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Films Across Borders: Stories in A Changing World

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Films Across Borders: Stories in A Changing World

Films Across Borders showcases critically acclaimed films, documentaries and shorts from around the world. Co-presented by American University in partnership with embassy cultural organizations, arts institutions and environmental groups, the series focuses on a distinctive timely and compelling theme each year.

Now in its seventh year, Films Across Borders presents ‘Stories in A Changing World.’ The 2021 cinematic series features stories of change, transformation and renewal in all walks of life and across continents. Previous Films Across Borders series have focused on ‘Stories of Resilience and Hope’ (2020); ‘Stories of Water’ (2019); ‘Stories of Women’ (2018); and ‘Stories of Migration’ (2017).

We are offering the 2021 series in a variety of formats for all to enjoy film screenings, discussions with filmmakers and topical speakers in October through December. Check each listing for specific details, including if there are any geographic restrictions, as some films may have limited release.

Films Across Borders 2021 Trailer

Get a preview of the films that will be featured in this year's festival.

2021 Schedule

Tues, Oct 5 | 6:00 pm
With Drawn Arms (2020, USA)
Panel discussion with Olympic Gold Medalist Tommie Smith, AU Alum and Co-Director Afshin Shahidi, AU Alum and Associate Producer Deon T Jones, Co-Director Glenn Kaino, and SOC Dean Sam Fulwood III
American University
Recording of completed event available here.
Wed, Oct 6 | 6:30 pm
Going Viral Beyond the Hot Zone (2019, USA)
Live Screening & Q&A with Associate Producer Sarah Diamond, AU Grad ‘16 
American University
More info and register here.
Thurs, Oct 7 | 7:00 pm
Die Farbe des Chamäleons/The color of a chameleon(2020, Germany/Austria)
Austrian Cultural Forum Washington
More info and register here.
Oct 8 -11 
Angry Rice Wives (2021, Japan)
Japan Information and Culture Center
More info and register here.
Tues, Oct 12 | 6:30 pm
Min Pappa Marianne/My Father Marianne (2020, Sweden)
House of Sweden
More info and register here.
Oct 13 - 28
A Una Legua(2019, Argentina)
Embassy of Argentina
More info and register here.
Thurs, Oct 14 | 7:30 pm
The Trouble With Being Born (2020, Germany)
Goethe Institut Roof Top
More info and register here.
Oct 14 -21
Opening Night: Jasmine Road
Immigration Film Fest 2021
More info on entire series and register here.
Thurs, Oct 21 | 7:30 pm
In The Name of Scheherazade or The First Beer Garden in Tehran (2019, Germany)
Goethe Institut Roof Top
More info and register here.
Thurs, Oct 21
Before Oblivion (Antes del Olvido)(2018, Mexico)
Mexican Cultural Institute 
Oct 21 - 24
Citizen Nobel(2020, Switzerland)
The Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital & Embassy of Switzerland
More info and register here.
Tues Oct 26 | 12:00 pm
Girl Rising 5th Anniversary (2019, USA)
Panel discussion with Macarena Sáez, Exec Dir of Women’s Rights Division of Human Rights Watch, Shiraz Chakera, Education Specialist for Gender Equality and Girls' Education, UNICEF; and Naomi Moland, AU School of International Service Professorial Lecturer. Panel moderated by AU SOC Professor Sarah Menke-Fish.
American University
Recording of completed event available here.
Oct 26 - 27
Champions (Campeones)(2018, Spain)
Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain
More info and register here.
Oct 27 - Nov 2
Prisme (Prism) (2021, France)
National Gallery of Art
Registration opens in early October here.
Nov 1 - Nov 7
Molecules / Molecole(2020, Italy)
Italian Cultural Institute
More info and register here.
Thurs, Nov 4 | 6:00 pm
Cooked: Survival By Zip Code (2020, USA)
Conversation with Filmmaker Judith Helfand and AU SOC Professor Maggie Stogner
American University
Recording of completed event available here.
Mon, Nov 15 | 1:00 pm
National Geographic Virtual Field Trip: Native American Stories 
Free Virtual Field Trip introducing viewers to three storytellers who will share their unique insights from their experiences as Native Americans.
National Geographic Society
More info and register here.
Wed, Nov 17 | 12:00 pm 
Zurich Diary (2020, Switzerland)
Live discussion with film director, Stefan Haupt. Streaming available Nov 10 - 18
Embassy of Switzerland
More info and register here.
Wed, Nov 17 | 12:30 pm
FRONTRUNNER (2008, United States)
Discussion with Film Protagonist, Filmmakers and Activists
American University
Recording of completed event available here.
Thurs, Nov 18 | 7:00 pm
Brazen (2020, France)
Series of 21 animated short films, directed by Mai Nguyen and Charlotte Cambon De La Valette
Cultural Services Embassy of France
More info and register here.
Fri, Nov 19 | 12:00 pm
Firestorms: Adapting Forest Management to Megafires and Climate Change (2019, Spain, France, Luxembourg)
A discussion surrounding film and best practices on forest management, including forest governance and enforcement aspects that can reverse the trend of more menacing and devastating forest fires.
The Delegation to the European Union of the United States
More info and register here.
Fri, Nov 19 | 4:00 pm
Josephine Baker, The Story of an Awakening (2018, France)
Online Film Screening
Cultural Services Embassy of France
More info and register here.
Mon, Nov 29 | 6:30 pm
Adolescentes(2019, France)
Roundtable discussion AU Professor Isabel Rivero-Vila
Cultural Services Embassy of France
More info and register here.
2021 FAB Logo Bar