In today's world, film and media are of increasing importance in all fields.  The School of World Studies provides rich opportunities for the study of film and other media from a global perspective.  A number of faculty members in the School have research and/or teaching interests in film.  The School hosts a number of film-related events and activities, including an internationally-recognized annual French Film Festival.  Richmond's first ever Brazilian Film Festival took place in February, 2008. The School also sponsors Ciné-club, a student organization dedicated to the appreciation of international cinema. The courses and programs in the School allow students to learn about film and media through national traditions (French, German, Italian, Russian and Spanish film courses), field-specific studies of film (Religion and Anthropology in film) and particular topics in film and media (masterpieces of cinema, language study through media and film directors).