‘Caribbean Eye’ film events set for Sept. 4

The events are part of “Caribbean Eye,” an occasional UC film series coordinated by Mary Leonard, professor of film history.   

“‘Caribbean Eye’ films tell stories we may not have heard, set in places we may think we know but have not really seen. They use fresh approaches that leave viewers with new images of the Caribbean and new ideas to think about,” says Leonard.

The day begins with “Studies of the Imagination,” an in-depth conversation with the director  about his experimental and genre-defying approach to filmmaking. The talk will be held from 12:30 to 1:50 p.m. in the Faculty Enrichment Center, second floor of Langsam Library. Admission is free and open to the public.

That evening, a screening of Arias’ award-winning film “Pepe” takes place at the nearby Esquire Theater at 7 p.m. The film tells the surreal story of the first and last hippo killed in the Americas — told from beyond the grave. Filmmaker Magazine describes “Pepe” as “a cinematic UFO perched somewhere between hard facts and dreams” and “a work that celebrates imagination as the ultimate means to emancipate ourselves.”

Following the screening, Arias will take part in an audience Q&A. Tickets are available on the Esquire Theater website.

The events are organized in connection with a course taught by Leonard (Film and the Caribbean) and are sponsored by UC’s School of Communications, Film and Media Studies, Department of Romance Languages, English Department and the Niehoff Film Fund.

With support from the Niehoff Film Fund, UC students and faculty may claim free tickets for the screening by RSVPing thru Eventbrite.

Follow the Caribbean Eye Instagram page for more information about this and other “Caribbean Eye” events.

Featured photo at top of Nelson Carlo de los Santos Arias, provided by Leonard.