Release Date: September 18, 2014

National Gallery of Art Partners with American University to Host International Cinema Series on AU Campus

Still from Leaving by Václav Havel, to be shown as part of the film series The Play’s the Thing: Václav Havel, Art and Politics on Friday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Malsi Doyle and Michael Forman Theater, McKinley Building, American University. Image courtesy Bonton Film

Washington, DC—American University's (AU) School of Communication (SOC) and the National Gallery of Art launch a multiyear program to provide cultural and educational programs to the Washington-area community through the art of film. The two institutions will jointly host an International Cinema Series, held on AU's campus in the SOC's new Malsi Doyle and Michael Forman Theater, inside the recently renovated McKinley Building. Film screenings are free of charge; seating is limited to a first-come, first-seated basis.

The International Cinema Series includes classic and contemporary films from Italy, China, the Czech Republic, Greece, Denmark, Brazil, and other countries around the world. Through coordination with embassy cultural programs, some screenings will include moderated discussions with filmmakers, scholars, and content experts. The International Cinema Series program is part of a two-year partnership and venue collaboration between the Gallery and American University during the renovation of the Gallery's East Building through 2016.

"We are very pleased to work with the National Gallery of Art to enrich the greater AU community with ongoing weekend presentations of classic and contemporary cinema and documentary films," said Jeffrey Rutenbeck, dean, American University School of Communication.

The cinema series begins this month, featuring Italian films cohosted by SOC, the National Gallery of Art, and the Italian Embassy Cultural Institute. For full descriptions of film programs, as well as dates and screening times, visit www.american.edu/nga. For additional information about National Gallery of Art film programs, visit www.nga.gov/film. 

The AU Malsi Doyle and Michael Forman Theater is located on the second floor of the McKinley Building (4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20016-8017). The 145-seat exhibition space is equipped with a Sony 4K digital cinema projection system and 7.1-surround sound audio. The space greatly enhances AU's ability to host events for students and the greater public, such as national conferences, symposia, lectures, film festivals, awards ceremonies, and master classes with distinguished alumni.

The AU SOC is one of the top communication schools in the country; it inspires leaders through excellence in teaching, research, creativity and unique real-world opportunities at the intersection of culture and technology.

About American University

AU is a leader in global education, enrolling a diverse student body from throughout the United States and nearly 140 countries. Located in Washington, D.C., the university provides opportunities for academic excellence, public service, and internships in the nation's capital and around the world.

About the National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art is one of the world's preeminent art museums. Masterworks by European and American artists and temporary exhibitions spanning the world and the history of art await visitors to the Gallery. A wide range of Gallery tours, lectures, concerts, family programs, and films are offered throughout the week free of charge. Visit www.nga.gov for more information.