Ira Holmes International Film Series Returns at CF

Films from across the globe that center around themes of humor and perseverance will take center stage in this year’s Ira Holmes International Film Series at the College of Central Florida. A full season of in-person film events kicks off Sept. 13.

“As the late, great Charlie Chaplin proclaimed, ‘A day without laughter is a day wasted,’” said series founder and CF Professor Ira Holmes. “We’re proud to announce that we’re back after two seasons of stream-from-home films, drive-in screenings and virtual film talks. We made it work during a difficult time for our community and our supporters. Now we’re ready to resume seeing movies together in an auditorium with the ability to share our thoughts and feelings. Laughter is therapy, and smiles are also acceptable! In the spirit of the much-loved film classic ‘Singin’ in the Rain,’ we’re ready to ‘make ’em laugh.’”

This year’s first film will be “Wild Men,” with screenings on Tuesday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m., at the Appleton Museum, and at 7 p.m., at the CF Ocala Campus. In this 2021 Danish film, Martin sets off into the forest in a misguided attempt to overcome his midlife crisis – armed with only a bow and some animal skins. A chance meeting with a fugitive leads to a twisted trip through the fjords with police, drug runners and his family close behind. Martin’s quest for manhood leads to deep and hilariously uncomfortable realizations about the presumed masculine ideal.

Series Schedule:

Sept. 13 – “Wild Men”

Sept. 27 – “The Farewell”

Oct. 11 – “Tony Manero”

Oct. 25 – Appleton Museum 35th Anniversary Double Feature: “House of Dracula” and “Babette’s Feast”

The double feature will begin at noon at the Appleton Museum and 5 p.m. at the CF Ocala Campus. Special guest Patricia Tomlinson will introduce “Babette’s Feast” at 6:30 p.m. and will lead a discussion after the evening screening.

Nov. 8 – “Breaking Bread”

Jan. 17 – “Victoria & Abdul”

Jan. 31 – “Parasite”

Feb. 14 – Scary Movie Date Night: “Get Out”

On Feb. 15 at 12:30 p.m., Dr. Gilbert Rodman will lead a “Get Out” Black History Month film talk via Zoom. Guests can also participate in person at the CF Ocala Campus in Building 8, Room 110.

Feb. 28 – “Neptune Frost”

March 14 – “La Ciénaga”

All films will be shown Tuesdays at 2 p.m. at the Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, and at 7 p.m. at the College of Central Florida, 3001 S.W. College Road, Building 8, Room 110, unless otherwise noted. Films at the Ocala Campus are free and open to the public. Films at the Appleton are free to all museum and film series members; nonmembers pay museum admission. Films may contain mature content.

For more details, visit cf.edu/filmseries.