Film festival coming to Carson City

Film lovers from around the region won’t want to miss the second Carson City International Film Weekend, Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 18-20. Not only will audiences enjoy award-winning international and independently made films, all the events will be free.

The Carson City Community Center will host international films each evening, and Western Nevada College will show 10 independent films in the afternoons, Thursday-Saturday.

The event is made possible through a collaboration of the Carson City Library, Friends of Carson City Library, Carson City Community Center and WNC, and the free services they provide to the festival.

“The committee believes it’s a worthwhile endeavor and that people benefit from learning about various cultures in our world,” said committee member Linda Bellegray. “Last year’s films were overwhelmingly well-received by viewers.”

Evening viewings will feature award-winning, commercially produced international films.

“We use three criteria for choosing: films that evidence global awareness and/or appreciation for cultural diversity, understanding of social issues facing humanity, and a significant degree of film craft,” Bellegray said.

International films include “Cherry Blossoms” on Thursday, Feb. 18, followed by “Children of Heaven” on Friday, Feb. 19 and “A Royal Affair” on Saturday, Feb. 20. All three films will be shown at 7 p.m. in Bob Boldrick Theater at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St. Each film will be followed by an optional open forum discussion.

“Cherry Blossoms,” which is rated R with some nudity, is an unusual tale of cultural crossings and international relationships touching Japan and Germany. “Children of Heaven,” an Iranian film rated PG, is a story of everyday challenges from a child’s perspective, providing humor and humanity. “A Royal Affair,” the finale from Denmark, brings an 18th-century historical drama of love, politics, insanity and enlightenment. The film is rated R with some nudity and mature subject matter.

Shorter independent films will show from 2-5 p.m. each day at WNC, located at 2201 West College Pkwy, in Cedar Bldg Rm. 100.

Thursday’s films include “Blue Eyed Boy” from an Iranian filmmaker and “Our Father,” a film that portrays a son’s struggle with his father’s dementia and belligerence. “Our Father” includes nudity and mature content.

Friday’s short films, produced by University of Nevada, Reno student filmmakers, cover a wide range of topics, including the Truckee River, a bicycle cross event, child abuse, aging, and taxidermy.

To top off the independent films, Saturday features two music themed documentaries and a harmonica jam session. Films include “Virtual Harmony” in which a Reno Carmelite nun organizes a worldwide online choir, and “A Pocket Full of Soul: The Harmonica Documentary” which explores the culture, the players, the politics and the music.

“The filmmakers will attend the screenings at WNC to discuss their films and the process of making films with the audiences,” Bellegray said.

For more information, phone Valerie Andersen at 775-445-3222 or email to internationalfilmweekend@gmail.com.