Belmont World Film Presents Two Films During World Refugee Awareness Month June 9,16 [Trailers]

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Photo: Abou Sangaré as Souleymane, in Souleymane’s Story (Credit: Pyramide Distribution)

Belmont World Film is presenting two “buzz-worthy” films as part of its 23rd International Film Series FREEDOM ON FILM during World Refugee Awareness Month. The films will be screened on Monday, June 9 and 16.

Souleymane’s Story: The film is currently in release in Europe, but the only place you can see it in the US is at our screening on New England premiere, Monday, June 9, 7:30 PM at West Newton Cinema. A young immigrant from Guinea (Abou Sangaré) navigates the streets of Paris as a food delivery cyclist while striving to secure legal residency. With only two days to prepare for a critical asylum interview, he must balance the demands of his precarious job and the challenges of his uncertain status. This “storied” film won two awards at the Cannes Film Festival and four Cesar Awards, the French equivalent of the Oscars. Buy advanced tickets for Souleymane’s Story here.

Under the Volcano: New England premiere on Monday, June 16, 7:30 PM at West Newton Cinema. While enjoying the final day of their vacation in Tenerife, Spain, a blended Ukrainian family’s world is upended when news breaks of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, rendering their return to Kyiv impossible. Stranded on the island, they must navigate feelings of isolation, fear, and uncertainty, all while confronting the evolving dynamics within their family.

Belmont World Film is proud to partner with First Aid of the Soul, an organization providing accessible psychological support services to Ukrainians affected by the war. The NGO is hosting an optional pre-film reception from 6:15 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. in the theater mezzanine, learn more about the impact of First Aid of the Soul’s work. All proceeds directly supporting their critical mental health work.

Patrons can either purchase tickets for the screening only or for both the reception and the screening. BWF encourage you to consider attending the reception in support of this incredibly worthy cause (the screening ticket is included in the cost of the reception). 

Buy advanced tickets for Under the Volcano here

Individual Tickets are

  • $14 per ticket in advance (no fees)
  • $16 at the door (with cash or check)

Freedom Is Focus Of 2025 Belmont World Film’s International Series Beginning March 31

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Photo: DJ Ahmet is the opening feature of Belmont World Film’s 23rd International Film Series that starts March 31.

The focus of Belmont World Film’s 23rd International Film Series is “Freedom on Film,” beginning Monday, March 31, and running weekly through June 16 at Apple Cinemas in Cambridge and the West Newton Cinema.

The series presents eleven films that were screened at the biggest international film festivals in which three were their countries’ submission for the Academy Award’s Best International Feature film.

The powerful lineup explores the many dimensions of freedom, from personal liberation to political resistance, showcasing compelling stories from around the globe and shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of those who dare to break barriers. The series invites audiences to engage with diverse perspectives on what it truly means to be free.

Opening night features the East Coast premiere of DJ Ahmet, winner of the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award and the Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. The film depicts a sweet, coming-of-age drama about 15-year-old Ahmet, who finds solace in music while navigating tradition, family expectations, and first love in a remote Macedonian village. The screening at Apple Cinema in Fresh Pond will be preceded by a dinner reception at the theater featuring North Macedonian cuisine from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Other highlights include: 

  • Reading Lolita in Tehran, based on the best-selling memoir by Azar Nafisi on April 28. 
  • Under the Volcano, about the trials of a Ukrainian family on vacation in Tenerife, Spain on the eve of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The film was Poland’s submission for the Best International Feature Film Oscar.
  • The closing night film of the main series is Four Mothers. A heartfelt Irish comedy starring James McArdle is about a gay Young Adult novelist on the cusp of literary success, who’s unexpectedly tasked with caring for his ailing mother and three of his friends’ mothers over a chaotic weekend. Tickets includes an optional closing night dinner featuring Irish cuisine.

Funding for the International Film Series is provided by Juliet Jenkins/Leading Edge Realty and the Quebec Delegation of Boston. The Belmont LGBTQ+ Alliance is a community partner.

Individual tickets are $14 in advance (no fees) and $16 at the door with cash or check. “Passports,” which can be shared with one other person, offer eight films for $95. Memberships, for which individuals receive tickets or passports and other benefits, are also available. EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholder tickets and passes are half-price. The opening and closing dinners have separate admissions.

For tickets, passes, or for more information visit www.belmontworldfilm.org or call 617-484-3980. Like us at www.Facebook.com/BelmontWorldFilm or follow us on Instagram @Belmont_World_Film or X at @BelmntWorldFilm.