Film Festival Returns To American Museum Of Natural History

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — The American Museum of Natural History has announced its programming for this year's Margaret Meade film festival.

The annual film festival will run between Oct. 18 and Oct. 21 and showcase 32 feature-length films, 23 shorts and various new media productions. There are 39 countries represented in this year's film festival and some of the topics covered include battling voter suppression in the United States, the story of school girls kidnapped by Boko Haram in Nigeria and the battle for safe spaces for transgender women in Tonga.

"Each year we are astonished by the breadth of human stories represented. These stories allow us to look past news cycles and learn the stories real of people who are pushing their communities forward," Bella Desai, director of Public Programs and Exhibition Education at the museum, said in a statement.

"Around the world and in our own backyard, there is a sense of moving forward and drive. There is a sense of momentum—even hope—to this year’s Mead and we can’t wait to press play together."

More than 50 filmmakers and actors will attend this year's festival to discuss their works, museum officials said.

In addition to film screenings and discussions, the festival will include activities and exhibits such as the Mixed Media Lounge in the museum’s Northwest Coast Hall, a centerpiece art installation depicting a modern car hood covered in copper plate and traditional Haida tribal drawings in the museum's Grand Gallery and the presentation of the Margaret Meade Filmmaker Award.

Tickets for the film festival's events can be bought on the American Museum of Natural History's website. Check out the full screening schedule here.

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