Written by Jonah Azurin
If you miss traveling, check out the 31st Varsity World Film Weeks – Virtual Edition by Ashland Independent Film Festival (AIFF) starting on Oct. 2 through Oct 15, 2020.
In regard to the recent tragic fires in Ashland, Oregon and neighboring towns, Executive Director Erica Thompson released the following statement:
“We have questioned just how relevant a film festival is in a difficult time for our community that has endured such significant loss. We kept coming back to our core belief that art nourishes the individual spirit, creates common ground among people, and helps illuminate a way forward in dark times. AIFF is committed to celebrating the diversity of human experience through the art of independent film. It is with that spirit we invite you to participate in the upcoming Varsity World Film Weeks – an opportunity to explore foreign lands, perspectives, and experiences.”
Although AIFF is usually held annually in April, Varsity World Film Week is a separate fall festival that provides an opportunity to view new international films. This year, the annual fall festival will run for two weeks online. Fifteen selected films will explore stories from Chile, China, France, Israel, United Kingdom, The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Iran, Hong Kong, Argentina, and more.
Among the selected films are There Is No Evil (2020) directed by Mohamad Rasoulof, Yalda, A Night for Forgiveness (2019) directed by Massoud Bakhshi, and BAIT (2019) directed by Mark Jenkin, all of which have won numerous awards throughout the film festival circuit. While thirteen films are available nationally, two films are only available in Oregon.
“Since the pandemic has thrown a wrench in many people’s travel plans, we’re happy to provide these illuminating cinematic voyages to many foreign lands,” – Richard Herskowitz, Artistic Director.
Their 2020 roster includes animated shorts, narratives, and documentaries, including:
Poster for The Perfect Candidate.
The Perfect Candidate, Haifaa Al Mansour, Narrative
Logline: When Maryam is prevented from flying to Dubai for a medical conference without a male guardian’s approval, she seeks help from a politically connected cousin but inadvertently registers as a candidate for the municipal council.
Dutch Animation Celebration, Various, Animated Shorts.
Logline: The New York Children’s International Film Festival crossed the Atlantic to join forces with Cinekid, The Netherland’s premiere film festival for children, to share a program of the very best of Dutch animation. Recommended Ages 8+ and adults who love whimsical and beautiful animation, too!
EMA, Dir. Pablo Larrain, Narrative
Logline: After a shocking incident upends her family life and marriage to a tempestuous choreographer, Ema, a reggaeton dancer, sets out on an odyssey of personal liberation, in this incendiary drama from director Pablo Larraín.
MOTHER, Dir. Kristof Bilsen, Documentary
Logline: In a small village in Thailand, Pomm works in a care center for Europeans with Alzheimer’s. Separated from her children, she helps Elisabeth during the final stages of her life.
Each film will be available for 48 hours followed by filmmaker Q&As for several of the films. For more information about tickets and to see the full schedule, check out ashlandfilm.org!