People and Place: Four International Films that Explore National Pride, Religion, Class and History.

All discussions will take place on Zoom at 7:00 pm.
View the films at home (check https://www.justwatch.com for options) and join us for a Zoom discussion.

May 2 – Quo Vadis Aida, Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2020. Set in 1995, Aida is a translator for the UN in the small town of Srebrenica. When the Serbian army takes over the town, her family is among the thousands of citizens looking for shelter in the UN camp. We follow Aida’s attempt to save her family in this taut geopolitical thriller. Available for rental on Amazon Prime. Watch the trailer here

May 9 – The White Tiger, India, 2021. Rebelling against a rigged and unequal system, an ambitious Indian driver uses his wit and cunning to escape from poverty. Based on a New York Times best seller, this biting social commentary has moments of tenderness and humor as we visit a world far different than ours. Watch the trailer here

May 16–Belfast, 2021, Ireland. Written and directed by Kenneth Branagh, this autobiographical film explores what it takes for neighbors to suddenly turn on their neighbors. Set in 1969 Northern Ireland, Belfast features an incredible performance by 11 year old Jude Hill. Watch the trailer here

May 23 – Walk on Water, Israel, 2004. In and effort to capture a Nazi war criminal an Israeli intelligence agent is assigned to befriend his grandchildren. This topical film explores the notions of retribution,  friendship, guilt and forgiveness in a suspenseful thriller. Watch the trailer here

Bob Kagan was Chair of the Communication Department at Manchester Community College for 30 years. In his “unretirement” he teaches Communication courses at Central Connecticut State University and the University of Hartford. He has been leading film discussions at the Avon Free Public Library for the past 6 years.

Please register once for the series, even if you can’t attend all of the sessions. Zoom links will be sent out before the event.