Film series celebrates world heritage

In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the The West Virginia University’s Office of Multicultural Programs and the Office of Student Life hosted an event that gave students an intimate look into South American history.

The second in a series of Brown Bag Luncheons was held Thursday in the Gluck Theatre of the Mountainlair, and it was free and open to the public. Food was provided at the event.

The event included a screening of the award-winning film ‘Even in the Rain,’ a 2010 Spanish drama about a Mexican movie director and his producer arriving in Bolivia to shoot a film about Columbus’ exploration of the New World.

However, after filming most of the movie, Bolivia becomes embroiled in conflict due to the government increasing the cost of water by 300 percent.

The film portrays people driven by their beliefs and culture, as well as the importance of understanding humanity, regardless of age, race, sex and religion.

WVU student Michael Nienmann spoke at the event about his experience in Cochabamba, Bolivia while studying abroad.

"I was very impressed with the movie," he said. "It was actually filmed in Cochabamba, and historically, it seemed relatively accurate."

James Johnson, director of Multicultural and Diversity Affairs, saidthey initiated the Brown Bag Luncheon series as a way for students to become more exposed to world cultures.

"The program was first started for students outside the country to come and share their experiences, their heritages and their culture," he said. "We try to get people to better understand each other – to learn from each other and just communicate."

Johnson said he believes these experiences are beneficial to students.

"I think it’s important to step outside your comfort zone; the good stuff is outside your comfort zone," he said.

He also said like this can help students gain a
worldwide perspective.

"We are spoiled as Americans, as much as people don’t want to admit it. Like how in the movie they were fighting over water – well, we take that for granted here," he said. "There’s so much that we take for granted, but we need each other more than we realize."

Nienmann wholeheartedly agreed.

"The Brown Bag Luncheon is a great program, because most foreign films are difficult to come by otherwise, and they often have great cinematography, history significance and expose us to issues we may not have been aware of," Nienmann said.

The next Brown Bag Luncheon will be held in the Gluck Theatre Thursday at 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

For more information about the Brown Bag Luncheon Series, call the Office of Multicultural Programs at 304-293-0890.