Crossroads International fills month with culture

CORVALLIS - On Sundays this February, Crossroads International will bring eight cross-cultural films to the screens of Darkside Cinema for the group's third annual film festival.

"I think the thing that sets our festival apart is that it's really hard to find international films, said Crossroads International director Dawn Moyer.

"We intentionally look for films that are from underrepresented regions or films that we just think are real gems n films that you would rarely have a chance to see on the big screen," Moyer said.

This year's festival features films from India, Africa, Dominican Republic, Bhutan, Uruguay, Europe, the Middle East and the United States.

"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.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of Crossroads International, a program that provides friendship, hospitality and language assistance to international students, visiting scholars and their families at Oregon State University.

Crossroads' programs include providing conversation partners and locating families willing to host incoming international students and scholars with three-day home stays to ease their transition to the United States.

"Our goals are two-pronged," Moyer said. "Helping people develop the survival skills that they need here -. and of course friendship and connecting people to the community."

"The film festival is our big fundraiser," Moyer said. "What we like about it is that it brings out the type of people who might be supporters of Crossroads anyway - who are internationally minded, internationally curious."

"A lot of the films are cross-cultural within two other cultures. That's been a theme throughout our film festivals," Moyer said.

Examples this year include "Le Grand Voyage" which follows a Moroccan father and son as they travel from their home in France to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

Another film, "The Price of Sugar," is about Dominican immigrants in Haiti and sugar plantations. The film is the subject of some controversy and a law firm representing the family featured in the documentary plans to send a representative from their offices in New York to read a statement before both showings.

Several showings will include special cultural activities, ethnic food or discussions. Check the schedule for details.

CHECK IT OUT

"Arranged," (United States, 90 minutes), 1 p.m. Feb. 22. After the film there will be a discussion of arranged marriages in Jewish and Muslim cultures in the U.S.

"Kirikou & the Sorceress," (Africa, 74 minutes, animated, suitable for children), 1 p.m. Feb. 8. After the film, there will be a performance of dances from Guinea.

"Le Grand Voyage," (Europe/Middle East, 108 minutes in French and Arabic), 6:30 p.m. Feb. 8 and 4 p.m. Feb. 22.

"The Pope's Toilet" (Uruguay, 97 minutes, in Spanish) 6:30 p.m. Feb. 1 and 4 p.m. Feb. 15.

"The Price of Sugar" (Dominican Republic, 90 minutes, in English and Spanish), 4:30 p.m. Feb. 1 and 1 p.m. Feb. 15. After the film there will be a presentation featuring local farmers who have lived and worked with farmers in Haiti.

"Swades: We the People" (India, 189 minutes, in Hindi and English), 1 p.m. Feb. 1 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 22.

"Travelers and Magicians," (Bhutan, 108 minutes in Dzongkha), 4 p.m. Feb. 8 and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 15. After the Feb. 15 showing, there will be a presentation by a local traveler recently returned from Bhutan discussing history, geography, and Buddhism.

• Location: All films will be shown at Darkside Cinema, 215 S.W. Fourth St., Corvallis.

• Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for children or students with ID, and are available at Grass Roots Books & Music at 227 S.W. Second St., the OSU Student Leadership and Involvement Office in MU East, and at Darkside Cinema on the day of the show (no credit cards). All proceeds go to Crossroads International programs. Information: oregonstate.edu/international/crossroads.