Film festival hosted in renovated theater

Those who attend the sixth annual International Film Weekend in Carson City will get a glimpse into some of Nevada’s hidden treasures, as well as a look at cultures around the world.

“We hope people will see how we are all the same, underneath,” said chairwoman Linda Bellegray. “Our humanity is universal.”

The festival, which runs Thursday through Saturday, will show feature-length foreign films Thursday and Friday, as well as independent documentaries from students from 3-5 p.m.

Saturday’s showing will be a two-part French film, “Jean De Florette” at 3-5 p.m., followed by “Manon of the Spring” at 7 p.m.

“People are going to really want to watch both films to get the full story,” Bellegray said. “It’s very poignant.”

The independent film “Wally’s World,” shown at 4 p.m. Thursday, tells the story of artist Wally Kuchene and his collection of art in the Nevada desert.

At 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nevada’s water issues are explored in “Great Basin Water is Life.”

“The independent films are really worthwhile,” Bellegray said.

Greater themes of understanding and acceptance are explored in Thursday’s feature film, “The Band’s Visit,” and Friday’s “Koyla.”

The film festival works in conjunction with Friends of the Carson City Library.

“We’re so grateful we can bring this to our community absolutely free because of the sponsorship,” Bellegray said.

The festival will be held in the newly remodeled Bob Boldrick Theater inside the Carson City Community Center.

“We want to welcome everyone to the new theater with the new seating that is so comfortable,” Bellegray said. “The chandeliers are reminiscent of the Lincoln Center. It’s an amazing, amazing foyer — elegant and sparkly.”

The festival started as a result of a book group that wanted to see the movie adaptations of the books they read. Each film is followed by a community discussion, which is often the highlight of the experience.

“They are extra wonderful on the big screen,” she said. “And it makes it more special to see it with other people.”