Modern Languages & Cultures at Michigan Tech is presenting the tenth annual Modern Languages Film Series. The theme this year is “In pursuit of democracy.” All movies are being shown at 7 p.m. in Fisher 135 and are open and free to the public. All films have subtitles in English. The films will be shown in late March, and consist of the following content.
“Québexit” is this year’s French selection, which explores the aftermath of a third successful Québec sovereignty referendum sparked by a transnational pipeline. At the Québec-New Brunswick border, a seemingly insignificant road becomes the focal point of tension between the new Québec military, the Canadian Armed Forces, and two indigenous women who frequently cross the border. This film is being shown on Mar. 21.
“Argentina, 1985” is this year’s Spanish-language pick, depicting the tale of Julio Strassera, Luis Moreno Ocampo, and their youthful legal team. Their mission is to prosecute Argentina’s most brutal military dictatorship, defying all odds and racing against time to deliver justice to the victims of the military junta. New York Times film critic Natalia Winkelman said, “Like a pair of old wingtips polished with wax, ‘Argentina, 1985’ spins a notable piece of history into an impassioned courtroom drama flecked with quaint humor.” This film is being shown on Mar. 27.
This year’s German selection, “The Silent Revolution,” recounts the story of twelfth-grade students and their decision to show solidarity with the victims of the 1956 Hungarian uprising by staging a moment of silence during their lessons. Film critic Wendy Ide of Screen International said, “This is a solid, good-looking piece of filmmaking which is elevated by a clutch of strong performances from the young cast.” This film is being shown on Mar. 28.
The selection of films this year has been curated to explore themes of democracy and provide context for how this looks from different perspectives and cultures. They encompass the complexities and challenges that come about looking for democratic values in different societies and eras.
