Global Lens Series Starts at SIFF Cinema This Weekend

The above globe-trotting, film-splicing trailer is for the Global Lens Series, starting up at SIFF Cinema this weekend. The series of ten films from nine countries runs now through April 3rd, highlighting the work from several countries not exactly known for their film industries, like The Philippines, Lebanon, and Argentina.

Five years ago, Global Film Initiative conceived of a project that would promote cross-cultural understanding through the medium of cinema, and encourage filmmaking in countries with developing film communities. This year’s touring exhibition includes ten films from nine different countries, featuring voices and cultures underrepresented on American screens. Brilliant, entertaining, and thought-provoking, the films in the Global Lens series constitute a socially- and politically-engaged survey of contemporary world cinema.

Opening weekend, your options are Bunny Chow, All for Free, and Luxury Car. Coming up is Opera Jawa, a gamelan version of the tale of The Abduction of Sita, from the Hindu epic The Ramayana, which played at SIFF last year. Its screenings will be followed by a special performance by the Gamelan Pacifica ensemble. Additionally, SIFF Futurewave will host post-film educational discussions led by UW professors after the 4pm screenings of four movies (The Kite, The Bet Collector, Let the Wind Blow, and The Fish Fall in Love).

Trailers for most of the films in the series here. Buy tix to the films individually ($7-$10, depending on time and/or SIFF membership) or get a series pass of all ten films for $75 ($50 for SIFF members).

SIFF Cinema // 321 Mercer St. // Times and prices vary // Through April 3rd