College promotes diversity through film series

The College of Liberal Arts has given Dan Humphrey, assistant professor of film studies and women’s and gender studies, an IIDEA diversity grant of $4,200 to showcase films at Texas A&M University that promote and foster a greater understanding of diversity.  A screening of the award winning film "A Separation" will kick off the diversity series, followed by a panel discussion in the Harrington Complex Center, Room 209 on September 26 at 7:00 p.m.

“A Separation,” directed by Asghar Farhadi, is a compelling drama of a middle class Iranian couple on the verge of divorce and their 11-year old daughter, Termeh. The wife, Simin, wants to leave Iran with her husband, Nadar, and daughter, so that Termeh can have a promising future. However, Nadar wants to stay behind with his father, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. The film follows the family as a series of dramatic events unfold, revealing the gender and social issues of present-day Iran.

“It’s a really interesting film in the way it deals with the contemporary Iranian middle class and the subdivisions within it, as well as the separation between men and women,” said Humphrey.

A panel discussion will be held afterward to address the social themes of the film. The purpose of this  event, presented by the College of Liberal Arts, the Film Studies Program, the Women’s and Gender Studies Program, and the Persian Student Association, is to generate and provoke conversation about current global issues, promote an understanding of diversity, and encourage cultural awareness.

Humphrey created a film series that would explore different ethnic groups, racial minorities, and specific social classes. He wanted to bring films to the campus that rarely make it to mainstream theaters.

“[It] seemed like it would be really easy to put together a series of films that spotlight elements of the diversity we have here at Texas A&M University,” he said.

“A Separation” is the winner of the 2011 Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film. It was also nominated at the Academy Awards for Best Screenplay and has received other awards and recognitions at various film festivals.

For more information about the screening of “A Separation” or the film series, contact Dan Humphrey at here or (979) 845-2785.