International Film Festival Set for Aiken

News Summary

The USC Aiken community invites everyone to its upcoming International Film Festival, showcasing films from Austria, France, and Mexico on three Tuesdays in February. Each screening features original language films with English subtitles, followed by faculty-led discussions. The festival is curated by Dr. Kelly Wiechman and aims to engage viewers with diverse cinematic experiences. This year’s lineup includes psychological horror, mystery thrillers, and unique narratives, all aimed at broadening attendees’ cultural horizons.

Exciting International Film Festival Coming to Aiken

Get ready, Aiken! The USC Aiken community is preparing for an exhilarating journey around the globe, thanks to the upcoming International Film Festival featuring captivating movies from three fascinating countries: Austria, France, and Mexico. Mark your calendars for three consecutive Tuesdays this February—on the 12th, 19th, and 26th—for a cinematic experience that’s absolutely free and open to everyone.

A Touch of Global Cinema Awaits

The festival promises to showcase an impressive lineup of films, all screened in their original languages with English subtitles. So, whether you’re a die-hard film buff or just in search of something interesting to do, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste. Each screening will kick off with a brief discussion led by faculty members before the film rolls, giving viewers a peek into the deeper themes and contexts of the approaching cinematic adventure.

Meet the Director

At the helm of this festival is Dr. Kelly Wiechman, a professor of French language and culture at USC Aiken. She’s enthusiastic about the event and has curated an exciting selection of films that resonate with various audiences. Over the years, the festival has attracted between 75 to 100 people for each screening, showcasing just how much folks in Aiken love their films.

Film Schedule: What to Expect

Here’s what’s on the big screen:

• February 12: Kick things off with the Austrian psychological horror flick “Hotel”, directed by Jessica Hausner. This gripping tale, set in a remote hotel in the Alps, dives into elements of local myth while following a young woman who takes a job as a night porter. Mysterious disappearances and chilling occurrences will keep you at the edge of your seat. Fun fact—it only became available in North America recently!
• February 19: Next up is “Le Nuit Du 12” or “The Night of the 12th”, a French mystery thriller directed by Dominik Moll. Released in 2022, this intense film follows a young police captain who becomes obsessed with solving the brutal murder of a young woman. The psychological toll of investigating such a heinous crime is central to the plot, making it a thought-provoking watch based on non-fiction material.
• February 26: Concluding the festival is the Mexican drama “Sueño en Otro Idioma” or “I Dream in Another Language”, directed by Ernesto Contreras. This unique narrative revolves around a young researcher documenting an ancient language in a remote village where two native speakers have stopped communicating with one another. Did you know the filmmakers even created a fictional language for the film, reminiscent of Klingon from Star Trek? Now that’s creativity!

Heads Up!

While these films are sure to engage viewers, it’s important to note that they do contain adult themes and are intended for a mature audience. All screenings will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Room 106 of the Penland Building, located at 471 University Parkway in Aiken, SC.

Join the Fun!

There’s more to film than just popcorn and soda, folks! Attendees are encouraged to come with an open mind and embrace the diverse selection that awaits. Whether you’re looking to broaden your cultural horizons or simply enjoy a good story, Aiken’s International Film Festival is not to be missed!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: USC Aiken International Film Festival
• iHeart: Super Size Me Filmmaker Morgan Spurlock Dies
• World Atlas: Whimsical Towns to Visit in South Carolina
• Wikipedia: Film Festival
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Film Festival