One of the highlights of every week, is getting the chance to attend 2Y Marwa Darkhabani’s International Movie Nights. Marwa has been screening movies weekly since her first year at Booth and each screening asks an international Boothie to select a film and then moderate a conversation and answer questions about it.
In describing her motivation to host such an event, Marwa said, “I started this initiative to help others and myself learn about different cultures… and what better way to do it than through art!”
Boothies are free to screen any film, with one exception: no big budget blockbuster movies! The more authentic the better. We’ve gotten the chance to see movies from South Africa, Russia, Lebanon, India, Nigeria, Japan, Italy, Egypt, Germany, Mexico, and many more (see a small snippet below).
As for our discussions, they have covered everything from inequality and religious conflict to war and communism, even Day of the Dead. But not all of our conversations are this serious! We’ve also used the opportunity to wax nostalgic about travel and bond over cultural similarities (and differences).
Marwa is eager for some new movie ideas, so let us know if you have any suggestions! I, for one, can’t wait to see what is in store for the rest of the year.