The birth of a notion at CMU is called "Faces of Democracy," the highly ambitious Carnegie Mellon International Film Festival debuting this week and continuing through Sunday.

It's an important new addition to the city's motion-picture smorgasbord: the Pittsburgh premiere of a dozen award-winning features and documentaries, plus 10 short student films, in as many languages from around the world, under the topical umbrella of democracy and its contemporary global dynamics.

You couldn't ask for a more diverse, thought-provoking look at cultures and societies in transition, or of cinematic styles, in screenings (at CMU, SouthSide Works and Regent Square Theater) intended to foster debate of the filmmakers' issues. Several of the directors will be in attendance to present their pictures and lead discussions.

Screenings at SouthSide Works unless otherwise indicated.

Today, 7:30 p.m.: "Your Name Is Justine."

Friday, 6:30 p.m.: "Stolen Eyes."

Friday, 8:30 p.m.: "Faces of Change."

Saturday, 3 p.m.: "I Love You" (Croatia, 2006), 83 min., with introduction by director Dalibor Matanic. For Ana and Kreso, iBooks have replaced the intimate affection they once shared. Ana kvetches about Kreso's adultery, bad attitude and excessive drinking until he shuts her up with the news that he has AIDS. But Kreso can't -- or won't -- give up his lifestyle in a materialistic society more interested in face-lifts than life and death. (Also 3 p.m. Dec. 10)

Saturday, 5.30 p.m.: "Foundation" (Poland, 2006), 110 min., with introduction by director Filip Bajon. Based on a true story, this is the tale of a con artist who tricks the whole law-enforcement establishment by a combination of charm and creative finesse. His schemes are conducted entirely from jail.

Saturday, 8 p.m.: "Czech Dream."

Sunday, 3 p.m.: "I Love You," introduction by director Dalibor Matanic.

Sunday, 6 p.m.: "Black Gold" (at Regent Square)