Published: Aug. 30, 2017
Students Adam Elbeck and Melina Dabney in Muenzinger Auditorium's projector room

Students Adam Elbeck and Melina Dabney in Muenzinger Auditorium's projector room

The CU Boulder International Film Series (IFS), staffed by student-employees, shows more than 60 films each semester, including foreign, experimental and art films, documentaries and classic cinema, as well as mainstream popular movies in one of the most eclectic film venues in Colorado. 

Read more from CU Boulder Today about the International Film Series and the hands-on film experience gained by the students who work there.

Chasing Coral kicks off this semester's lineup, joined in person by director Jeff Orlowski. The show is free and open to the public. Entry to all other films is $7 for students with a valid Buff OneCard and $8 for general admission, unless otherwise noted. All flim screenings are held at the Muenzinger Auditorium.

Take a look at the season highlight reel below, or visit the IFS website for the full film lineup. You can also bookmark or print a PDF version of the fall 2017 schedule. 


The opener

Chasing Coral (2017)
Wednesday, Sept. 6, 7:30 p.m.

Chasing Coral is a Netflix Original documentary about the urgent environmental stress on our planet's coral reefs. A wake-up call to all who appreciate the importance of our oceans, regardless of age and generation, Chasing Coral is a stunning film and a must-see on the big screen.

Director Jeff Orlowski will be there in person, along with other special guests. Orlowski is also the director of the award-winning 2012 documentary Chasing Ice. The credits include mentions to many CU Boulder faculty members, including multiple persons within the film department.

 Learn more or watch the trailer


Special appearance from lead actor

Carpinteros (2017)
Monday, Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m.
Spanish with English subtitles

In Carpinteros, translated Woodpeckers, Julián finds love and purpose in the last place he imagined: Najayo prison in the Dominican Republic. Through sign languages from one prison to another, he encounters Yanelly, separated from 150 meters and dozens of guards, and has to win her love while keeping it a secret.

This screening will feature a special in-person appearance by lead actor Jean Jean.

 Learn more or watch the trailer


Free show, director in person

El Mar La Mar (2017)
Thursday, Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m.

El Mar La Mar masterfully weaves together sublime 16 mm shots of nature and weather phenomena, animals, people and the tracks they leave behind with a polyphonic soundtrack, creating a cinematographic exploration of the desert habitat, a multi-faced panorama of a highly politicized stretch of land, a film poem that conjures up the ocean.

Free screening made possible by the College of Media, Communication and Information (CMCI). Director J.P. Sniadecki will attend in person.

 Learn more or watch the trailer


Foreign classics

Love & Anarchy (1973)
Wednesday, Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Italian with English subtitles

An epic tragicomedy from director Lina Wertmuller (Seven Beauties), Love & Anarchy plumbs the depths of fascist Italy from the perspective of a simple farm boy sent to kill Mussolini. It is a film of operatic emotion and subversive comedy—a powerful statement on the terror of fascism and the ignoble fates of those who challenged it.

 Learn more or watch the trailer

Le Cercle Rouge (1970)
Friday, Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m.
French with English subtitles

Master thief Corey is fresh out of prison. But instead of toeing the line of law-abiding freedom, he finds his steps leading back to the shadowy world of crime, crossing those of a notorious escapee and alcoholic ex-cop. As the unlikely trio plots a heist against impossible odds, their trail is pursued by a relentless inspector, and fate seals their destinies.

On what would be director Jean-Pierre Melville’s 100th birthday, join IFS for a commemoration of his meticulous jewel heist film.

 Learn more or watch the trailer


Countdown to Halloween

Donnie Darko (2001)
Saturday, Oct. 21, 7:30 p.m.

A troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes, after he narrowly escapes a bizarre accident.

 Learn more   Watch the trailer

Silence of the Lambs (1991)
Tuesday, Oct. 24, 7:30  p.m.

A young FBI cadet must confide in an incarcerated and manipulative killer to receive his help on catching another serial killer who skins his victims.

In memory of director and producer Jonathan Demme, IFS is screening an archive 35 mm print of Silence of the Lambs, one of his most celebrated films.

 Learn more or watch the trailer

Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Monday, Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m.

There is panic throughout the nation as the dead suddenly come back to life. The film follows a group of characters who barricade themselves in an old farmhouse in an attempt to remain safe from the flesh-eating monsters.

 Learn more   Watch the trailer


Filmed entirely in Colorado

The Curse of the Dragon Sword (2017)
Wednesday, Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m.

The Curse of the Dragon Sword is a fun action/comedy that pays homage to classic kung fu films of the '70s.

Writer and director Jason Phelps notes, "You may be surprised watching this film to learn that it was completely produced in Colorado. It's an advantage that this beautiful state offers such diverse landscapes and unique views."

Phelps will be in person at the IFS screening.

 Learn more or watch the trailer


The closer

Spettacolo
Saturday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m.
In Italian

Once upon a time there was a tiny hill town in Tuscany that found a remarkable way to confront their issues—they turned their lives into a play. Spettacolo is a portrait of this 50-year-old tradition, where their piazza becomes their stage and every villager from 6 to 90 plays a part, the role of themselves.

 Learn more   Watch the trailer