CORVALLIS, Ore. – For the last 40 years, Crossroads International has provided friendship, hospitality and language assistance to countless international students and visiting scholars and their families at Oregon State University. From providing conversation partners to locating families willing to extend friendships to incoming international scholars, the organization makes difficult transitions more comfortable and friendly.

Each year, Crossroads presents an international film festival that not only reflects the organization’s dedication to cross-cultural communication and understanding, but which is the organization’s primary fundraiser. The 2009 Crossroads International Film Festival will feature films from India, Africa, Dominican Republic, Bhutan, Uruguay, Europe, Middle East, and USA, on four consecutive Sundays in February at the Darkside Cinema, 215 SW Fourth Street in downtown Corvallis.

“Swades,” an Indian film inspired by the story of a couple who developed the pedal power generator to light remote schools, will kick-off the festival at 1 p.m. on Feb. 1. Some showings will include special cultural activities, ethnic food, or discussions. The schedule below provides times for each showing, as well as additional discussions or activities provided for some films. Film schedule: (Note: All films in foreign language have English subtitles.)

Feb. 1

1 p.m. “Swades: We the People,” India (189 min. in Hindi and English)
4:30 p.m. “The Price of Sugar,” Dominican Republic (90 min. in English and Spanish)
After the film there will be a presentation featuring local farmers who have lived and worked with farmers in Haiti. 6:30 p.m. “The Pope’s Toilet,” Uruguay (97 min. in Spanish)

Feb. 8

1 p.m. “Kirikou & the Sorceress,” Africa (animated, suitable for children), (74 min.)
After the film, there will be a performance of dances from Guinea.
4 p.m. “Travelers and Magicians,” Bhutan (108 min. in Dzongkha)
6:30 p.m. “Le Grand Voyage,” Europe/Middle East (108 min. in French & Arabic)

Feb. 15

1 p.m. “The Price of Sugar,” Dominican Republic (90 min. in English and Spanish)
After film presentation featuring local farmers who have lived and worked with farmers in Haiti
4 p.m. “The Pope’s Toilet,” Uruguay (97 min. in Spanish)
6:30 p.m. “Travelers and Magicians,” Bhutan (108 min. in Dzongkha)
After the film, there will be a presentation by a local traveler recently returned from Bhutan discussing history, geography, and Buddhism.

Feb. 22

1 p.m. “Arranged,” USA (90 min.)
After the film there will be a discussion of arranged marriages in Jewish and Muslim cultures in the US today.
4:00 p.m. “Le Grand Voyage,” Europe/Middle East (108 min. in French & Arabic)
6:30 p.m. “Swades: We the People,” India (189 min. in Hindi and English)

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for children or students with ID, and are available at Grassroots Books and Music, 227 SW Second St. until the day before a show, OSU Student Leadership and Involvement Office (at the MU East), and at the cinema on the day of the show (No credit cards). All proceeds go to Crossroads International programs.

For more information, see: http://oregonstate.edu/international/crossroads/crossroads-international-film-festival-2009

Source: 

Dawn Moyer,
Crossroads International Director,
541-737-6480

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