International Films: Home

For over fifty years the experience of difference and diversity has been central to the Program's mission. Founded by Mr. Mario Ruggeri in 1960 as the Marist Foreign Film Program, the curricular initiative was co-directed by Brother Joseph Belanger from 1962 until 1998. The program was active until 1977 and, after a brief hiatus, was reinitiated by Brother Joe as a mini-program using video cassettes rather than reels. At that time, Professor Richard Platt and Brother Joe managed to get large-screen projection for the program. Brother Joe was soon running a full-fledged program, showing 20 films per semester and purchasing films until 1998. Thanks to Brother Joe, and the continuous efforts of all past and current directors who add between 25 and 35 new titles each year, the Marist international film library collection is impressive. Since 1998, the program has been directed by Ivette Romero (World Languages and Cultures), Kevin Gaugler (World Languages and Cultures), Mark Worrell (former professor in Philosophy and Religious studies), and more recently by Patricia Ferrer (World Languages and Cultures). -- from the website description