Highlights

A good laugh is a universal pastime and Filmfest DC is continuing its popular series of international comedies. Comedies do more than just entertain; they also offer important insights into the central workings of a given culture, from its oldest customs to its most taboo subjects. Humor varies from one culture to the next, and it is impossible to characterize international comedies under one umbrella. Thus, in this series, we explore how international cinema has used humor to better understand the human condition as well as to make fun of our foibles. If the language of cinema is universal, then laughter is our common vocabulary.

Family Life

• The African Doctor (France) directed by Julien Rambaldi
• Family Life (Chile) directed by Alicia Scherson, Cristian Jimenez
• The Hippopotamus (UK) directed by John Jencks
• Solitaire (Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt) directed by Sophie Boutros
• The Wedding Party (Nigeria) directed by Kema Adetiba

Good guys vs. bad guys (or girls)... Will she escape? ... Who done it? ... The heist ... Mystery ... Suspense ... Conspiracy ... Betrayal. It's probably best to trust no one. Unlike the traditional Hollywood fare driven by loud explosions and endless sequels, our Trust No One focus offers engaging plots in atmospheric locations with fascinating characters who fuel the excitement in Filmfest DC's selection of international thrillers and crime dramas. This is edge-of-your-seat movie fun.

Searchers

• All of a Sudden (Germany, Netherlands) directed by Asli Özge
• At the End of the Tunnel (Argentina, Spain) directed by Rodrigo Grande
• Fast Convoy (France) directed by Frédéric Schoendoerffer
• Goldstone (Australia) directed by Ivan Sen
• The Oath (Iceland) directed by Baltasar Kormákur
• Searchers (Maliglutit) (Canada) directed by Zacharias Kunuk
• Train to Busan (South Korea) directed by Yeon Sang-ho

The collaboration of music and film often serves to illuminate both art forms' distinct beauty. Filmfest DC focuses on this dynamic combination by highlighting a number of international films that feature music accompanied by live pre-screening performances by some of D.C.'s most talented musicians and dancers!

Mali Blues

• The Dancer (France) directed by Stéphanie di Giusto
• Footnotes (France) directed by Paul Calori, Kostia Testut
• J: Beyond Flamenco (Spain) directed by Carlos Saura
• Patti Cake$ (USA) directed by Geremy Jasper

Global Blues

• I Am the Blues (USA, Canada) directed by Daniel Cross
• Mali Blues (Germany) directed by Lutz Gregor
• Two Trains Runnin' (USA) directed by Sam Pollard

Division & Debate

More than any time in recent history, citizens have drawn deep markers between "us and them." Hardened differences separate us along social, political and economic lines. Disagreements fueled by globalization and immigration, government policies and racial tension dominate news headlines and are difficult to avoid in everyday social discourse. Films selected for the Division & Debate series seek to explore these issues.

All Governments Lie: Truth, Deception, and the Spirit of I.F. Stone

• All Governments Lie: Truth, Deception, and the Spirit of I.F. Stone (Canada) directed by Fred Peabody – The need for a free and independent press
• Backpack Full of Cash (USA) directed by Sarah Mondale – Charter schools vs. support for public education
• The Good Postman (Finland, Bulgaria) directed by Tonislav Hristov
• This Is Our Land (France, Belgium) directed by Lucas Belvaux – How those affected by immigration and threats to job security can be manipulated by the far right wing.

When an individual or group has experienced an injustice, filmmakers use their talents and craft to make us aware and, hence, call us to take action. The Justice Matters focus within Filmfest DC highlights this tradition of using film to expand our awareness and understanding of social justice issues around the globe.

We want to thank the CrossCurrents Foundation for their support in helping to make this series possible.

Tomorrow

• 150 Milligrams (France) directed by Emmanuelle Bercot
• All Governments Lie: Truth, Deception, and the Spirit of I.F. Stone (Canada) directed by Fred Peabody
• Backpack Full of Cash (USA) directed by Sarah Mondale
• The Good Postman (Finland, Bulgaria) directed by Tonislav Hristov
• The House on Coco Road (USA, Grenada) directed by Damani Baker
• Last Men in Aleppo (Denmark, Syria) directed by Feras Fayyad and co-directed by Steen Johannessen
• Tomorrow (France) directed by Cyril Dion, Mélanie Laurent
• Two Trains Runnin' (USA) directed by Sam Pollard

The award jury consists of:

• Conrad Martin, Executive Director, Stewart R. Mott Foundation and Executive Director of the Fund for Constitutional Government
• Montré Aza Missouri, Founder and Director, Howard Film Culture
• Kathryn Washington, Director of Diversity and Innovation, Corporation for Public Broadcasting

Impact Project

Many independent filmmakers passionately focus on telling stories that spotlight issues of social justice. In recognition of their creators' commitment to share these important themes with the broadest possible segment of the public, the social justice films in Filmfest DC will be the focus of a special initiative to bring these works to a wider audience in our area.

In addition to the films' festival screenings, the project includes a series of programs and presentations designed for students and community groups. The Filmfest DC website offers thought-provoking resources about the films and the issues they explore.

This project is conceived and directed by Linda Blackaby, Filmfest DC's senior programming consultant, and is supported by a grant from the Wyncote Foundation.