The Institute for European Studies is thrilled to partner with IU Cinema to screen several impactful European films through March 25th. This collaboration gives audiences at IU and the Bloomington community the chance to view films that would otherwise be rare to see in a theater.
Dr. Alicia Kozma, Director of Indiana University Cinema, says “One of the most critical things European films do is thread together stories, peoples, and ideas that aren’t often represented in the U.S., yet which are critical to our hyper-connected world. That’s true of all this films we’re showcasing in partnership with EURO this semester.”
Several of these European films will be showcased as part of the IU Cinema’s International Art House Series, which features new films from the global art house community. These independent films are highly acclaimed, with most either having award-winning directors or having earned awards, such as at the Cannes Film Festival. “European films have always been a cornerstone of art house film, and that tradition remains stronger than ever today,” says Kozma.
The film schedule is as follows:
The Taste of Things (France): February 13th at 7 PM, February 15th at 4 PM
Perfect Days (Germany): February 20th at 7 PM, February 22nd at 4 PM
Kneecap (Ireland): February 21st, 10 PM
The Lives of Others (Germany): March 25th, 7 PM
Debating which film to see? Kozma believes that all of the films in this series are worth taking in. “I’ve seen all of these films and of course recommend everyone else does too,” she says. “But if there were only three I’d suggest audiences prioritize, they would be say The Taste of Things, Kneecap, and The Lives of Others.”
“I describe The Taste of Things as a pure hit of serotonin (and who couldn’t use that), but it’s also a French film directed by a Vietnamese-French filmmaker, based on a Swiss book, and really represents that European film is simultaneously European and global,” says Kozma.
The Taste of Things
She says that Kneecap is the first film the Cinema has played in Irish. “Besides being a raucous good time, is a clever telling of how language functions as a key site of power and contestation for people fighting for their culture,” she says. “The Lives of Others is a gripping spy thriller that, while set during the Cold War, asks us to consider the lengths we are willing to go to – and what we are and are not willing to compromise – for what we believe in. It certainly feels like critical viewing now perhaps more than ever.”
EURO welcomes you to join us at the IU Cinema this semester as we take in this selection of films and consider their meaningful messages. Films in this series are $5 for students and $8 for the general public. Please head to the IU Cinema website to secure your tickets and see more information about the screenings.
EURO’s co-sponsorship is supported by the European Commission through our designation as a Jean Monnet EU Centre of Excellence.