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THE GLOBAL LENS COLLECTION
Astonishing World Cinema

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Global Lens 2008 is now on tour throughout the United States. Click here to read more.

About The Global Film Initiative

“Some of the most daring and brilliant films being crafted the world over.”
- SAN FRANCISCO BAY GUARDIAN

The Global Film Initiative promotes cross-cultural understanding through the medium of cinema.

History repeatedly points to the importance of great storytelling in chronicling and influencing human affairs. But this vital contribution to cultural diversity has been threatened by shifting economic conditions in the areas of film financing and distribution, a situation largely prompted by the international success of the American film industry. Ironically, it is the United States, and especially its youth, that suffers disproportionately from this lack of exposure to other cultures. The stability of America’s ethnic mosaic depends on deep cross-cultural understanding, particularly between young Americans and the children of recently arrived immigrants. A comprehensive effort to give value to stories from every corner of the world plays a vital role in promoting tolerance in all areas of human behavior.

The Initiative has developed four complementary programs to promote both the production of authentic and accessible stories created in the developing world and their distribution throughout the schools and leading cultural institutions of the United States.

Each year, the Initiative acquires ten narrative films and presents them at the most prestigious cultural institutions in the United States, such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City.

http://www.globalfilm.org

 Global Lens 2007 |  Global Lens 2006 |  Global Lens 2005  | Global Lens 2004

In 2004, First Run Features created a distribution alliance with The Global Film Initiative. First Run, as a long-standing supporter of unique, foreign films, is proud to be the exclusive North American distributor of all the Initiative’s titles in the home video, theatrical/semi-theatrical, and television markets.

Sales Information

For theatrical, non-theatrical, home video or television sales inquiries, please contact us at (212) 243-0600.
For educational sales, please contact First Run/Icarus Films at (718) 488-8900.