The Shepherdstown Film Society is pleased to announce its fall, 2016 series. This season starts our 13th year of providing free films for Shepherd University students and faculty, and the Shepherdstown community. Our continuing partnership with the Scarborough Society of Shepherd University provides the financial support needed to maintain this commitment.

Six films will be presented, starting on Sept. 2 and running through Nov. 18. Four films comprise the fall theme – foreign language Academy Award nominees. One film is presented in conjunction with the American Conservation Film Festival (ACFF) and one is presented in conjunction with the Shepherd University Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence program.

All films will be shown on Fridays. All showings are at 7 p.m. in Shepherd University’s Reynolds Hall. As with all the Society’s films, admission will be free and each showing will be followed by a discussion. An opening night reception at the War Memorial Building will kick off the series from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 2.

More information on each film can be found on the Society’s website at www.shepherdstownfilmsociety.org. The film schedule will be as follows:

Sept. 2: “Monsieur Lazhar” (Canada, 2011, 94 minutes, directed by Philippe Falardeau). A Montreal elementary school class is traumatized by their teacher’s suicide. Monsieur Lazhar, an Algerian refugee, becomes the replacement teacher for the class. The students’ suffering mirrors Lazhar’s own hidden suffering at his family losses. The interactions between Lazhar and his students bring a measure of healing and understanding to all. Rated PG-13 for content. Post-film discussion led by Dr. Rachel Krantz, Associate Professor of English and Modern Languages at Shepherd University.

Sept. 9: “Dare to Be Wild” (Ireland, 2015, 102 minutes, directed by Vivienne De Courcy). The Irish landscape designer Mary Reynolds believes in bringing a bit of wild nature into our lives. She has travelled the world to experience the variety of landscapes that inform her design work. This film focuses on her quest for the Chelsea Flower Show gold medal with her wild Celtic Sanctuary garden. Rated PG. This is a special presentation in conjunction with the ACFF. Post-film discussion led by Jeff Feldman, President of the ACFF Board.

Sept. 23: “Glory” (USA, 1989, 122 minutes, directed by Edward Zwick). The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry was one of the first African-American units formed for combat in the American Civil War. This film tells the story of its recruitment, training and combat engagements from the point of view of Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, the regiment’s white commanding officer. Rated R for violence. This is a special presentation in conjunction with Shepherd University’s Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence program. Discussion led by Ranger John Rudy (Harpers Ferry, Storer College).

Oct. 7: “No” (Chile, 2012, 118 minutes, directed by Pablo Larrain). When advertisers move from selling soap to selling political ideas, the professional and ethical stakes are higher. A young ad executive in late 1980s Chile is asked to help plan the “No” campaign in a plebiscite on the future of the Pinochet government. He must hide his new client relationship from his boss, who is firmly in the “Yes” camp. Rated R for language. Post-film discussion led by Dr. Rachel Krantz, Associate Professor of English and Modern Languages at Shepherd University.

Oct. 14: “A Separation” (Iran, 2011, 123 minutes, directed by Asghar Farhadi). A modern Iranian couple’s marriage is threatened by opposing needs. The wife wishes to emigrate so their daughter may live in a more open society. The husband feels compelled to stay and care for his aging father. Iranian family law adds another layer to the anguish of their situation. Rated PG-13 for content. Post-film discussion led by Lex Miller.

Nov. 18: “Ida” Poland, 2013, 82 minutes, directed by Pawel Pawlikowski). A novice nun in 1960s Poland, who was orphaned in infancy, embarks on a journey of discovery about her family’s past before taking her final vows. Her sense of her place in the world is shaken by what she sees and learns. Rated PG-13 for content. Post-film discussion led by Rebecca Ayraud.

For further information about the Society and its films, visit their website or contact Lisa Welch at 304-876-1837 (email lmwelch@frontiernet.net) or Mina Goodrich at 304-876-2159.