Our 23rd International Film Series: Freedom on
Film
Cinema has long been a powerful tool for exploring the complexities of freedom—its pursuit, its cost, and its triumphs. This year we bring together a diverse selection of films that examine freedom in all its forms. From stories of individuals seeking their true selves to communities resisting oppression, these films challenge, inspire, and remind us of the universal desire to break barriers and reclaim agency.
Through compelling narratives, bold performances, and creative direction, the lineup showcases the resilience of the human spirit. Whether through historical struggles or intimate personal journeys, each film invites audiences to reflect on what it truly means to be free.
Join us as we embark on this cinematic journey—one that dares to ask difficult questions, celebrates acts of courage, and ultimately affirms the enduring power of freedom.
Films about freedom also play a part during our annual observance of Pride and World Refugee Awareness Month, during which we honor the strength and determination of refugees and immigrants worldwide, inviting audiences to deepen their understanding and empathy for those forced to leave behind everything they know in search of safety and a brighter future.
A few stats about this year’s films:
• Three films are their country’s submissions for the Best International Feature Film Oscar and most premiered at the world’s top international film festivals, including Cannes, Venice, and Berlin.
• Films are in a record-breaking eleven other languages besides English, including Czech, Croatian, French, Fulah, Macedonian, Malinka, Persian, Portuguese, Spanish, Turkish, and Ukrainian.
Our legendary discussions with filmmakers and expert speakers take place immediately following each screening.
Please join us for our optional opening night dinner on March 31, featuring Macedonian cuisine and our closing night dinner on May 19, featuring Irish cuisine.
We are grateful to Juliet Jenkins of Leading Edge Realty, the Quebec Delegation of Boston, the Brazilian Consulate of Boston, and the Belmont LGBTQ+ Alliance for their support. This sentence may change
The Quebec Government Office in Boston is pleased to support the screening of
SHEPHERDS
at Belmont World Film’s 23rd International Film Series.
SCREENINGS AT A GLANCE
All screenings take place on Mondays at 7:30 PM and are followed by discussions. Schedule subject to change without notice. Please consult our Facebook page for up-to-date information about films and events.
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International Film Series
DJ Ahmet (North Macedonia, Czech Republic, Serbia, Croatia)
The Good Teacher (France, Belgium))
Waves (Czech Republic)
Reading Lolita In Tehran (Italy,Israel)
Manas (Brazil)
Sima’s Song (Netherlands, France, Spain)
Shepherds (Canada, France)
Four Mothers (Ireland)
Date Location
March 31` Apple Cinemas
April 7 Apple Cinemas
April 14 Apple Cinemas
April 21 West Newton Cinema
April 28 West Newton Cinema
May 5 West Newton Cinema
May 12 West Newton Cinema
May 19 West Newton Cinema
Pride And World Refugee Awareness Month Observances
Three Kilometers To The End Of The World (Romania)
Souleymane’s Story (France, Belgium)
Under The Volcano (Poland)
TICKETS
Available at www.belmontworldfilm.org
June 2 West Newton Cinema
June 9 West Newton Cinema
June 16 West Newton Cinema
EBT, WIC & ConnectorCare Cardholders tickets & passes are ½ price
Advance tickets: $14 (no additional fees)
At the door with cash or check: $16
“Passports:” $95 for eight films (can be shared with one other person)
Become a Belmont World Film Member at https://belmontworldfilm.org/membership/ Receive tickets or passes, recognition in the program, and more. Membership includes acknowledgement in both the 2025 International Film Series and the 2026 Family Festival programs at the appropriate level.
Film Descriptions
Screenings take place Mondays at 7:30pm, followed by discussions led by expert speakers. Schedule subject to change. Join our mailing list or check our Facebook page for current info.
APPLE CINEMAS, 168 Alewife Brook Parkway, Cambridge
Opening Film!
DJ Ahmet
Monday, March 31, 7:30 PM @ Apple Cinemas
Preceded by a optional dinner reception at the theater from 6:00-7:00 PM featuring Macedonian cuisine ($38 separate admission).
East Coast premiere | Directed by Georgi M. Unkovski 99 mins. | North Macedonia, Czech Republic, Serbia, Croatia | Turkish, Macedonian, English with subtitles | 2025
A coming-of-age drama about 15-year-old Ahmet, who finds solace in music while navigating tradition, family expectations, and first love in a remote Macedonian village. Winner of the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award and Audience Award at Sundance.
THE GOOD TEACHER
Monday, April 7, 7:30 PM @ Apple Cinemas
North American premiere | Directed by Teddy Lussi-Modeste 91 mins. | France, Belgium | French with subtitles | 2024
Francois Civil plays a dedicated young literature teacher in a Parisian suburb whose life unravels when he’s wrongfully accused of sexual misconduct by his student in this gripping film inspired by true events. As allegations spiral, he faces mounting pressure from the student’s brother and peers, forcing him to fight to clear his name amidst escalating turmoil. The film offers a nuanced exploration of rumor, reputation, and resilience within the educational system. Co-sponsored by the Belmont LGBTQ+ Alliance
WAVES
Monday, April 14, 7:30 PM @ Apple Cinemas
New England premiere | Directed by Jirí Mádi 116 mins. | Czech Republic, Slovakia | Czech with subtitles | 2024
Set during the Prague Spring of 1968 and the aftermath of the Warsaw Pact invasion, this historical thriller follows Tomáš, a young man who inadvertently joins a Czechoslovak public radio station. As Soviet forces invade, Tomáš and his fellow journalists risk their lives to broadcast uncensored information, confronting state censorship and secret police surveillance. The Czech Republic’s submission for the Best International Feature Film Oscar.
Co-presented by the Czech & Slovak Association
WEST NEWTON CINEMA, 1296 Washington Street
READING LOLITA IN TEHRAN
Monday, April 21, 7:30 PM @ West Newton Cinema
New England premiere | Directed Eran Riklis
108 mins. | Italy, Israel | Persian & English with subtitles | 2024
Azar Nafisi’s memoir is brought to life in a story about a courageous literature professor (Golshifteh Farahani) who, amidst the political upheaval of post-revolutionary Iran, clandestinely convenes seven female students to explore forbidden Western literature. In the face of societal repression the women find solidarity as their personal narratives begin to intertwine with the novels they read. Shot in Italy with a predominantly Iranian cast, the film captures the essence of 1980s and ‘90s Iran, highlighting the transformative power of literature.
MANAS
Monday, April 28, 7:30 PM @ West Newton Cinema
East Coast premiere | Directed by Marianna Brennand Fortes
101 mins. | Brazil | Portuguese with subtitles | 2024
Set in a remote riverside community in Brazil, this compelling drama follows a 13-year-old girl who becomes increasingly aware of the systemic violence and exploitation faced by the women in her village. Determined to change her destiny and protect her younger sister, she courageously challenges the oppressive structures governing their lives. Winner of the Venice Film Festival’s Giornate degli Autori Director’s Award.
SIMA’S SONG
Monday, May 5, 7:30 PM @ West Newton Cinema
North America premiere | Directed by Roya Sadat
97 mins. | Netherlands, France, Spain | Persian with subtitles | 2024
The bonds of friendship between a wealthy communist and a conservative Muslim singer are put to the test during Afghanistan’s turbulent history in the 1970s. Despite their differing political beliefs, they remain steadfast during their personal and societal upheavals, including the Soviet invasion and the rise of the mujahideen. The film highlights the resilience and courage of Afghan women amidst decades of conflict.
SHEPHERDS
Monday, May 11, 7:30 PM @ West Newton Cinema
US premiere | Directed by Sophie Deraspe
113 mins. | Canada, France | French with subtitles | 2024
A Montreal advertising executive abandons his urban life to become a shepherd in the French Alps in director Sophie Deraspe’s (Antigone, BWF 2021) latest film. Together with a civil servant who also leaves her former life behind, he navigates the challenges of rural existence and their new environment to seek purpose and connection. Winner at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
Closing Night! FOUR MOTHERS
Monday, May 19, 7:30 PM @ West Newton Cinema
Preceded by a optional dinner reception from 6:00-7:00 PM featuring Irish cuisine.
East Coast premiere | Directed by Darren Thornston 89 mins. | Ireland | English | 2024
In the vein of such films as Waking Ned Devine and Philomena, this Irish comedy-drama features a novelist (Scottish actor James McArdle) on the cusp of literary success, who’s unexpectedly tasked with caring for his ailing mother (Fionnula Flanagan) and three of his friends’ mothers over a chaotic weekend. As he juggles his own aspirations with the demands of four spirited elderly women, he embarks on a humorous journey of self-discovery and unexpected companionship.
Co-sponsored by the Belmont LGBTQ+ Alliance
Pride & World Re f gee Awareness Month Observances
WEST NEWTON CINEMA, 1296 Washington Street
THREE KILOMETERS TO THE END OF THE WORLD
Monday, June 2, 7:30 PM @ the West Newton Cinema
New England premiere | Directed by Emanuel Parvu 105 mins. | Romania | Romanian with subtitles | 2024
After returning to his conservative village in the Danube Delta, a 17-year-old boy is attacked for sharing a kiss with another young man. As his parents grapple with their love for their son and their deeply held religious beliefs, they resort to extreme measures, believing they must protect their son from himself. Romania’s submission for the Best International Feature Film Oscar. Co-sponsored by the Belmont LGBTQ+ Alliance
SOULEYMANE’S STORY
Monday, June 9, 7:30 PM @ West Newton Cinema
New England premiere | Directed by Boris Lojkine 93 min. | France, Belgium | French, Fulah, Malinka with subtitles | 2024
A young immigrant from Guinea navigates the streets of Paris as a food delivery cyclist while striving to secure legal residency. With only two days to prepare for a critical asylum interview, he must balance the demands of his precarious job and the challenges of his uncertain status. Winner of the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival and nominated for eight César Awards (the French Oscars).
UNDER THE VOLCANO
Monday, June 16, 7:30 PM @ West Newton Cinema
New England premiere | Directed by Damian Kocur
105 mins. | Poland | English, Wolof, Spanish, German, Russian, Ukrainian, with subtitles | 2024
While enjoying the final day of their vacation in Tenerife, Spain, a blended Ukrainian family’s world is upended when news breaks of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, rendering their return to Kyiv impossible. Stranded on the island, they must navigate feelings of isolation, fear, and uncertainty, all while confronting the evolving dynamics within their family. Poland’s submission for the Best International Feature Film Oscar.
Sponsors
Capital Sponsors
Juliet Jenkins/Leading Edge Realty
Quebec Delegation of Boston CORPORATE
Community Partners
Belmont LGBTQ+ Alliance
INDIVIDUAL Partial list as of March 1, 2025
Trailblazer ($1000+)
Goldie Eder
Pioneer ($750+)
Sue Bass
Explorer ($500+)
Anonymous
Adventurer ($260+)
M. Linda Brown
Robin Gilbert & James McAuliffe
Ellen Glanz
Daphne & Rena Politis
Paul Santos & Anne Stuart
Alan Spatrick & Kaj Wilson
THANK YOU
Apple Cinemas: Jegan Gomangalam
Voyager ($160+)
Bruce Bell & Judie Feins
Phyllis Birnbaum
Danielle & Marty Bodley
Irene Bocella
Edmond Charette
Meg Clough & Barry Katz
Kelly Dunn
Elissa Grad & Narayan Kaimal
Catherine Jorand & Sylvain LeBrun
Don Ross
Alexander & Catherine Valentin
Hayat Weiss
Fran Yuan
Belmont Media Center: Jeffrey Hansell
Cambridge Media Arts Studio: Joshua Aravelo
Czech & Slovak Association: Ester Milch & Renata Dutton
West Newton Cinema: Jesse Cerrotti & Elizabeth Heilig
In-Kind Sponsors
Belmont Media Center
Cambridge Reprographics
Nomad ($65+)
Kathryn Bonfiglio & Barry Kaye
Ellen & Russell Cohen
Cori & Tom Hannaford
Elisabeth Howe
Janet Liddell
Sue Kelman
Cate McGrail
Arlyn & Bill Roffman
Carolyn Schwartz
Traveler ($35+)
Jane Barrell
Merrill Forman
Robert Osmond
Odette Termine
Nancy Twombly
About Belmont World Film
Belmont World Film Film is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes cross-cultural understanding through the screening of award-winning feature films, documentaries, animation, and shorts from around the world. Screenings are followed by in-depth discussions led by film makers and critics, expert speakers, and other notables, as well as cultural performances and cuisine.
Each year we present a Family Film Festival during Martin Luther King Day weekend, a weekly international film series from March through May, an observance of World Refugee Awareness Month in June, and other special events throughout the year, working with local and international organizations in an effort to heighten awareness of global issues and to encourage people of all ages to make a difference.
Board of Directors
Ellen Gitelman, Executive Director
Maria Carvalho, Director of Volunteers & Secretary
Naomi Ellenberg-Dukas, Founder and Chair
Margarete Wells, Treasurer
Committee Members
Jennifer Fuchel, Graphic Design
Cate McGrail, Special Events
