Belmont World Film (BWF) announces the lineup for its 20th International Film Series, running March 25-May 16, 2022, in a hybrid format. BWF features eight of the world’s top films, accompanied by both online and one in-person discussions with filmmakers or expert speakers.
“Last year we showed the East Coast premiere of Lunana, which is now an Oscar nominee for this year’s Best International Feature Film,” says Belmont World Film Executive Director and WIFVNE member Ellen Gitelman. “Audiences will find this year’s films no less appealing, and I wouldn’t be surprised if several of the films we show become their countries’ submissions for the Best International Feature Film Oscar, and perhaps even a nominee.”
Half of this year’s films are directed by women, with six directors making their feature film debuts, alongside two veteran directors: two-time Cannes Film Festival winner Tony Gatlif (Latcho Drom, Exils) and Philippe Le Guay (Women on the Sixth Floor). Films feature such diverse languages as Albanian, Anishinaabemowin (Canadian First Nation language), Italian, Occitan (the language of the Oc people in the south of France), Polish, Romanian, and Spanish. Seven of the eight films are in French from France and Francophone countries, including Belgium, Canada, and Switzerland.
Three films will be shown both online and in person at either the Majestic 7 Cinema in Watertown (81 Arsenal Yards Blvd.) or the West Newton Cinema (1296 Washington Street), four films will be available online only, and the closing night film on Monday, May 16, will only be shown in-person at the Majestic 7 in Watertown. All discussions will take place on Zoom on Mondays at 7:00 PM, except for closing night on May 16, which will take place immediately following the screening.
Individual in-person tickets are $12. Virtual individual tickets are $14 for a single viewer and $24 for multiple viewers. Several pass combinations are also available: in-person films only (4 films) are $40; online films only (7 films) are $85 for single viewers and $150 for multiple viewers; combo passes, which include 4 in-person films and 4 online films are $90. Memberships, which include complimentary tickets or passports and other benefits, are also available. EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholder tickets and passes are half price. To purchase tickets and passes, or for more information visit www.belmontworldfilm.org
BWF is funded in part by generous grants from Gravestar, the Mass Cultural Council and the Belmont Cultural Council. It is also supported by the Quebec Delegation of Boston and Villa Albertine.
Covid measures for in-person screenings include proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test within 72 hours of a screening, mask wearing, and social distancing (subject to change, depending on conditions).
