International Film Festival showcases talent from all over the world

The Fall International Film Festival take place at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center Oct. 27 through Oct. 30.

Starting off this year’s festival is “The Lady in the Van.” Based on a true story, the film is a comedy-drama detailing the story of Miss Shepherd, a woman who made the decision to temporarily park her van in Bennett’s London driveway, where she proceeded to live there for 15 years. What started off as a favor, became a relationship that changed both of their lives. The film is presented in English and runs an hour and 44 minutes.

“A War” is presented next in the festival. The film is about a Danish army commander in Afghanistan, Claus Pedersen, who is determined to lead his men with integrity after one of their young comrades is killed by a landmine. After an unexpected siege occurred, Pederson was called to make a life-changing decision, which leads to long-term effects for himself, his company and his family. “A War” is presented in Arabic, English, and Danish with English subtitles and runs an hour and 56 minutes.

“The Last Diamond” is a crime and drama film about Simon, who had recently been released from prison and is now on parole. Simon’s friend, Albert, lures him back to his old ways for a final hit to steal a priceless diamond. When Simon’s plans go sour, he is faced with gangsters and ruthless killers in pursuit of the diamond as things begin to unravel. The film is presented in French with English subtitles and runs an hour 48 minutes.

“Viva” is a film about Jesus, a hairdresser, who works for a group of drag performers in Havana. Problems arise when a stranger from the crowd hits Jesus in the face during a performance. The stranger turns out to be his father, a former boxer who has not been in Jesus’ life for 15 years. The two reunite and both struggle to understand one another and each other’s expectations of the other while trying to become a family again. “Viva” is presented in Spanish with English subtitles and runs an hour and 40 minutes.

“Prescription Thugs” is a hard-hitting expose of Big Pharma and its marketing practices and impact on the staggering level of addiction to prescription drugs in North America. Director Chris Bell turns the camera on sensitive subjects when it comes to the abuse of prescription drugs. After witnessing friends and relatives face tragedy of becoming addicted to prescription drugs, Bell set out to explore the goals of pharmaceutical companies and doctors in this ever-growing market, and raised a question: how are these employees are any different from back-alley drug-pushers? The film is presented in English and runs an hour and 26 minutes.

A free post show discussion will take place immediately following the Saturday, Oct. 29 screening of “Prescription Thugs” at 2:45 p.m. The discussion panel includes: Huntington Mayor Steve Williams, Huntington Chief of Police, Joe Ciccarelli, physician director of the Cabell-Huntington Health Department, Dr. Michael Kilkenny, and Huntington Fire Department Chief, Jan Rader.

“Mustang” takes place in a Turkish village where five orphaned sisters cause outrage by innocently playing with a group of boys. Their actions result in living in a prison-like atmosphere at home and dealing with the results of arranged marriages. Longing for freedom, the sisters rebel against the limitations. “Mustang” is presented in Turkish with English subtitles and runs an hour and 37 minutes.

Tickets for the Fall International Film Festival are free for full-time Marshall students with a valid student ID. Tickets may be purchased 15 minutes prior to each film at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

Krislyn Holden can be contacted at [email protected].