Foreign Film Series Marks Two Decades

Celebrating 20 years, 38 semesters and 109 films, Cedarville University’s Foreign Film Series will mark its 20th anniversary on Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. in the DeVries Theatre. The series will feature “Life Is Beautiful,” the same movie that started the program in 2005.   

Set during World War II, the Italian film follows a Jewish-Italian waiter who uses humor and games to shield his son from the horrors of a concentration camp. The movie reflects the care taken in curating thought-provoking and challenging films from the first to the 109th selection.  

"Our goal is to find something authentic, thought-provoking and challenging while still being accessible to students,” said Daniel Clark, professor of English. “We want students to recognize the humanity in other cultures and develop more empathy. We are all made in the image of God, and we should care about that. We need to recognize our shared humanity.” 

Clark recognized students’ interest in foreign films and approached Dr. Andrew Wiseman, professor of Spanish and director of international programs, who proposed the Foreign Film Series. Both professors recognize the importance of experiencing cultures outside their own.  

Clark spent several years teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) at several different Okinawa schools and teaching writing and literature the University of Maryland’s AsianDivision in Okinawa, Japan. Wiseman has extensive international experience, too, having earned degrees from universities in four different countries. He also coordinates Cedarville’s study abroad programs. 

"The series is a way to open students' views to different cultures through the lens of a camera,” said Wiseman. “God delights in diversity, and we want students to see that as a good thing God designed for His glory.” 

To add context to the films, the series includes a discussion afterward. A speaker — either from the culture depicted or with extensive experience in it — explains cultural aspects of the film and answers students' questions.   

"It’s good to have the people who have lived in these cultures answer questions and explain some of the cultural dynamics happening in the films,” said Wiseman. 

Even after 20 years, the Foreign Film Series continues to challenge students with culturally diverse stories, messages and perspectives. Now, a new generation of students — many of whom weren’t even born when the first foreign film was shown on campus — has the opportunity to engage with these films. 

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.