PULLMAN, Wash. — A series of films is being offered to the public by the Department of Comparative American Cultures at Washington State University.
“The films are selected to highlight social problems and issues dealing with the intersection of race, class and gender in various societies,” said E. San Juan, chair of CAC. Each film will be followed by a discussion led by a member of the CAC faculty.
There is no charge for the films, which will be shown Tuesdays at 7 p.m. in Wilson Hall, Room 6.
The next film, which will play Feb. 23, is “Daughters of the Dust,” directed by Julie Dash. It is a turn-of-the-century saga about a black family who are descendants of slaves living on the islands off the South Carolina coast. The family is preparing to move to the mainland. A lyrical film, it is noted for its cinematography and layered narrative. Discussion will be led by assistant professor Bill Pincheon.
On March 9, “Broken Blossoms,” directed by D.W. Griffiths, will be shown. The melodrama is the story of the friendship of a young woman and a mysterious Chinese man that displeases her abusive father. Associate professor Rory Ong will lead the discussion.
“Sugar Cane Alley” will be the final film on April 6. Directed by Euzhan Palcy, it tells the story of an old woman who works along with her grandson on a Martinique sugar plantation. She is willing to sacrifice everything to give him the education she knows he needs to escape a life of manual labor. The evening’s discussion will be led by professor Pincheon.
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