Why are these films important?
The CWC Global Cinema Series, with films from IFC and The Global Film Initiative, provide the opportunity to experience how people in other cultures live, think and deal with situations involving local and universal life issues. We also gain a glimpse of how films are created in other countries, where studio conglomerates and formulaic scripts do not prevail. Some of the titles are excellent, others less so; but what's more important is the value in exposure to life beyond our immediate confines. We urge you to see as many of the films as you can - which was is why the series spans nine weeks instead of three days.
History repeatedly points to the importance of great storytelling in chronicling and influencing human affairs. Even today, a powerful, authentic narrative can foster trust and respect between disparate cultures and mitigate the social and psychological impact of cultural prejudice.
In recent times, no medium has been as effective at communicating the range and diversity of the world's cultures as the cinematic arts. But this vital contribution to cultural diversity has been threatened by shifting economic conditions in the areas of film financing and distribution, a situation largely prompted by the international success of the American film industry. Filmmaking in the developing world has suffered most from these changes; traditional funding sources have all but disappeared and worldwide distribution channels have collapsed.
Ironically, it is the United States that suffers disproportionately from this lack of exposure to other cultures. The stability of America's ethnic mosaic depends on deep cross-cultural understanding, particularly between young Americans and the children of recently arrived immigrants. A comprehensive effort to give value to stories from every corner of the world plays a vital role in promoting understanding, tolerance and the ability to successfully interact in all areas of human behavior.
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History repeatedly points to the importance of great storytelling in chronicling and influencing human affairs. Even today, a powerful, authentic narrative can foster trust and respect between disparate cultures and mitigate the social and psychological impact of cultural prejudice.
In recent times, no medium has been as effective at communicating the range and diversity of the world's cultures as the cinematic arts. But this vital contribution to cultural diversity has been threatened by shifting economic conditions in the areas of film financing and distribution, a situation largely prompted by the international success of the American film industry. Filmmaking in the developing world has suffered most from these changes; traditional funding sources have all but disappeared and worldwide distribution channels have collapsed.
Ironically, it is the United States that suffers disproportionately from this lack of exposure to other cultures. The stability of America's ethnic mosaic depends on deep cross-cultural understanding, particularly between young Americans and the children of recently arrived immigrants. A comprehensive effort to give value to stories from every corner of the world plays a vital role in promoting understanding, tolerance and the ability to successfully interact in all areas of human behavior.