International Lens Film Series
English Vinglish
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Sarratt Cinema
2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville, TN 37240
Presented by Elliott McCarter, Senior Lecturer in Asian Studies
India (2012) Dir: Gauri Shinde.
In her directorial debut, Shinde explores the tension between notions of traditional Indian womanhood and contemporary values through the story of Shashi, a quiet, sweet-tempered housewife who endures condescension from her well educated husband and daughter because of her inability to speak and understand English. She is resourceful and open-minded, which go unnoticed. On a trip to visit her sister in Manhattan she decides to enroll in an English Learners class and meets a host of new people who teach her to value herself beyond the narrow perspective of her family. The film was the vehicle for the triumphant return to the screen of Sridevi, one of India’s most celebrated actresses. Hindi|English|French|Tamil|Telugu with English subtitles. 133 min. DVD.
Presented in collaboration with the Vanderbilt South Asian Cultural Exchange and the Asian Studies Program.