CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- The first film series at the University of Illinois dealing with South Asia will be offered this fall.
"Past, Present and Politics: South Asian Identities" will include documentaries, comedies and socio-political dramas that focus on various aspects of South Asian identity. Sponsored by the Program in South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, in cooperation with the Unit for Cinema Studies, the series is organized by Simona Sawhney, a professor of comparative literature and of linguistics.
The films will be shown at 7:30 p.m. in Room 66 Library on alternate Wednesdays, beginning Wednesday (Sept. 6). Screenings are free and open to the public and will be followed by discussions.
Films to be shown:
Sept. 6, "The Making of the Mahatma," India/South Africa, 1995, examines Gandhi's political development by narrating his early life in South Africa, and by exploring his personal relationships.
Sept. 20, "Miss India Georgia," United States, 1997, is about a beauty pageant for young Indian women in the American South.
Oct. 4, "In the Name of God," India, 1992, is about the rise of Hindu fundamentalism in modern India.
Oct. 18, "In Secular India," India, 1987.
Nov. 1, "Brothers in Trouble," United Kingdom, 1995, is about Pakistani immigrants in Great Britain.
Nov. 15, "Bhaji on the Beach," United Kingdom, 1994. oNov. 29, "Fire," Canada, 1998, is the first Indian film to openly focus on a lesbian relationship.