he screening is part of Georgia Tech’s annual Global Media Festival, which brings international films into dialogue with social, cultural, and ethical issues. The 2026 theme, Sustaining Empathy in a Fractured World, frames empathy as a capacity that must be actively practiced and maintained, especially in challenging or polarized contexts.

Mississippi Masala (USA–UK, 1991) delves into the experiences of displaced communities and the complexities of cross-cultural relationships. By highlighting themes of nostalgia, identity, and belonging, the film invites viewers to reflect on how empathy is cultivated across differences and through historical and social pressures.

The 2026 festival features 11 events, including 10 global film screenings each followed by discussions with directors, scholars, or special guests. The program also introduces an introductory directing workshop, providing students with hands-on insights into filmmaking and storytelling.

All screenings are free and open to the public. Events are accompanied by national food, creating space for informal conversation and deeper engagement with the films’ themes.