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<\/p>\nThe world of movie-making, stars and prestigious awards has been centred around the mecca of film-making for decades; Hollywood. Big-budget blockbusters pave their way onto our screens and fill up our Netflix suggestions year in, year out, and although there is nothing wrong with this, I sometimes feel as though it can be compared to only trying the sandwiches at a lunch buffet. The table is filled with a variety of other delicious snacks and foods, yet, we stick to what we know we like; sandwiches. When in reality, there is a whole world of films outside of Hollywood that have the potential to suit our tastebuds right in front of us. As Bong Joon Ho, director of Korean film \u2018Parasite\u2019 said in his infamous Oscars speech \u2018Once you can overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films\u2019 or in terms of our buffet analogy \u2018once you can overcome the moreish tastes of sandwiches\u2026 you may find you also like crisps\u2019.<\/p>\n
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However, you may be wondering, where do I start? It seems such effort to trail through articles, reviews, clips and streaming sights to find such films that might resonate with me, so, in order to make your life a little easier and to contribute to the celebrations of the University of Kent\u2019s Worldfest, our annual month-long festivities honouring cultural diversity, I have decided to compile a list of international films that may just make you peckish\u2026<\/p>\n
City of God (2002) \u2013 Brazil<\/u><\/p>\n
A story of two boys navigating life in Rio de Janeiro\u2019s favela \u2018City of God\u2019 one aims to become a photographer, the other to become a kingpin. They both experience the violence and brutality of growing up around gang wars. Will they escape corruption? Can they find ways to live \u2018normal\u2019 lives?<\/p>\n
Akira (1988) \u2013 Japan <\/u><\/p>\n
An anime set in 2019 Tokyo, in a world post-WW3, following main characters Tetsuo and Kaneda. Tetsuo has gained superpowers from an experimental government facility and begins to use his powers for evil, fellow biker gang member and best friend Kaneda decides to follow his friend on a quest to save him from his evil fate. It may seem children friendly, but it isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n
And Then We Danced (2019) \u2013 Georgia <\/u><\/p>\n
A love story between two male dancers, Merab and Irakli, in the National Georgian Ensemble. Merab must evaluate what is important to him as he deals with the pressures of society, his career and his relationships. An insightful exploration of the role of dance in Georgian culture, masculinity, rivalry and romance.<\/p>\n
Amour (2012) \u2013 France <\/u><\/p>\n
A slow-paced film which follows the story of a retired elderly couple; Georges and Anne. Georges becomes a carer for Anne and the world of old age, love and decision-making opens up to present inevitable, philosophical difficulties and discussion for its characters (quite emotional).<\/p>\n
4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (2007) \u2013 Romania <\/u><\/p>\n
Set in 1987 communist Romania, follows the suspense filled story of Gabita and her friend Otilia in search for an abortion at a time where such an act is punishable by death. Described as \u2018a dark socio-political critique\u2019 so full of suspense it could almost be categorised as a horror.<\/p>\n
Us and Them (2018) \u2013 China<\/u><\/p>\n
Following the trials and tribulations of two lovers; Xiaoxiao and Jianqing. From their meeting on a train, to falling in love, to falling out of love, to considering a second chance. A coming-of-age story surrounded by the realities of many young couples, carried by its honest characters.<\/p>\n
Wadjda (2012) \u2013 Saudi Arabia<\/u><\/p>\n
A film about young womanhood in Saudi Arabia, 10-year-old Wadjda wants a bike, but society won\u2019t let her, she commits to finding a way to make enough money to buy a bike herself, entering a Qur\u2019an recitation competition at her school. From the first ever female Saudi-Arabian director Haifaa Al-Mansour who also wrote it.<\/p>\n
Timbuktu (2014) \u2013 Mali\/Mauritania <\/u><\/p>\n
Looks at the relationship between Islam and radicalisation through the story of a nuclear family living within Jihad territory. They begin living relatively unaffected by the harshness of the regime, but life changes for them and important political themes are explored as a result.<\/p>\n
A Separation (2011) \u2013 Iran <\/u><\/p>\n
Simin wants to live abroad and better the life of his daughter, Nader wants to stay in Iran and take care of his ill father, is divorce the best option for them? how will they navigate it? A beautiful, yet heart-breaking story.<\/p>\n
Road to Yesterday (2015) \u2013 Nigeria <\/u><\/p>\n
A slow-paced story following an estranged couple travelling to their relative\u2019s funeral, secrets are uncovered and wider truths from the past are revealed. A lesson in communication described as \u2018natural like you\u2019re watching a real situation\u2019.<\/p>\n
3 Idiots (2009) \u2013 India <\/u><\/p>\n
A light-hearted, inspirational comedy drama based around 3 college friends Rancho, Farhan and Raju. They recollect on their college memories as Farhan and Raju take a journey to find their old companion Rancho at his last known address. Described as a \u2018Bollywood type soap opera that is somewhat a significant social critique at the same time\u2019.<\/p>\n
If internationalising your film-consumption is something that has intrigued you, its worth looking into the variety of events going on at the University of Kent in celebration of Worldfest. From Virtual Cinemas, The Cultural Food Calendar, Music Therapy Days and reflective talks from a variety of societies, getting involved with the international has never been so accessible!<\/p>\n
Follow this link to see upcoming Worldfest events: https:\/\/www.kent.ac.uk\/worldfest#events<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"