Niehoff Center film series explores nature, culture through global perspectives
UC faculty, directors lead discussions on international challenges through film
The Niehoff Center for Film and Media Studies at the University of Cincinnati invites the campus and community to delve into a thought-provoking film series titled “Imagining Nature/Culture,” which explores themes of environmental and cultural sustainability.
The series begins on January 29 at the Esquire Theatre, 320 Ludlow Ave., and highlights the intersection of human and ecological narratives, fostering dialogue on global challenges. Free admission with RSVP for the UC community.
A tradition of impactful storytelling
Niehoff Center director of programming and A&S professor Michael Gott. Photo/Provided
Since its founding in 2015, the Niehoff Center has consistently organized annual film series that address pressing societal questions. “The goal is to use films to foster conversations about issues and highlight and frame faculty research and teaching for a wider audience,” said Michael Gott, Neihoff Center Director of Programming & College of Arts and Sciences Professor. Past topics have ranged from artificial intelligence to migration, urban spaces, and women in film.
This year’s focus on sustainability reflects the urgency of global environmental concerns. “The nature and culture connection came together as a throughline in a broader selection of films provided by European Union sponsorship,” Gott explained. The series aims to engage audiences with themes that resonate universally, especially in the context of contemporary challenges.
Following each screening, discussions with filmmakers and UC faculty aim to spark meaningful conversations. The series underscores the transformative power of film as a medium for challenging perceptions and inspiring action.
“Film can make us rethink our ideas about the world and see things from different perspectives,” Gott said. By highlighting the interplay between nature and culture, the series encourages viewers to consider the broader implications of environmental storytelling.
Event highlights
Flowers of Ukraine director Adelina Borets. Photo/Provided
A highlight of the series is the screening of Flowers of Ukraine, directed by Adelina Borets, who will visit UC to discuss her work on Jan 29. The film centers on an individual’s relationship with nature amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. “When I learned that Borets could visit, it seemed like the ideal topic to focus on,” Gott said, emphasizing the opportunity to tie global conflict and environmental themes together.
Flowers of Ukraine, Jan.. 29, 7 p.m.
The post-film discussion will include a discussion with the director, Gott, and Teri Jacobs, assistant professor of environmental studies.
More films, discussions
The Animal Kingdom, Feb. 12, 6 p.m. Post-film discussion with director of the School for Environment and Sustainability, and Michael Gott, director of the Niehoff Center.
Afire, Feb. 16, 2 p.m. Post-film discussion with Evan Torner, associate professor of German and Film Studies.
Alcarras, Feb. 23, 2 p.m. Post-film discussion with Niall Peach, visiting assistant professor of Spanish.
Featured image at top: Still from the Niehoff Center film series Alcarras. Credit/Provided
By Hannah White
Marketing Coordinator, A&S Department of Marketing and Communication
artscinews@ucmail.uc.edu
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The Niehoff Center for Film and Media Studies at the University of Cincinnati invites the campus and community to delve into the thought-provoking “2026 UC European Film Series: Perspectives on Our World.” Five recent films will be screened, with introductions and discussions led by UC faculty. Using a variety of genres and forms, these films encourage audiences to think about their place on the planet, in relation to civic engagement, to the natural world, to others, and even to space aliens in Moravia. “The series is a mix of realism, reality, comedy, and escapism that we hope will make you see things differently,” said Michael Gott, Neihoff Center director of programming and College of Arts and Sciences professor. “Film can make us rethink our ideas about the world and see things from different perspectives.” Past topics have ranged from artificial intelligence to migration, urban spaces, and women in film. Following each screening, discussions with filmmakers and UC faculty aim to spark meaningful conversations.