Saturday, January 23: Timbuktu 4:30pm and Dancing in Jaffa 7pm
Saturday, January 30: Instructions Not Included 4:30pm and Gabrielle 7pm
Saturday, February 6: I Wish 4:30pm and White God at 7pm
Tickets per film:
$8/advance, $10/door; or $35/all films.
Ohio Theatre, 3114 Lagrange
419-720-8952 | ohiotheatretoledo.org
For a second year, a local initiative, Welcome Toledo Lucas-County, will spotlight the diverse cultures that fill the Glass City during the Toledo International Film Festival at the Ohio Theatre, supporting a noble cause. The festival, spanning three Saturdays, beginning January 23 at 4pm, will feature a broad and fascinating selection of films from all over the world, running the emotional spectrum- from thrilling to poignant.
With open arms
Welcome TLC, an initiative building relationships with the immigrant community to make Lucas County more welcoming, works with the Lucas County Commissioners to support economic development and neighborhood revitalization, to contribute to the community conversation (through events like the Film Fest), to provide community services through outreach and education, and to mobilize support from other organizations to achieve these goals.
An international picture
“It is important that as a welcoming community, we have an event that features films from around the world because film is a powerful medium that can connect diverse human experiences and promote international understanding,” said Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken.
The exchange between community building and the arts enhances the dialogue about the diverse spectrum of issues in the immigrant community. The Ohio Theater’s unique history lends itself to being the perfect venue for the Festival. According to Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak, “The recently revitalized Ohio Theatre and Event Center was historically supported by immigrant and ethnic neighborhoods in North Toledo. Lucas County is happy to partner in that tradition with the Second Annual Toledo International Film Festival.”
Spirit of solidarity
The films (and the countries where they were produced) include Timbuktu (Mauritania), Dancing in Jaffa (Israel-Palestine), Instructions Not Included (Mexico), Gabrielle (Canada), I Wish (Japan), and White God (Hungary). This diverse and compelling selection provides something for everyone. Socially relevant and important to the discussion on immigration, social inequality and solidarity, the social influence of film is a way to stimulate constructive social change. Commissioner Carol Contrada adds, “Welcome Toledo-Lucas County is proud to sponsor a film festival that promotes our region’s vibrancy, celebrates the human creative spirit, and unites diversity in our community through the power of film.”
