CF International Film Series Continues with ‘Metropolis,’ March 30

The College of Central Florida continues the International Film Series with “Metropolis” on Tuesday, March 30, at 7:30 p.m. Online discussion on Wednesday, March 31, from 12:30-1:30 p.m. will be hosted by Mark Neumann. Screenings will take place at the Ocala Drive-In theater, 4850 S. Pine Ave., Ocala, for free. Each film can also be screened from the safety of one’s own home at a time of convenience via free internet streaming services.

This German expressionist science fiction film presents a highly stylized futuristic city where a beautiful and cultured utopia exists above a bleak underworld populated by mistreated workers. When the privileged youth Freder discovers the grim scene under the city, he becomes intent on helping the workers. He befriends the rebellious teacher but this puts him at odds with his authoritative father, leading to greater conflict. The film is regarded by many critics as one of the most innovative and influential films ever made. We will be screening Giorgio Moroder’s 1984 painstaking restoration of “Metropolis,” which includes a pop soundtrack and previously deleted scenes and images. This film has a total run time of 83 minutes.

Neumann, the host for the Wednesday discussion, is a professor of Creative Media and Film at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on visual culture, documentary studies, audio and archival storytelling, and media studies. His photographic and film work have been exhibited nationally and internationally, and his audio work has been broadcast on national public radio programs. He has published numerous articles and book chapters on culture, media, technology and art in a variety of venues. His books include “On the Rim: Looking for the Grand Canyon” and “Recording Culture: Audio Documentary and the Ethnographic Experience.”

For links to the screening and discussion, and for a full series list and more information on the International Film Series, contact Wendy Adams at 352-873-5800, ext. 1546, or visit www.CF.edu/filmseries.