When using entertainment to create our communities, film cannot be understated. International films enjoyed through cinemas or film festivals are the perfect way to escape stress. Like music, which I discussed in the previous chapter, film can unite people who may otherwise feel disconnected from their communities.
To start with cinemas, AMC famously has student discount pricing. Students can bring their IDs to the box office and save money on any movie they want to watch. They also offer monthly subscriptions with AMC Stubs, providing different tiers. The AList tier, for example, offers up to 3 movies every week for around $25 a month. Film theaters are more readily accessible than film festivals, so it’s only fair to acknowledge them first and foremost.
Film festivals, however, are where it gets exciting. Film festivals often show independent films that we don’t get to see in regular theaters. For anyone looking to watch international independent films, film festivals are perfect for us international student cinephiles. Massachusetts Film Office offers a comprehensive list of all the film festivals held year-round in the Greater Boston area, North of Boston & Greater Merrimack Valley, MetroWest & Central MA, Cape Cod & The Islands, and Western Massachusetts. Some notable festivals to note are the ones happening during the 2024-2025 academic year.
Keep an eye out for the Taiwan Film Festival in Cambridge on September 28-29, The GlobeDocs Film Festival in Brookline & Cambridge on October 22-27, Boston Asian American Film Festival in Boston & Cambridge on October 17-27, the CineFest Latino Boston festival on September 25-29, Boston Jewish Film Festival in November, Wicked Queer Film Festival on November 15-18, and the Boston Palestine Film Festival on October 18-27. These are just a few options out of the many listed on the site. ScreenDaily and WBUR also provide helpful lists to stay on top of film festivals.
For the spring of 2025, there will be the Independent Film Festival (IFFBoston) taking place in Somerville, Brattle, and the Coolidge Corner theaters during April 23-30, The Roxbury International Film Festival from June 20 to July 2nd, and the Boston SciFi in February held in a hybrid model between live and virtual. The Boston Underground Film Festival (BUFF) will be held in March 19-23.
Most of these festivals require paid tickets to attend, but many offer cheaper online programs and there are free film festivals during other times of the year. The annual Films at the Gate Festival, for example, is a free Chinese-language film festival in Chinatown typically held in August. The Boston Short Film Festival offers either low-cost or free screenings, and the Boston Film Festival may offer free college day screenings.
It is no secret that films deeply affect our psychology. When we feel misunderstood or lonely, even when surrounded by people, movies can offer a sense of connection and understanding that we are craving, and impact our emotions simultaneously. Take advantage of these opportunities, whether it’s going to the cinema with your friends or taking the subway to go see a day-long film festival. Either way, there is so much culture to connect with. Happy exploring!
By Natia Kirvalidze
Natia Kirvalidze studies Writing, Literature, and Publishing at Emerson College. She is a Publishing Intern at Campus Clipper, serves as the Features Editor for Page Turner Magazine, and is the Managing Editor of Green Magazine. She enjoys playing chess, hiking, and making checklists.
For over 20 years, the Campus Clipper has been offering awesome student discounts in NYC, from the East Side to Greenwich Village. Along with inspiration, the company offers students a special coupon booklet and the Official Student Guide, which encourages them to discover new places in the city and save money on food, clothing, and services. At the Campus Clipper, not only do we help our interns learn new skills, make money, and create wonderful e-books, we give them a platform to teach others. Check our website for more student savings and watch our YouTube video showing off some of New York City’s finest students during the Welcome Week of 2015.
Tags: community, entertainment, festival, film, international