Foreign Film Series’ Upcoming Films and the Cinematic Heights of Discussion

by Charlotte Peak

Films bring people together regardless of the time and place; there is a film for everyone. The Foreign film series here at Cape Cod Community College (4C's) does just that. Cindy Pavlos and Lore Loftfield Debower are in charge of this fantastic piece of weekly, invigorating film engagements. Pavlos reveals that this series is an opener for students and others, having much meaning to those who join the viewings. 

“Through the magic of film, windows open that allow us to view other cultures, languages, other ways of living – without leaving our homes,” said Pavlos. “For those who have travelled, these films offer a chance to reconnect with places they may have visited and loved. For those who have not had that opportunity, the films draw viewers into other worlds.”

This series is a fantastic example of what it means to be insightfully educated. “Dean Lore Loftfield DeBower began the Foreign Film Series about twenty-five years ago,” said Pavlos. DeBower had wanted to share her love of foreign films with the college and Cape Cod communities.

COVID-19 had altered the physical angle and positioning in which loyal and new viewers of the Foreign Film series. Rather than being able to hold a shared viewing for all participants of the dedicated film each week, it must be done individually, digitally. The goal is to watch the film at any point before everyone eventually gathers over Zoom for a verbal review of the topical film. “Up until the pandemic in March 2020, we showed weekly films in person in lecture hall A,” said Pavlos. “When COVID hit, it took a large toll on everything, finding it extremely difficult to make things work, the series had to figure out a new plan. Initially, we struggled to stream films in a way that would allow us to watch films together as a group, as we had always done. When that proved to be impossible, we discovered the Kanopy Film streaming service, which is available to the public, and the college libraries. As things begin to pick back up, the participants meet every Tuesday at 4 o’clock, and the series has a full schedule! We have seven more films for fall semester and we are excited to watch and discuss them!  These include films from Iran, Syria, France, Denmark, Russia and Italy.”

There are usually “25-35 participants” at the weekly meetings,” according to Bill Gentes, a regular participant. “I live in New York and started taking classes through the Academy for Lifelong Learning and found out about the Foreign Film Series. Without COVID I never would’ve done this, and being a huge movie buff, I hope it continues through zoom, so I keep participating.”

These meetings have had a positive impact on the participants, such as Gentes, and they provide something to look forward to during these challenging times.

One of the many films of the Foreign Film Series 

Categories: Arts & Entertainment, Around Campus, Events