The Oberlin Review
<< Front page Arts March 7, 2008

Cleveland Hosts International Film Fest

The 32nd Cleveland International Film Festival began last Thursday in downtown Cleveland by asking attendees, “How will it change you?” Sponsored by the Cleveland Film Society, CIFF is presenting a broad survey of American independent filmmaking and contemporary international films from over 50 countries. The Cleveland Film Society expects a turnout of over 50,000 people to view the festival’s 130 features and 160 short films.

In addition to CIFF’s main World Tour program, special film categories add diversity to the festival. These include Standing Up (“films with a conscience”), American Independents, Documentaries, Eastern European films, 10 percent Cinema (LGBTQ-related), Pan-American Images, Cinema en Espa&ntilde;ol, Jewish and Israeli Visions, Pacific Pearls and Scandinavian Screenings. The CIFF’s Local Heroes category spotlights works by local filmmakers and works with strong ties to Ohio.

Other festival components include a Director’s Spotlight on John Sayles’ work, whose films Lone Star (1992) and Passion Fish (1996) each received Academy Award nominations for Best Screenplay. The CIFF’s Someone to Watch program focuses on the work of Brillante Mendoza, a Filipino filmmaker in the middle of his career. The Cultural Journeys program focuses on Chinese filmmakers and themes. Finally, FilmSlam is a mini-festival of CIFF films screened specially for local high school students.

If you could use a night away from Oberlin or are interested in international cinema, you might consider checking out CIFF. Tickets tend to sell quickly, but they’re available for students at $10 on the day of the screening or online at clevelandfilm.org. Though it may not beat the Apollo’s price, something at the Cleveland International Film Festival might fit the bill, and challenge — or just maybe — change you.


 
 
   

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