Villanova’s Cultural Film & Lecture Series Celebrates 30 Years of Cinematic Exploration
In commemoration of its 30 years, Villanova CFS events are now free to the public; Spring series explores the concept of “Freedom”
Villanova University’s Cultural Film and Lecture Series (CFS) celebrates its 30th anniversary this spring by making all events free to the public. To commemorate the celebration, the CFS spring series includes films that explore the concept of freedom. Villanova’s CFS presents several films a month based on important cultural themes chosen by a panel of faculty, students and administrators. Each film is accompanied by a lecture given by a faculty or industry expert. The 2011 spring schedule begins Jan. 30 with the film, The Cranes are Flying.
“Offering the Cultural Film and Lecture Series free of charge is an important way for Villanova to connect to the larger community and encourage conversations about issues that matter,” says Dr. John O’Leary, Director of the Cultural Film and Lecture Series.
The CFS was founded 30 years ago by retired Professor Emeritus Joan D. Lynch, at the request of Rev. John M. Driscoll, president of the university at the time, and in conjunction with the Office of Student Life and the Department of Theatre. The series was endowed by a gift from the Connelly Foundation of Philadelphia, which also funded the University’s Connelly Center where CFS films are screened.
Films will screen in the Connelly Center Cinema on Villanova’s campus on Sundays at 3:30 and 7 p.m., and with a speaker on Mondays at 7 p.m.
For more information about CFS, including times and dates, visit http://www.villanova.edu/events/culturalfilms/
CFS 2011 Spring Schedule
Jan. 30, 31 – The Cranes are Flying
Directed by Mikhail Kalatozov, Soviet Union, 97 minutes, 1957. This film explores the ways that war affects the concept of being free for Soviet citizens. The film won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Speaker: Prof. Boris Briker
Feb. 6, 7 – Unchained Memories
Directed by Ed Bell and Thomas Lennon, USA, 75 minutes, 2003. The stories of former slaves come alive for us, narrated by great actors. This film documents a struggle for hope and the dream of being free. Speaker: Prof. Maghan Keita
Feb. 13, 14 – All the President’s Men
Directed by Alan Pakula, USA, 138 minutes, 1976. To enhance the visit on the 14th of Bob Woodward to Villanova’s campus, CFS will screen this film that chronicles attempts by those in power to corrupt the freedom of Americans. Speaker: Prof. Matt Kerbel
March 13, 14 – Invictus
Directed by Clint Eastwood, USA, 134 minutes, 2009. The World Cup and the dismantling of apartheid come together in this stirring examination of sports and freedom. Speaker: Prof. Susan Mackey-Kallis
March 20, 21 – Sin Nombre
Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, USA-Mexico, 96 minutes, 2009. A Honduran teenager dreams of a life being free as a U.S. citizen.—Speaker: Prof. Gustavo Benevides
March 27, 28 – Ulee’s Gold
Directed by Victor Nunez, USA, 113 minutes, 1997. Ulee, is a Vietnam vet, a widower, a grandfather, and a beekeeper. He must keep his family free from outside influences that can destroy them. Speaker: Prof. James Kirschke
April 3, 4 – Frankenstein
Directed by Jack Arnold, USA, 71 minutes, 1931. One of the few horror films to make the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 greatest films, this classic reveals the artistic freedom of the filmmakers as they show us the mad scientist who dreams of being free by creating life. Speaker: Prof. Rick Worland
April 10, 11 – Fantasia
From the Disney Studio, USA, 1940, 125 minutes. Many see this film as freeing the art form of animation and as opening up access to classical music for a wider audience. Speaker: Prof. Joe Ansolabehere