Films from the BRICS Countries

About this experience

Tuesdays/Thursdays, 2:00 – 5:00 pm     
May 12 – 28

This course is based on (mostly) recent films from six of the BRICS countries covered in our earlier course in the Spring, which we will watch within a historical context. This is not strictly speaking a film class because we will not be concerned with issues of the director’s style, cinematography, etc., in these films (although those issues may certainly come up in the class and can be part of our discussion). Our main focus, however, will be on what these films can teach us about these various BRICS countries from a cultural and historical point of view, as depicted in film by those living through it. The films are not in English but will be subtitled in English.

The six films* for the course are:

1. “I’m Still Here” (Ainda Estou Aqui) (Brazil, 2024; 135 minutes); dir. by Walter Salles
2. “Namesake” (India/US, 2006; 122 minutes); dir. by Mira Nair
3. “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” (Dane-ye anjir-e ma’abed) (Iran/Germany, 2024; 167 minutes); dir. by Mohammad Rasoulof
4. “Blind Shaft” (盲井, Mang jing) (China, 2003; 92 minutes); dir. by Yang Li
5. “Tsotsi” (South Africa; 2005; 95 minutes); dir. by Gavin Hood
6. “Wadjda” (Saudi Arabia; 2012; 98 minutes); dir. by Haifaa al-Mansour

Refund Policy

To receive a refund, a written request must be received 3 business days before the first class. A $25 processing fee will be deducted from the refund. Cancellation requests received less than 3 business days before the first class but before the second meeting will receive a 50% refund.  ALL written requests should be emailed to emeritus@spartanstrategiesinc.org or mailed to the address above.