Press Release

October 22, 2012

Leland Elder
lbelder@chipublib.org
(312) 747-4053

Ruth Lednicer
lednicer@chipublib.org
(312) 747-4907

If your appetite for foreign films outlasts the Chicago International Film Festival, then come to the Chicago Public Library for the free Global Lens 2012 International Film Series. The Global Lens Film series, presented in partnership with The Global Film Initiative, is an annual, curated program that showcases award-winning feature films from around the globe. The Global Lens 2012 International Film Series will be featured at the Chicago Public Library from November 2012 through March 2013.

Now in its tenth year nationally, Global Lens has selected films from Albania, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Iran, Iraq, Morocco, Rwanda and Turkey. Each film was selected for its authentic voice, its strong cinematics and unique cultural perspective, opening a window to the diverse world in which we live.

A brief discussion will follow all film screenings. Special educational screenings for teenagers to view and discuss film themes, topics and technical aspects will be presented as well. For more information about the Global Lens film series and Global Film Initiative programs, please visit globalfilm.org.

Global Lens 2012 Films @ Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State Street:

Thursday, November 1 at 6 p.m.
Cindy Pritzker Auditorium
Mourning (Soog), dir. Morteza Farshbaf, Iran, 2011
In the wake of his parents’ disappearance, a young boy is placed in the care of his deaf aunt and uncle who, during a road trip to Tehran, engage in a silent but apparently not-so-secret debate about the child’s future. (Farsi with English subtitles)

Wednesday, November 7 at 6 p.m.
Cindy Pritzker Auditorium
Craft (Riscado), dir. Gustavo Pizzi, Brazil, 2010
A struggling actress and celebrity impersonator lands an audition and what may be her “big break” after an inspired director recasts his film around her socially marginalized life as an underrated artist in Rio. (Portuguese and French with English subtitles)

Thursday, November 8 at 4:30 p.m. Note: (Special educational screening for teens only)
YOUmedia, 1st floor
Grey Matter (Matiére Grise), dir. Kivu Ruhorahoza, Rwanda, 2011
After government officials decline to support his project, a determined filmmaker enlists the support of a loan shark to finance his trenchant drama about the aftermath and impact of genocide on a brother and sister. (Kinyarwanda and French with English subtitles)

Wednesday, November 14 at 6 p.m.
Cindy Pritzker Auditorium
The Prize (El Premio), dir. Paula Markovitch, Argentina/Mexico, 2011
A political activist’s life-in-hiding on an isolated stretch of Argentina’s coastline is jeopardized after her 7-year-old daughter is selected to participate in a local school’s patriotic essay contest. (Spanish with English subtitles)

Global Lens 2012 Films @ Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue:

Monday, November 19 at 6 p.m.
Sulzer Auditorium
Toll Booth (Gise Memuru), dir. Tolga Karaçelik, Turkey, 2010
An aging toll booth attendant, straining under the weight of a domineering father and suffocating work routine, finally begins to crack when faced with the emotional pressure of an unexpected romance. (Turkish, with English subtitles)

Tuesday, November 27 at 6 p.m.
Sulzer Auditorium
Grey Matter (Matiére Grise), dir. Kivu Ruhorahoza, Rwanda, 2011
After government officials decline to support his project, a determined filmmaker enlists the support of a loan shark to finance his trenchant drama about the aftermath and impact of genocide on a brother and sister. (Kinyarwanda and French with English subtitles)

The Chicago Public Library continues to encourage lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment and knowledge through materials, programs and cutting-edge technology. Through its 79 locations, the Library provides free access to a rich collection of materials, both physical and digital, and presents the highest quality author discussions, exhibits and programs for children, teens and adults. For more information, visit chicagopubliclibrary.org, or call (312) 747-4050.