International Film Festival
24th Annual International Film Festival
With exclusive viewings and esteemed guest speakers, Â鶹ÉçÇø’s International Film Festival is a hub for cutting edge cinema. The festival is presented by the School of Liberal Arts, bringing talent from across the globe over four days.
The 2024 festival runs from April 16th through 19th. Each screening will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Lecture Hall on the Westchester campus and will be followed by a post-film discussion.
See below for the films included in the festival this year.
Prayers for the Stolen
In a solitary town nestled in the Mexican mountains, the girls wear boyish haircuts and have hiding places underground. Ana and her two best friends take over the houses of those who have fled and dress up as women when no one is watching. In their own impenetrable universe, magic and joy abound; meanwhile, their mothers train them to flee from those who turn them into slaves or ghosts. But as the girls come of age, the dangers threaten to shatter their dreams and tear apart their innocence.
Tuesday, April 16 | Mexico, 2021 | Directed by Tatiana Huezo
Drama | In Spanish (with English subtitles) | R
Guest speaker: Dr. Mary Cuadrado
Writing with Fire
This groundbreaking documentary showcases the remarkable journey of Khabar Lahariya, India's only all-women news network. Overcoming societal barriers and oppressive gender roles, these fearless journalists work tirelessly to expose corruption and give a voice to the marginalized. Writing with Fire captures their relentless pursuit of truth, empowering viewers with a potent reminder of the indispensable role of a free press in a democracy.
Wednesday, April 17 | India, 2021 | Directed by Susmit Ghosh and Rintu Thomas
Documentary | In Hindi (with English subtitles) | Unrated 
Guest speaker: Edie Magnus
Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom
Set amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Bhutan, this heartwarming dramedy follows Ugyen, a disillusioned, young schoolteacher assigned to the most remote school in the world, cut off from modern life deep in the Himalayan glaciers. Ugyen's initial struggles, cultural clashes, and encounters with a yak reveal unexpected friendships, triumphs, and a profound understanding of the transformative power of education and community.
Thursday, April 18 | Bhutan, 2019 | Directed by Pawo Choyning Dorji
Drama | In Dzongkha (with English subtitles) | TV-PG
Guest speakers: Dr. Sudha Ramaswamy and Dr. Roseanne Vallice Levy
Apples
As an unpredictable, sweeping pandemic causes people to develop sudden amnesia, a man finds himself enrolled in a recovery program designed to help him build a new life. His treatment: performing daily tasks prescribed by his doctors on cassette tape, and capturing these new memories with a Polaroid camera. Greek writer-director Christos Nikou’s debut feature is a surreal and enigmatic work, a beguiling exploration of identity and reality.
Friday, April 19 | Greece, 2020 | Directed by Christos Nikou
Comedy | In Greek (with English subtitles) | Unrated 
Guest speaker: Dr. Marina Hassapopoulou
Free Admission
We will have popcorn!
And be sure to join us after the screening for coffee or tea, and cookies!
Schedule
All films will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Lecture Hall.
Join us after each screening for a lively discussion.
Contact
Steven DeRosa
sderosa1@mercy.edu
Reserved Parking for International Film Festival
The area on the map marked in yellow has been reserved for community guests attending the International Film Festival.
