Directors featured in International Film Series

The Office of International Programs at Valdosta State University is sponsoring the International Film Series throughout spring semester at 7:30 p.m. in the University Center Theater. Admission to all movies is free and open to the public.

The series will feature acclaimed directors from around the world. A speaker will introduce each film and lead a brief discussion afterward.

The film series is shown in an effort to foster international and cross-cultural awareness in the Valdosta community. Movies are chosen on the basis of international appeal and critical acclaim. The following movies will be shown:

* "Shoot the Piano Player," Jan. 25, is a French film that introduces the audience to a skilled concert pianist whose role in his wife's suicide forces him to hide from his former life and his true talent. Francois Truffaut directs the film. Dr. Grady Lacy will be the speaker.
* "A Clockwork Orange," Feb. 7, is an American film that offers the audience a unique vision of the future. The New York Times called it a "brilliant, tour-de-force of extraordinary images, music, words, and feeling." Stanley Kubrick directs the film. Dr. Theresa Thompson will be the speaker.
* "Gauntanamera," Feb. 21, is a dark comedy about life in Cuba. The film intertwines the stories of truck drivers and members of a funeral procession. Tomas Gutirrez Alea is the director. Dr. Luis Bejarano will be the speaker.
* "La Strada," March 7, is an Italian film directed by Federico Fellini. This film gives a painful account of loneliness and heartbreak. Dr. Dennis Bogyo will be the speaker.
* "Love and Death," March 21, is an American film directed by Woody Allen. Allen stars in this 19th century comic portrayal of a man in love with a distant cousin. His cousin agrees to marry him because she anticipates his demise when he battles Napoleon. Woody survives by hiding in a loaded cannon. Dr. Charles Johnson will be the speaker.
* "Virgin Spring," April 10, is a Swedish film that depicts a father's revenge for the rape and murder of his daughter. Ingmar Bergman is the director. Ken Hanssen will be the speaker.
* "Seven Samurai," April 25, is set in medieval Japan. The film centers on a group of poor peasants who enlist the protection of seven samurai to defend their property from bandits who terrorize the village. Akira Kurosawa is the director. Dr. Matthew Richard will be the speaker.

For more information, contact the Office of International Programs at 229-333-7410.