Media Advisory: CMU’s International Film Festival, “Faces of Migration,” Runs March 17 – April 10

Event: The 2011 Carnegie Mellon University International Film Festival will bring the intricacies surrounding immigration to life with “Faces of Migration,” March 17 – April 10 at venues throughout Pittsburgh.

Sponsored by CMU's Humanities Center, the Heinz Endowments, PNC Bank and the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, "Faces of Migration" will feature 15 award-winning independent films hand-picked by Jolanta Lion, festival director and assistant director of the Humanities Center. Lion, who for the past five years has shaped the CMU International Film Festival into a prestigious celebration of films that confront important social issues, selected films that depict migration through a variety of unique circumstances and perspectives. The films will all make their Pittsburgh debut in the festival and are not otherwise available to the public.

Additionally, each screening will include an interactive component to further engage the audience such as the film’s director answering questions or expert panels leading discussions. For Neukölln Unlimited, a documentary that showcases break dancing as a part of the story, the CMU break dancing club will perform.

The festival will open with the French film “The Arrivals” on March 17 at 7:15 p.m., followed by a reception.  Other festival highlights include a viewing of "Littlerock," an American film that follows a Japanese student who suddenly finds herself stranded in the small desert town of Littlerock, Calif., and two screenings of “Immigrant Nation! The Battle for the Dream.” Directed by Esaú Meléndez, “Immigrant Nation!” chronicles the U.S. immigrant rights movement from 2006-2009. Meléndez will attend both viewings.

The festival will close at 7 p.m., April 10 with “The Diplomat,” an Israeli film directed by Dana Goren that takes place within the luxurious Hotel Diplomat in Jerusalem. Once known for its green lawns, elaborate corridors and exclusive clientele, the hotel has become a place where time stands still.

Opening night general admission tickets to the film and reception are $15 and $10 for students. General admission tickets for all other screenings are $7 and $4 for students. A full-access festival pass can be purchased for $40 ($20 for students). For ticket reservations, film descriptions, a complete schedule and information about the second annual International Student Short Film Competition, visit the festival's website at www.cmu.edu/faces.

When:  Thursday, March 17 – Sunday, April 10
 
Where: Various locations throughout Pittsburgh. For a complete venue list, visit www.cmu.edu/faces.

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