Belmont World Film's 23rd International Film Series: "Freedom on Film"

Belmont World Film's 23rd International Film Series, "Freedom on Film," runs Mondays at 7:30 PM at Apple Cinemas from March 31-April 14, and at the West Newton Cinema (1296 Washington Street) from April 21-May 19. After a two-week break, the series continues at the West Newton Cinema with the observance of Pride Month on June 2 and World Refugee Awareness Month on June 9 and 16. Films are followed by engaging discussions led by filmmakers and expert speakers that explore the themes and messages portrayed on screen. Three of the eleven films in the series were their countries’ submission for the Best International Feature Film Oscar, and most have screened at the world’s top film festivals, such as Cannes, Venice, Toronto, and Berlin; the Czech film Waves was shortlisted for the Oscar, but was not ultimately nominated. The films are in a record-breaking eleven languages besides English, including Czech, Croatian, French, Fulah, Macedonian, Malinka, Persian, Portuguese, Spanish, Turkish, and Ukrainian. The powerful lineup explores the many dimensions of freedom—from personal liberation to political resistance—showcasing compelling stories from around the globe and shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of those who dare to break barriers. The series invites audiences to engage with diverse perspectives on what it truly means to be free. Opening night on Monday, March 31, at Apple Cinemas features the East Coast premiere of DJ AHMET, winner of the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award and the Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. It’s a sweet, coming-of-age drama about 15-year-old Ahmet, who finds solace in music while navigating tradition, family expectations, and first love in a remote Macedonian village. The screening will be preceded by a dinner reception at the theater featuring North Macedonian cuisine from 6:00-7:00 PM. Other films include: April 7 (Apple Cinemas): THE GOOD TEACHER (France, North American premiere). Francois Civil plays a dedicated young literature teacher in a Parisian suburb whose life unravels when he’s wrongfully accused of sexual misconduct by his student in this gripping film inspired by true events. As allegations spiral, he faces mounting pressure from the student’s brother and peers, forcing him to fight to clear his name amid escalating turmoil. The film offers a nuanced exploration of rumor, reputation, and resilience within the educational system. April 14 (Apple Cinemas): WAVES (Czech Republic/Slovakia, New England premiere). Set during the Prague Spring of 1968 and the aftermath of the Warsaw Pact invasion, this historical thriller follows Tomáš, a young man who inadvertently joins a Czechoslovak public radio station. As Soviet forces invade, Tomáš and his fellow journalists risk their lives to broadcast uncensored information, confronting state censorship and secret police surveillance. The Czech Republic’s submission for the Best International Feature Film Oscar. April 21 (West Newton Cinema): READING LOLITA IN TEHRAN (Italy/Israel, New England premiere). Azar Nafisi’s memoir is brought to life in a story about a courageous literature professor (Golshifteh Farahani) who, amidst the political upheaval of post-revolutionary Iran, clandestinely convenes seven female students to explore forbidden Western literature. In the face of societal repression, the women find solidarity as their personal narratives begin to intertwine with the novels they read. Shot in Italy with a predominantly Iranian cast, the film captures the essence of 1980s and ‘90s Iran, highlighting the transformative power of literature. April 28 (West Newton Cinema): MANAS (Brazil, East Coast premiere). Set in a remote riverside community in Brazil, this compelling drama follows a 13-year-old girl who becomes increasingly aware of the systemic violence and exploitation faced by the women in her village. Determined to change her destiny and protect her younger sister, she courageously challenges the oppressive structures governing their lives. Winner of the Venice Film Festival’s Giornate degli Autori Director’s Award. May 5 (West Newton Cinema): SIMA’S SONG (Netherlands/France/Spain, North American premiere). The bonds of friendship between a wealthy communist and a conservative Muslim singer are put to the test during Afghanistan’s turbulent history in the 1970s. Despite their differing political beliefs, they remain steadfast during their personal and societal upheavals, including the Soviet invasion and the rise of the mujahideen. The film highlights the resilience and courage of Afghan women amidst decades of conflict. May 12 (West Newton Cinema): SHEPHERDS (Canada/France, US premiere). A Montreal advertising executive abandons his urban life to become a shepherd in the French Alps in director Sophie Deraspe’s (Antigone, BWF 2021) latest film. Together with a civil servant who also leaves her former life behind, he navigates the challenges of rural existence and their new environment, to seek purpose and connection. Winner at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. May 19 (West Newton Cinema): FOUR MOTHERS (Ireland, East Coast premiere). In the vein of such films as Waking Ned Devine and Philomena, this Irish comedy-drama features a novelist (Scottish actor James McArdle) on the cusp of literary success, who’s unexpectedly tasked with caring for his ailing mother (Fionnula Flanagan) and three of his friends’ mothers over a chaotic weekend. As he juggles his own aspirations with the demands of four spirited elderly women, he embarks on a humorous journey of self-discovery and unexpected companionship. Preceded by an optional closing dinner from 6-7 PM featuring Irish cuisine. Films shown in June as part of the Pride and World Refugee Awareness Month observances include: June 2 (West Newton Cinema): THREE KILOMETERS TO THE END OF THE WORLD (Romania, New England premiere). After returning to his conservative village in the Danube Delta, a 17-year-old boy is attacked for sharing a kiss with another young man. As his parents grapple with their love for their son and their deeply held religious beliefs, they resort to extreme measures, believing they must protect their son from himself. Romania’s submission for the Best International Feature Film Oscar. June 9 (West Newton Cinema): SOULEYMANE’S STORY (France, New England premiere). A young immigrant from Guinea navigates the streets of Paris as a food delivery cyclist while striving to secure legal residency. With only two days to prepare for a critical asylum interview, he must balance the demands of his precarious job and the challenges of his uncertain status. Winner of the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival and nominated for eight César Awards (the French Oscars). June 16 (West Newton Cinema): UNDER THE VOLCANO (Poland, New England premiere). While enjoying the final day of their vacation in Tenerife, Spain, a blended Ukrainian family’s world is upended when news breaks of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, rendering their return to Kyiv impossible. Stranded on the island, they must navigate feelings of isolation, fear, and uncertainty, all while confronting the evolving dynamics within their family. Poland’s submission for Best International Feature Film Oscar. Funding for the International Film Series is provided by Juliet Jenkins/Leading Edge Realty and the Quebec Delegation of Boston. The Belmont LGBTQ+ Alliance is a community partner.

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Belmont World Film's 23rd International Film Series: "Freedom on Film"

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