The Passport Cinema Series features dinner at 5:15 pm at the Culinary Education Center (101 Drury Lane) in Asbury Park, followed by a film screening at 7:30 pm at the Asbury Park Showroom (708 Cookman Avenue).

The film lineup includes:

Tuesday, October 9 - Mar Adentro (Spain)

The story of Spaniard Ramón Sampedro, who fought a 29-year campaign to win the right to end his own life with dignity. The film explores Ramón's relationships with two women: Julia, a lawyer suffering from Cadasil syndrome, who supports his cause, and Rosa, a local woman who wants to convince him that life is worth living. Despite his wish to die, Ramón teaches those he encounters the meaning, value and preciousness of life.

Tuesday, November 13 -  Central Station (Brazil)

An emotive journey of a former school teacher, who writes letters for illiterate people, and a young boy, whose mother has just died, in search for the father he never knew.

Tuesday, December 11 - Raise the Red Lantern (China)

Set in China in the 1920's, young Songlian is forced to marry Chen Zuoqian, the lord of a powerful family. The 50-year year old Chen has already three wives, each of them living in separate houses within the great castle. The competition between the wives is tough, as their master's attention carries power, status and privilege. Each night Chen must decide with which wife to spend the night and a red lantern is lit in front of the house of his choice; each wife schemes and plots to make sure it's hers.  

Post-film discussions are facilitated by Assistant Professor Alex Idavoy. The films are free and open to the public; for dinner reservations contact the Culinary Education Center at 732-988-3299.

Sponsored by the International Education Center, Office of Student Life and Activities, The Culinary Education Center and The Showroom in Asbury Park.