Students sat transfixed, eyes locked on the screen in front of them. They were not merely watching a film; they were visiting Russia. The trip cost them nothing, yet they received valuable insight into Russian culture in only a few hours. Through the film, “Nikita Mikhalkov’s 12,” they had the opportunity to see Russian culture in a film produced by Russian minds and presented in Russian tongue.

“Nikita Mikhalkov’s 12,” shown Oct. 17, was the first in the ongoing annual International Film Festival sponsored by the Office of International Student Services and High Library. The organizations teamed up again this year with the intent to create a series that would leave an impact. Louise Hyder-Darlington, access services librarian at High Library, has been a promoter of showing foreign films on campus since the film series start.

“A partnership between International Student Services and the High Library makes sense. We both have a similar goal: increase awareness of diverse cultures,” said Hyder-Darlington.

The use of subtitles on every film, instead of spoken English, heightens viewer experience. “We live in a society that is used to instant gratification. You have to work at these movies. We can sometimes forget that not all places speak English,” said Kristi Syrdahl, director of Office of International Student Services.

 You see the real truth in foreign films, they cut through the filter.”

The movies, chosen for the series, were included for specific reasons. Each one embodies the theme of the festival, “transformation,” in multiple and subtle ways, Hyder-Darlington said. This transformation is either a personal or cultural one, but each depicts a marked change for the better. “These movies have a real mission that tie into the mission of the College,” she said.

Some of the movies are shown because they are timely. The next film, “Swades: We, the people,” on Nov.  11, is during International Education Week. “Sometimes in April,” shown in its namesake month next spring, is seasonal. In addition, the film depicts the genocide in Rwanda, and this coming April marks 20 years since the annihilation. After the film, a survivor of the genocide speaks on the transformation that has occurred in Rwanda.

The film series, said Darlington and Syrdahl, offers an unfiltered look at other cultures. “It is good for the students and the community,” said Hyder-Darlington, “A lot is filtered through our media. You see the real truth in foreign films, they cut through the filter.”

The International Film Festival line-up:

  • Nov. 11 — “Swades: We, the people”
  • Jan.  16 — “Balzac & the Little Chinese Seamstress”
  • Feb. 13 — “Tsotsi”
  • Mar. 13 — “The Beauty Academy of Kabul”
  • Apr. 17 — “Sometimes in April

Films are shown in Gibble Auditorium from 7 to 9 p.m.