ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University kicks off a new international film series in Mitchell Auditorium, Seigfred Hall, at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, with the screening of Rain 1949. The film is directed by Ilan Yagoda and portrays the story of Holocaust survivors who arrive in Israel during torrential rains and establish an Israeli kibbutz, displacing an Arab village.

"The Search for Common Ground Series addresses major concerns in the world: the cultural concerns that are filling the news and all of our minds," said Bob Winters, interim director of the School of Film.

Athenians and others who recall public screenings of non-commercial films at Seigfred Hall are encouraged to attend the series, according to Ruth Bradley, director of the Athens Center for Film and Video.

"The series offers the campus and Athens community another film option besides the commercial theater," Bradley said. "The Common Ground Film Series represents a wide diversity of opinions from diverse cultures with the aim of fostering mutual understanding. These films highlight other points of view not seen in Hollywood commercial films."

Screening is free and open to the public. The films are provided by the European Centre for Common Ground, a non-profit organization. The Search for Common Ground Series is sponsored by the Ohio University School of Film, School of Art, the Lindley Cultural Center, Center for International Studies and the Athens Center for Film and Video.

The Schedule:

Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. -- Just a Little Red Dot and Zegota

This film tells the tale of a newcomer from Sri Lanka who enters her fifth grade class with a red dot on her forehead and receives mixed responses from her peers.
The second film, narrated by Eli Wallach, depicts the plight of Polish Jews and the conditions of terror under which the Zegota rescuers tried to help.

Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. -- Long Night's Journey Into Day: South Africa's Search for Truth and Reconciliation

The film examines the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's attempt to bring together the victims and perpetrators of apartheid.

Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. -- Regret To Inform

Regret To Inform is a story about a woman who returns to Vietnam to find the place where her husband was killed.

Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. -- Prelude to Kosovo

A film shot on location in Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia, Prelude to Kosovo combines graphic footages and interviews with political and religious figures.

March 6 at 8 p.m. -- Peace of Mind

Peace of Mind is the story of Palestinian and Israeli teenagers who are given video cameras to document their families, friends and communities in Israel, the West Bank and the Palestinian Authority.