Too Close to Home: Political Satire in International Film

For quite literally thousands of years humans have been using satire to challenge systems of power and comment on what it truly means to be a member of a society.

From absurd bureaucracies and rising extremism to economic desperation and chaotic government responses, in this multi-week class we’ll explore four satirical pieces of cinema from around the world. We’ll learn about how these filmmakers utilize irony, symbolism, and tone to comment on their nation's governments.

Through the use of playful humor and crushing devastation, these films can help to build a deeper understanding of how satire can push us out of our comfort zones to challenge the status quo, and change how we see the world.

Films:

5/7: WELCOME, OR NO TRESPASSING (1964, 74 min)

5/14: THE CREMATOR (1969, 102 min)

5/21: HYENAS (1992, 110 min)

5/28: SHIN GODZILLA (2016, 120 min)

This class will be taught by MMU instructor Kia Anne Geraths, a filmmaker and educator. Her previous classes include the Cult Horror series, Intro to Varda, and John Sayles Retrospective.

Enrollment is limited to 18 students.

Email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.