LEWISTON – The Bates College Office of Multicultural Affairs presents a two-day film series titled Political Films from the African Diaspora on Wednesday and Thursday.

The public is welcome to attend free of charge. Showings will be in rooms 104 and 105 of the Olin Arts Center, 75 Russell St.

“The Untold Story of Emmett Till,” 7 p.m. Oct. 25, in Room 104.

In August 1955, Mamie Till-Mobley of Chicago sent her only child, Emmett Louis Till, to visit relatives in the Mississippi Delta. Eight days later, Emmett was abducted, beaten and murdered. It was movie director Keith Beauchamp’s nine years of investigation that was primarily responsible for the Justice Department’s reopening the case. English, 115 minutes.

“Haiti, Killing the Dream,” 7 p.m. Oct. 25, Room 105.

This documentary traces the history of U.S. imperialism and indifference in the Caribbean and South America, portraying the poverty and violence that ravage Haiti. The film presents a stark look at the country. Directors: Rudi Stern, Katharine Kean. 1992, 56 minutes, in English.

“Lumumba,” 8:15 p.m. Room 105.

This film presents the rise and fall of legendary African leader Patrice Lumumba. The film vividly recreates the shocking events behind the birth of the country that became Zaire during the reign of Lumumba’s former friend, Joseph Mobutu. Directed by Raoul Peck. 2002, 115 minutes, in English- dubbed.

“Quilombo Country: Afrobrazilian Villages in the 21st Century,” 9 p.m. Room 104.

The film portrays rural communities in Brazil that were either founded by runaway slaves or begun from abandoned plantations. The film offers a glimpse into these communities, with extensive footage of ceremonies, dances and lifestyles interwoven with discussions. Directed and produced by Leonard Abram, narrated by Chuck D, 2006, 73 minutes, narration in English;

“Delwende,” 7 p.m. Oct. 26, Room 104.

Inspired by true events, the title comes from the name of one of the shelters that house the remarkable women scapegoated as witches. A rousing story of women’s courage in the face of patriarchal injustice. Directed by S. Pierre Yameogo. 2005, 90 minutes, in Mooré and French with English subtitles.

“The Language You Cry In,” 7 p.m. Oct. 26, Room 105.

This film tells an amazing scholarly detective story reaching across hundreds of years and thousands of miles from 18th-century Sierra Leone to the Gullah people of present-day Georgia. Directed by ngel Serrano and Alvaro Toepke, narrated by Vertamae Grosvenor. 1998, 52 minutes, in English and Mende with English subtitles.

“Moolaadé,” 2 and 8 p.m., Room 105

This film depicts the clash between entrenched cultural and religious tradition and modern secular society over the issue of female genital mutilation in a West African village. Four girls are sheltered by a woman who is known to have mystical powers and has given the four girls the “moolaade,” the spell of protection. Directed by Ousmane Sembene. 2004, 124 minutes, in French and Jula with English subtitles.

“Falasha: The Exile of the Black Jews,” 8:45 p.m., Oct. 26, Room 104

Ethiopia’s Jewish community known as Falasha, or “strangers,” lived in isolation for centuries, practicing an ancient, pre-Talmudic form of Judaism that, according to tradition, traces its origins back to Solomon and Sheba. This documentary uncovers startling truths about the citizens of the impoverished country. Directed and produced by Simcha Jacobovici. 2004, 80 minutes, in English.

For more information, phone the Multicultural Center at Bates at 207-786-8376.