and 5:30-7:00pm, Center for International Service (Building 2A, Room 206). Prof. Ying Zhu, Chair of the Department of Media Culture will be in attendance for a Q&A.

China: From Cartier to Confucius follows a group of students at an elite Chinese university as they question the value of the market-fundamentalist developmental path upon which China has embarked. Through the work of Confucius, this group of self-claimed cultural conservatives is exploring an alternative political and social system anchored on Chinese cultural tradition as opposed to the Marxist or Liberal Democratic model of Western origin.

-Documentary film #4: Invictus, 134 mins., 2009
Friday, Feb. 14, 11:00am to 1:00pm, Center for International Service Building 2A, Room 206)

This film follows the inspiring story of how Nelson Mandela rallied South Africa’s rugby team in their historic run for the 1995 Rugby World Cup Championship match.

-Documentary film #5: Camp Unity, 83 mins., 2008
Friday, Feb. 14, 2:3pm to 4:00pm, Center for International Service (Building 2A, Room 206)

A controversial, award-winning documentary about Iraqi students uniting through hip hop, jazz, orchestra, and Broadway at an American arts academy in Iraqi Kurdistan.

These film screenings are co-sponsored by the Center for International Service, the Department of Media Culture, the Department of the Library, and CSI Student Housing.  This event is funded, in part, by the Campus Activities Board using Student Activity Fees.

For more information, contact the Center for International Service in Building 2A, Room 206 at 718.982.2100 or visit our Website.