The College of Communication Arts & Sciences at Michigan State University will host its second annual international film festival featuring the films, music, dance and food of Latin America, a celebration that is free and open to the public.
The film festival will screen a wide variety of features, documentaries and shorts at no charge to students and the public from Nov. 8-11 in the Communication Arts & Sciences Building on campus. A signature event of the MSU Year of Arts and Culture, this year’s film festival will also feature special musical and dance performances on the program, along with samples of Latin American food.
Charles Salmon, dean of the College of Communication Arts & Sciences, established the film festival as a way to improve communication about international issues, while also providing MSU students and the community with a rich selection of films from around the world. Each year focuses on a different region of the world.
“The festival is intended to promote understanding of the people, the culture and the issues of the diverse countries throughout Latin America. We share a border with Latin America, and the Latino population is fast growing, impacting marketing, communication and business in the United States and around the world. It is important to raise awareness and increase understanding of our neighboring region,” Salmon said.
Susan Woods, director of the East Lansing Film Festival, directs the programming of the films. This year’s program will include films from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, and other countries of Latin America. Discussions led by MSU experts will follow each film. Special screenings will be organized for high school students. In addition, the festival is partnering with many organizations and groups to reach a diverse audience.
Musical guests will include a special free performance by Musique 21, a 10-piece orchestra led by Raphael Jimenez of MSU Orchestras on Nov. 10 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 147 Communication Arts Building. Special food and dance performances will round out the cultural program.
The film festival is open to students and to the public. All films will be shown free of charge in the Communication Arts and Sciences Building. A schedule of films, with descriptions of each film, will be available online by October 1 at www.elff.com.
The film festival will take place during MSU International Education Week. 2007-2008 is also the MSU Year of Arts and Culture: http:// artsandculture.msu.edu.
The festival is generously supported by the MSU Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives, MSU International Studies and Programs, and the Department of English/Film Studies. The MSU Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies is partnering with the college on this year’s event.
Sponsorships are available to help support the festival. For more information, contact us.
Arts and culture play a critical role not only in preparing students for a global world, but also in nurturing the human spirit, and enriching prosperity and quality of life in Michigan. This year, the university is especially pleased to celebrate 2007-2008 as MSU’s Year of Arts and Culture. This initiative comprises a year of activities wrapping around all arts and culture units and academic programs. Learn more at http:// artsandculture.msu.edu.
