Join us as we celebrate 10 years of the World Languages and Literatures International Film Festival! This year's festival theme is “Modern Retellings of Myths and Fairy Tales." 2025 Festival events include opening and closing night receptions, screenings on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the month of February and the first two weeks of March, Q&A sessions with guest directors, a private tour of SMU's film vault, and several pre-screening receptions hosted by various cultural organizations and festival sponsors. Unless otherwise noted, all screenings are FREE and open to the general public and will begin at 5 pm in Caruth 147.

Schedule of Events:

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

5 PM: Opening night remarks, reception, and short film screening of "A Horsey's Name" (2020) and Q&A with director, SMU alumna Natasha Fissiak.

7 PM Screening of Los viajes del viento (Colombia, 2009, 1h 57m)

Synopsis: This road movie follows the journey of an accordion player, Ignacio, as he attempts to return a cursed instrument to its rightful owner. Set against the backdrop of Colombia’s stunning landscapes, the film explores themes of tradition, love, and redemption.

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Les contes de la nuit (France, 2011, 1h 24m)

Synopsis: In this enchanting animated anthology, a boy, a girl, and an old man create and act out whimsical tales set in fantastical worlds. Each story blends folklore, mythology, and moral lessons, brought to life through intricate silhouettes.

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Big Fish & Begonia (China, 2016, 1h 40m) - 7 PM Screening.

Reception at 6:30pm sponsored by the Asian Studies and Asian American Experiences research cluster.

Synopsis: A visually stunning fantasy about a young girl from a mystical underwater world who sacrifices her soul to save a boy from the human world. This tale delves into themes of sacrifice, love, and the interconnectedness of life.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Bilal: A New Breed of Hero (United Arab Emirates, 2015, 1h 45m).

Pre-screening reception hosted by MENA (SMU Middle Eastern & North African Student Association)

Synopsis: Inspired by the life of Bilal Ibn Rabah, this animated epic follows a boy who rises from slavery to become a hero and leader. The film delivers a powerful message about faith, courage, and standing up for justice.

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Eva (Spain/France, 2011, 1h 34m, in Catalan)

Synopsis: Set in a futuristic world where robots are part of everyday life, a robotics engineer reunites with his brother’s daughter Eva, who inspires his latest creation. This sci-fi drama explores complex human emotions and artificial intelligence.

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

The Legend of the Mountain Man (USA, 2008, 1h 42m, in American Sign Language)

Synopsis: Two deaf brothers embark on a wilderness adventure and confront life-changing challenges. A heartfelt story of resilience and brotherhood, this film highlights deaf culture and the power of family bonds.

Thursday, February 27, 2025

Undine (Germany, 2020, 1h 31m)

Synopsis: A contemporary retelling of the myth of Undine, a water spirit. The film intertwines romance and mystery as Undine seeks love and revenge in modern Berlin, delivering a haunting and poetic narrative

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Tale of Tales (Italy, 2015, 2h 14m, Rated R)

Synopsis: Based on the fairy tales of Giambattista Basile, this dark fantasy interweaves three bizarre and magical stories of love, power, and desire. Lavish visuals and complex characters make it a unique cinematic experience.

Thursday, March 6, 2025

Pinocchio (Italy, 2019, 2h 5m)

Synopsis: A faithful adaptation of Carlo Collodi's classic tale about a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy. This film combines magical realism with poignant moments, exploring themes of identity and transformation.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

2 pm: SMU Film Vault tour. Departs from the Hamon Arts Library. Registration required.

Register Here

Date: February 4-March 6, 2025

Location: Caruth Hall - 3145 Dyer Street Dallas, TX 75205

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