UB to Celebrate International Education Week

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The University at Buffalo will celebrate International Education Week (IEW) Nov. 17-21 with a variety of events, including a keynote speech by award-winning author Dahr Jamail about his experiences as an unembedded journalist in Iraq.

UB joins colleges and universities across the country in celebrating IEW, a joint initiative of the U.S. departments of State and Education to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn and exchange experiences in the United States.

The celebration is particularly relevant at UB, which is ranked 13th among 2,700 accredited U.S. universities in international enrollment, according to an annual report released by the Institute of International Education.

Jamail, who has won numerous awards, including the 2008 Martha Gellhorn Award for Journalism, the James Aronson Award for Social Justice Journalism and the Joe A. Callaway Award for Civic Courage, will speak on "The Occupation of Iraq: Its Impact on Iraqi Civilians and U.S. Soldiers" at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 18 in the Student Union Theater on the UB North (Amherst) Campus. He will sign copies of his book, "Beyond the Green Zone: Dispatches from an Unembedded Journalist in Occupied Iraq," after the lecture.

Jamail's book offers a first-hand account of the occupation, presenting the stories of average Iraqis living in Samara and Fallujah, two of the most dangerous areas of Baghdad. It provides an Iraqi perspective that has not been seen in the mainstream media, redefining resistance, occupation and insurgency.

Prior to Jamail's talk, there will be a screening of the film "Iraq in Fragments," a nominee for the 2007 Academy Award for Best Documentary. The documentary, which will be shown at 5:45 p.m. in the Student Union Theater, offers three intimate portraits: that of a fatherless 11-year-old who is apprenticed to the domineering owner of a Baghdad mechanic's shop; Sadr followers in two Shiite cities who rally for regional elections while enforcing Islamic law at gunpoint; and a family of Kurdish farmers that welcomes the U.S. presence, which has allowed them a measure of freedom previously denied.

Other events to be held throughout the week include presentations showcasing UB's global outreach efforts, dance and musical performances, film screenings, food tastings and exhibitions.

Of particular interest will be a screening of the award-winning film "The Edge of Heaven" ("Auf der anderen Seite," Germany/Turkey, 2007). This year's "Culture in Motion" film series selection, it will be shown at 7 p.m. Nov. 20 in 120 Clemens Hall, North Campus. A panel discussion led by UB Turkish students will follow.

Winner of the Best Screenplay award at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, "The Edge of Heaven" is a coming-of-age story of six characters whose lives cross and intertwine, but in many ways clash and never truly meet.

For the full slate of events, go to http://wings.buffalo.edu/intlservices/special_events.