Just learned about this free & independent cross-cultural film series, Film Forward, starting on Feb. 27 to March 1, at various locations in Southern AZ. Most are showing at the Loft Cinema at 3233 E. Speedway, some way out at the Tohono O’odham Nation Recreation Center in Sells, another at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center at 1288 W. River Rd. Check the full schedule for other venues (Tucson Museum of Art, Grace St. Paul’s Episcopal Church).

Go online to the Loft Cinema’s website, http://www.loftcinema.com/filmforward2012, for a complete listing with venue sites.

FILM FORWARD is a cultural exchange program designed to enhance cross-cultural understanding, collaboration and dialogue around the globe by engaging audiences through the exhibition of film and conversation with filmmakers. FILM FORWARD is an Initiative of Sundance Institute and The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Brief descriptions of these films:
The Green Wave – 2009 Iranian Presidential election (documentary)
Grbavica – Balkan war struggles for mother/daughter
On the Ice – Tragedy for Alaskan teenagers
Unfinished Spaces – Cuban architects (documentary)
Beginners – gay lover of ill father, starring Ewan McGregor, Christopher Plummer
Somewhere Between – four adopted girls (from China) living in America

The public is also invited to a free reception for this film series:
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 AT 5:00 P.M.
FILMMAKER RECEPTION
With FILM FORWARD filmmakers Mike Mills, Ali Samadi Ahadi and Andrew Okpeaha MacLean in attendance, as well as team members from Sundance Institute’s FILM FORWARD and the Native American & Indigenous Programs. Food provided by My Big Fat Greek Restaurant.
Location: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave.

And the Wed. Feb. 29 showing of “Somewhere Between” is preceded by a tasty Chinese dinner (for $8) at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, starting at 6 p.m., followed by the film at 7 p.m.

Note: “The Green Wave” film is also part of the Human Rights Watch film festival (click here). It will show on March 20, in case you miss it with Film Forward.