Nothing beats a free movie — unless, of course, you add some free food to the mix.
Now in its 11th year, the Chiaroscuro International Film series does all of this and much more. Chiaroscuro seeks to help audiences celebrate and understand diverse cultures through the medium of film. Each movie is free and open to the public, with every viewing followed by a panel discussion of the film and a reception, complete with refreshments pertaining to the culture portrayed in the film.
Toni Perrine, GVSU film professor and board president for Chiaroscuro, explained that the theme for the 2017 series is “Journeys.” This includes both literal and metaphorical journeys, all displayed through a cinematic lens relevant to the world today.
“Many of the films resonate with today’s current events and are a great way to open up dialogue and share ideas after the viewing,” Perrine said. “We hope to welcome many new audience members and new perspectives to the conversation.”
On Jan. 15, Chiaroscuro presents Mustang, a movie that follows five orphaned sisters as they seek empowerment in a conservative, patriarchal village. On Jan. 29 is a screening of Güeros, a film about three teenage boys searching for Mexican folk-rocker Epigmenio Cruz during the student strikes of 1999. The series continues into February with Of Horses and Men and Timbuktu, closing out in March with the Iranian film About Elly.
For more information on the film series, visit chiaroscurogr.org.
