The power of film lies in its ability to promote discussion. Through discussion, individuals are inspired and motivated to challenge their previous notions of what was the norm.

This power can challenge and highlight social issues that can broaden viewers’ outlooks into cultures, ethnicity and politics. These are the discussions the One World Film Festival has to offer.

The 18th Annual One World Film Festival is back in Lexington until March 5th. Formed in 1998, One World Film set out to establish an annual film festival in Lexington and since then has shown more than 130 films to more than 18,000 attendees. All festival screenings are free and open to the public.

A glimpse of a film that will be screened at the festival that highlights their vision is Disney’s McFarland, USA. This film is about a high school football coach moving from Idaho to McFarland, California, a predominately Latino rural town.

Kevin Costner, the football coach, ends up leading a cross-country running team made up of lower-class Latino students to a state championship.

The festival also includes speakers and discussions. After some of the films, attendees talk about the issues that are brought up in the film. In the past, actors and directors have joined to showcase their work.

One World board members are made up of volunteers, so the festival relies on local businesses, community groups and individuals to support its events. Its sponsors appear on programs handed out at each film, along with mailings and posters. The festival is supported by Kroger community rewards. One World Film is part of a 501C3 nonprofit organization.

FILM                      DATE                  TIME          LOCATION

Leviathan               Thursday, Feb. 4th     7:00 P.M.    The Kentucky Theatre

McFarland, USA       Saturday, Feb. 6th    10:00 A.M.    The Kentucky Theatre

Woman in Gold       Thursday, Feb. 11th     7:00 P.M.    The Kentucky Theatre

I Am Eleven            Saturday, Feb. 13th    10:00 A.M.    The Kentucky Theatre

Dallas Buyer’s Club   Thursday, Feb. 18th     7:00 P.M.    The Kentucky Theatre

Today’s Special      Saturday, Feb. 20th    10:00 A.M.    The Kentucky Theatre

Raise the Roof       Thursday, Feb. 25th     7:00 P.M.    The Kentucky Theatre

The Island President  Saturday, Feb. 27th    10:00 A.M.    The Kentucky Theatre

Poverty, Inc.        Thursday, March 3rd    7:00 P.M.    The Kentucky Theatre