Belmont World Film

Belmont World Film (BWF), a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation, promotes cross-cultural understanding by utilizing the powerful universal language of film enhanced by post-film discussions led by topical speakers, cultural performances, exhibits or cuisine samples. This format distinguishes BWF’s screenings of international feature films, documentaries, animation, and shorts from usual film presentations. Inspired by a foreign language survey taken by the Belmont School Department in 2001, that demonstrated a need to increase awareness of foreign languages and cultures, BWF began with the premise that foreign-language film can not only be a vehicle for hearing another language in action, but it can also foster an emotional understanding of other cultures.

BWF presents an annual 6-8 week international film series in the spring, a weekend-long Family Film Festival in the fall, and other special events throughout the year. It works with local and international organizations involved in global issues in an effort to heighten awareness and encourage people of all ages to think about making a positive contribution to the world.

Since the first series in Spring 2002 (with a sold-out screening of Kandahar featuring a Q&A with Afghanistan Prime Minister Hamid Karzai's sister, Fozia) films have been shown from European countries such as France, Germany, Scotland, Italy, Belgium, and Finland, as well as less familiar countries, such as Bhutan, Bulgaria, Romania, Cuba, Bolivia, Iraq, Mongolia, and Luxembourg. Other speakers have included the UN envoy from Bhutan, international filmmakers, renowned experts, film stars, and individuals featured in documentaries. BWF has also provided a forum for organizations to raise money for and awareness of many causes, some of which include The Sudanese Education Fund, the Chinese orphanage program Half the Sky, the South American Little Angels of Columbia for homeless elders, PH15 (a photography program for children and adolescents from the poorest sections of Buenos Aires, Argentina), and widows of Rwandan genocide.