This spring, Mercy’s School of Liberal Arts presented a weeklong series of thought-provoking foreign films at its 24th Annual International Film Festival.

Mercy University’s International Film Festival was established in 1999 to promote foreign language study and foster cultural awareness. Every year, students, faculty and community members come together to view and discuss entertaining and engaging films from across the globe.

“The International Film Festival is a signature event for Mercy and the School of Liberal Arts because it epitomizes our commitment to the arts as well as to our surrounding community,” said Peter West, dean of the School of Liberal Arts. “In addition to introducing audiences to a range of compelling films they might not otherwise have a chance to see, each screening includes a presentation and discussion that invites everyone to explore the themes of each film, ask questions and share their own perspective.”

This year’s lineup included “Prayers for the Stolen” (Mexico), which received an Ariel Award (the Mexican equivalent of the Oscar) for Best Picture in 2022; “Writing with Fire” (India), which received a Peabody Award for Best Documentary Film in 2023; “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” (Bhutan), Academy Award nominee for Best International Feature Film in 2022; and “Apples” (Greece), nominated for a Hellenic Film Academy Award (the Greek equivalent of the Oscar) for Best Newcomer in 2021.

“We try to select films that were submitted by countries for consideration for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film as well as films that received recognition at some of the more renowned festivals like Cannes, Sundance, Tribeca and Toronto,” said Steven DeRosa, festival coordinator and associate director for Writing and English at Mercy’s Center for Academic Excellence and Innovation.

Each of the selected films explored different aspects of the theme of perception, telling stories from different perspectives of resilience and triumph, overcoming societal barriers and oppression, coping with mourning and experiencing a coming-of-age journey.

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