The Lifetime Learning Center presents Explorations: The International Film Series!
Craven Community College - Orringer Auditorium
Two screenings: Fridays at 2:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Admission is free - Your donations support the series
Due to the variety of languages and accents represented, as well as accommodation for the hearing impaired, all films are shown with English subtitles.

Laapataa Ladies
Friday, September 5, 2025
2024 - India - Hindi
Comedy/Drama - TV-14
122 minutes
View movie trailer
Deepak, a farmer, travels back from the big city to his small village in India with Phool, his new bride. They travel aboard a crowded passenger train filled to the brim with many other newlywed couples. When they arrive at their destination, Deepak mistakenly gets off the train with the wrong bride, leaving his new wife behind with another groom.
The family welcomes the wrong bride. Meanwhile, Phool discovers the mix-up and refusing to return home and bring shame to her family, she decides to stay at the station, hoping her groom will rescue her. The ensuing events are humorous and poignant, leading the characters on an unexpected journey.

Nowhere Special
Friday, October 3, 2025
2020 - UK/ Ireland - English
Drama - Not Rated
118 minutes
View movie trailer
When John (James Norton), a 34-year-old window cleaner, learns he has only a few months to live, he tries desperately to find the perfect family for his three-year-old son, Michael. During a series of auditions, various potential parental pairs come forward, but most turn out to be unsuitable. One exception is a woman who, after giving up a child for adoption as a teenager, learned she couldn't have biological children. With sympathetic acquaintances and eager social workers urging him to choose, John feels immense pressure, as this decision is crucial for Michael's future.

The Belier Family
Friday, November 7, 2025
2014 - France - French/Sign Language/Spanish/English
Comedy/Drama/Music - Not Rated
106 minutes
View movie trailer
For the Belier family, 16-year-old Paula is the essential interpreter for her deaf parents and brother. Despite her family's inability to hear, Paula has a notable talent for singing and is rehearsing songs with her choir. Her teacher encourages her to audition for a prestigious music college in Paris, which would pave the way for a promising future.
Paula tries to balance her family responsibilities, all while dealing with her demanding music teacher and a crush on Gabriel, the other star of the school choir. Will Paula leave her family for a future in music?

The Good Boss
Friday, January 9, 2026
2022 - Spain - Spanish/Arabic
Comedy/Drama - Not Rated
116 minutes
View movie trailer
"The Good Boss" takes place at the Blancos Básculas factory, where maintaining balance is essential, as they manufacture scales of all shapes and sizes. The seemingly benevolent boss (Javier Bardem) is preparing his workforce for an upcoming inspection by a group visiting local businesses to select one for a prestigious award.
Tensions escalate when José, a recently fired employee, appears with his two children and demands to be reinstated. As the story unfolds, it's discovered that questionable practices have occurred. How good of a boss is he really? Dive into the complexities of a workplace where management claims to "treat employees like family."

Mr. Malcolm's List
Friday, February 6, 2026
2022 - UK/England - English
Costume Drama/ Romance - PG
117 minutes
View movie trailer
Clergyman's daughter Selina Dolton and aristocrat Julia Thistlewaite have been best friends since their time at boarding school. When ambitious Julia begs Selina for help dispensing revenge after being rejected by the elusive Jeremy Malcolm, Selina eagerly agrees to assist her.
The wealthy Mr. Malcolm has compiled a list of attributes and qualities that any potential bride must possess, Julia and her cousin Lord Cassidy enlist Selina's help, hoping that Mr. Malcolm might be captivated by her charm and beauty. However, things take an unexpected turn when Selina confesses her genuine feelings for Mr. Malcolm.

The Last Rifleman
Friday, March 6, 2026
2023 - UK/Ireland - English
Drama - PG-13
116 minutes
View movie trailer
Artie Crawford (Pierce Brosnan) is a World War II veteran living in a care home in Northern Ireland. He is grieving his wife who has recently passed away. He also is experiencing unsettling flashbacks from the war. On the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy, Artie decides to escape the care home to embark on a challenging journey to France. His goal is to pay his final respects to his best friend and find the courage to confront the ghosts of his past.
Throughout his journey, Artie relies on the kindness of strangers and encounters unique challenges, all while grappling with memories from his past.

BONUS FILM - Exhibition on Screen
Easter in Art: The Greatest Story Ever Painted
Friday, March 27, 2026
Documentary Film - Art History
90 minutes
View movie trailer
The story of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection has dominated western culture for the past 2000 years. It is perhaps the most significant historical event of all time, as recounted by the gospels but equally, as depicted by the greatest artists in history. From the triumphant to the savage, the ethereal to the tactile, some of western civilization’s greatest artworks focus on this pivotal moment. This beautifully crafted film directed by Phil Grabsky, explores the Easter story as depicted in art, from the time of the early Christians to the present day. Shot on location in Jerusalem, the United States and throughout Europe, the film explores the different ways artists have depicted the Easter story through the ages.

The Road Dance
Friday, April 10, 2026
2021 - UK/Scotland - English
Drama - Not Rated
116 minutes
View movie trailer
Kirsty is a young woman living in Garenin with her widowed mother and sister. She dreams of moving to America with her boyfriend, Murdo, but their plans are abruptly interrupted when he and other young men from the village are called to serve in The Great War.
The town holds a cèilidh to honor them before they leave the following day. Later that night, Kirsty is attacked by an unknown assailant. An examination by the village doctor reveals that she has been raped. The police are brought in to investigate, leading to numerous challenges for Kirsty as she navigates her emotions, faces difficult decisions, and learns to cope with the trauma she endures.
Film Selection Committee
Each year, members of the LLC International Film Selection Committee watch over 25 movies. They take notes, share their impressions, and rate each of the films. They bring great ideas to the process and create one of the most creative and diverse film series in the region. We wish to recognize and thank our very hard-working film selection committee:
Lydia Ash
Cindy Burrows
Norman Durocher
Mary Jo Fox
Jim Gruenebaum
Terri Jones
Deirdre Kiernan
Judi Lloyd
George Orsega
Betty Orsega
Lee Purcell
Mary Purcell
Contact Information
Lifetime Learning Center
Brock Administration Building
New Bern Campus
252-633-2618