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Summer is coming to a close in August, so take advantage of some opportunities to enjoy yourself. Excellent foreign films from India, France, and China … as well as from the Cold War and from the Beat Generation. Set aside time to hang out on Mass Ave attending performances from IndyFringe. Make sure you catch the splendid exhibition of Chinese painting at the Indianapolis Art Center before it closes. And there’s more!

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Some highlights for September … DePauw brings a splendid cast for its Dialogues September 18-20, including former Secretary of State Madelaine Albright, DePauw class of ‘52 alum Lee Hamilton, and several panels of nationally and internationally renowned journalists and foreign policy experts. Isabel Phiri, a very important theologian from South Africa, gives several talks at Christian Theological Seminary. As its International Citizen of the Year the International Center recognizes IU’s partnership with Moi University in Kenya … as well as a dozen other partnerships between Hoosiers and Kenyans. Cultural festivals for Latinos and Chinese communities. The great writer coming to town at month’s end: Sherman Alexie! And much more.

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Some of October’s highlights … The Mid-North Shepherd’s Center’s ninth Domestic Decisions series kicks off this month. Eight issues of urgent political and policy concern. Some of the speakers will include Jay Hein (White House head of faith-based initiatives) debating Sheila Kennedy (critic of faith-based initiatives); Indiana Chief Justice Randall Shapard explaining the ambitious program of local government reform designed by the commission he co-chaired; an all-star panel of journalists and analysts breaking down the election results; and the chief litigator of the ACLU Indiana exploring what the Supreme Court is up to. A couple of major foreign policy discussion, one launched by peace studies founder Johann Galtung; the other examining the future of the American Empire in light of new Powers rising around the world. The Indianapolis Museum of Art’s “Court Arts of the Ming Dynasty” exhibition will include a very large number of important China-related performances and discussions, including a talk by the world’s foremost historian of China, Jonathan Spence. Important novelist coming to Indy: Lan Samantha Chang, author of very perceptive explorations of Chinese lives in America. And much more.

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Some highlights for November and December events. Spirit & Place runs November 1 to 16, it is sure to be packed with stimulating goodness. The Mid-North Shepherd’s Center’s Great Decisions series comes to a close with a Provocate discussion of local-to-local partnerships that are helping solve some of world’s the most urgent problems. Several different discussions about the relation between art and economic development. In just one weekend, you’ll have a chance to hear the Peking Opera form Beijing, attend a performance of an original composition by Tan Dun (China’s most important contemporary classical music composer), and see a grand version of the film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” which was scored by Tan Dun. And much more.

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Kerry Max Cook explains what it’s like to spend 17 years on Death Row for a crime he didn’t commit. It probably stinks. (more…)

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An interesting convergence: Rhode Island Supreme Court Chief Justice Frank Williams is a Lincoln scholar; he has drawn favorable parallels between Lincoln’s suspension of legal niceties during the Civil War and the Bush Administrations prosecution of the war on Islamic extremism; and he has been appointed the Chief Judge on the United States Court of Military Commission Review. Should be a very interesting talk. (more…)

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Čiki is a Bosnian soldier who saves himself by diving into a trench in no man’s land. Nino, a Serbian soldier, sneaks into the trench and finds Čiki . Though both men are armed and dangerous, they find themselves trapped in very odd situation with neither able to leave without getting shot by the other side. 2001 Oscar winner for Best Foreign Film. (more…)

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A clerk in Paris hears her horoscope on the way to work: today she’ll meet her true love, but she must be patient. Before the day ends under a full moon, twenty lives intersect time and again in unpredictable, connected ways. (more…)

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Paris, the City of Love. 18 filmmakers, 18 short films that show the various atmospheres and lifestyles that prevail in the neighborhoods of Paris. Directors include: Gus Van Sant, Joel & Ethan Coen, Alexander Payne, Gérard Depardieu, Gurinder Chadha, Sylvain Chomet, and Wes Craven.

When: Tuesday November 25, 7:00 PM

Where: Arthur M. Glick Jewish Community Center, Laikin Auditorium 6701 Hoover Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46260

Part of the “European Grab-Bag” film series Sponsored by the JCC & Indiana Film Society. Free & open to the public.

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The glory days of the Yiddish Vaudeville stage and beyond are brought to life in this documentary chronicling the bittersweet saga of a legendary theatrical family: the Bursteins. (more…)

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