[quote]Films communicate at an entirely different emotional and intellectual level. You leave with a lot to think about.[/quote]

The Tournees Festival, showcasing French films connected by a different common theme each year, is back at Elon University for the third year in a row.

This year’s films, which will screen from Feb. 8 through March 14, revolve around religiosity.

“I thought it was a perfect way to marry the university’s mission of promoting interfaith understanding and diversity with French culture,” said Sarah Glasco, assistant professor of French studies and organizer of the festival.

Glasco must apply for a grant for the copyrights to play these films publicly, but she said she hopes to eventually establish a self-sustaining program.

“Of Gods and Men,” which is based on the true story of nine French monks, was the first film shown. It is set in Algeria, a former French colony. Because of the revolution and threats from Muslim terrorists, the monks must decide whether to stay where they are, risking great danger and potential death or abandon their monastery.

All films in the festival will contain religious themes, but their focus may range from misunderstandings and conflicts involving anti-Semitism to all types of religious slanders expressed around the world.

In addition to the screening, a different Elon faculty member will lead a discussion after each film.

“Films communicate at an entirely different emotional and intellectual level. You leave with a lot to think about,” said L.D. Russell, a lecturer of religious studies and leader of the first discussion. These films will hopefully serve as “a conversation starter so that Elon students can become global citizens informed of global issues,” Russell said.

Russell said he thinks “Of Gods and Men” is an appropriate start to the festival.

“(It is) a story about politics and faith, which is very relevant because of all the revolutions going on in Arab countries today,” he said.

Glasco said she also believes the festival is relevant this year, given Elon’s diversity forums and the “Not on our Campus" movement.

“(We hope) to promote tolerance, broaden students’ horizons in terms of what France and other cultures are all about and encourage the faculty to get involved in floor discussions,” Glasco said.