Rather than rent a movie this weekend, students can experience the country's largest film festival as it arrives on campus and in the city.
The annual Philadelphia Film Festival is beginning this weekend, and "Penn students should expect to be informed and entertained," according to Andrew Preis, a spokesman for the Philadelphia Film Society.
A variety of documentaries and films from 43 different countries will be shown. Filmgoers can see with movies from Brazil, Iran and Cameroon, Preis said.
Now in its 15th year, the festival is known for its focus on Muslim cinema and "Danger after Dark," late night blood-and-guts films that Preis advises "not to take your date to."
The festival will also feature films that focus on Latino themes and music in film.
This year, the festival will be providing an advance screening of the film Take the Lead, starring Antonio Banderas, which will be released on April 7.
In the past, the festival has attracted an audience of as many as 61,000 viewers to its various locations.
Penn students may find this year's festival more accessible than in years past.
"A lot more festival presentations will be available to Penn students," Preis said. "We have expanded theater venues in University City for a much larger presentation."
Penn students can view films at three venues: International House, the Bridge: Cinema De Luxe and Cinema at Penn, formerly the site of the Cinemagic theater.
Films shown at the Bridge will include Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man, Guy X, Brothers of the Head, The Mighty Celt, District 13 and The Glamorous Life of Sachiko Hanai between today and Tuesday.
In addition to films, the festival for the first time will be featuring Cine Cafes, in collaboration with the Penn Cinema Studies Program -- informal discussions hosted by Penn professors to talk about "the themes of the films in more depth with other filmgoers," Preis said.
If the Cine Cafes aren't your scene, the festival is also hosting "Last Calls" in conjunction with the Stella Artois company from April 3 to April 6 at 12 Lounge @ The Bridge, where students may mix and mingle before and after a film.
"The festival is for all students; there is something for everyone," Preis said. "We're bringing the world's imagination to Philadelphia and Penn students."
Philly Film Festival - The film festival will occur at a number of venues, including the Bridge: Cinema de Luxe theater at 40th and Walnut - Tickets can be purchased at the box office or from TLA Video Store locations and cost between $7.50 and $9.50
