This post was written by Hatchet reporter Margaret Kahn.
Feb. 10-16
One of the things that most drew me to D.C. was our place as a truly global city. This week, I’m highlighting four international film events coming through the city. These films represent the work of talented filmmakers from Russia, France, Palestine and Iran.
Thursday, February 13: “Mr. West”
The Russian Embassy, 2641 Tunlaw Road
Shuttle leaves GW (22nd and G Streets) at 6 p.m.
Free
Info here.
What better time to go to the Russian Embassy than during the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi? The American University Initiative for Russian Culture organized this free event, which also includes a Russian dinner and a Q&A session, to all students in the D.C. area.
The film itself is a silent picture from 1924, the first Soviet picture to directly challenge American stereotypes of soviet Russia. Mr. West, a YMCA director, and his cowboy friend Jeddie journey to the newly founded USSR, and comic encounters and culture shock naturally ensue.
Dress in business attire and bring a government-issued ID. You must register by noon on Tuesday to reserve a spot.
Friday, February 14: “Amelie”
Artisphere, 1101 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington
10 p.m.
Tickets: $10
Info here.
If you’re still looking for Valentine’s Day plans, look no further than Amelie, one of the best French films of the last decade. Don’t be daunted by the Virginia address of the Artisphere, an arts and culture center: it is located just two blocks from the Rosslyn Metro.
They’ll be showing the film, a whimsical romantic-comedy about a search for love in Paris, in the 220-seat Dome Theatre. After the movie, continue the Parisian theme with crepes at Café Bonaparte in Georgetown.
Saturday, February 15: “Omar”
National Geographic Live, 1600 M Street
5 p.m.
Tickets: $9
Info here.
Join “National Geographic Live” for their Global Glimpses series, where the five Oscar-nominated films for the 86th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film will be screened in one weekend. You won’t want to miss “Omar,” the second Palestinian film ever to be nominated for an Academy Award. It follows the story of the title character, a Palestinian baker turned militant turned double agent. Reception to follow the film.
Sunday, February 16: “My Name is Negahdar Jamali and I Make Westerns”
Freer Gallery of Art, 1000 Jefferson Drive
2 p.m.
Free
Info here.
One of seven films in the Freer’s 18th annual Iranian Film Festival, this is a simple and short documentary about Negahdar Jamali, who has been making Westerns in Shiraz, Iran for 35 years. The film chronicles the production of his ultra low-budget projects and the oft-hilarious casting of his local friends and neighbors as cowboys and Native Americans.
Make the most of your time on the Mall and check out the Sackler Gallery (connected to the Freer by an underground exhibition space) collection of luxury Persian metalwork dating back to the first millennium BCE, “Feast Your Eyes: A Taste for Luxury in Ancient Iran.”
