The Korean Graduate Student Association at UMass is putting on its first Korean Film Festival. If you would like to venture away from your usual movie-going experience, or if you would like to gain new perspective into Korean culture, or if you happen to be fascinated by the world of Korean cinema, this is the event for you. Some of the films being shown at the festival include "A Tale of Two Sisters," "Oasis," "Memories of Murder" and "YMCA Baseball Team." (Through Fri., 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., Campus Center, UMass. Visit www.umass.edu for more information.)

Marat/Sade, a play written by Peter Weiss '05 and directed by Professor of Theater and Dance Manuame Mukasa will be performed by the Amherst theater and dance department. The story is set in the Charenton asylum for social misfits in the era of post-revolutionary France. The play promises poignant moments as well as thought-provoking scenes. There are numerous levels of thought and emotion to "Marat/Sade," and a theater-goer should expect to be drawn into the wild extravagance of the two famous authors' writings. (Thurs. through Sat., 8:00 p.m., Kirby Theater. Call 542-2277 for more information.)

Joshua Rubenstein, the Northeast regional director of Amnesty International, will speak about his new book, "Stalin's Secret Program." The book discusses the 1952 trial of 15 prominent Jewish figures in Moscow. His talk will focus on various aspects and ramifications of the trial. The event is sponsored by the LJST department, which invites the community to attend. (Thurs., 4:30 p.m., Babbot Room, Octagon.)

Rufus Wainwright, pop singer/songwriter and son of famed folk singer Loudon Wainwright, is in the area to perform alongside singer Teddy Thompson. Wainwright recently released his third album, "Want One," which was well-received by his fans and by the music industry. Wainwright is well-known and appreciated for his rough silky voice and emotional lyrics. The songs on his new album are more personal, touching on his hardships with family and drug abuse. The show promises to be entertaining and Wainwright always brings his own flair and energy to the stage. (Fri., 8:30 p.m., Pearl Street Nightclub, Northampton. Tickets $17.50 to $20 at 584-7711.)

Last Friday, "Love Actually" opened in theaters. The romantic comedy presents a dazzling cast of talented British actors and is written and directed by Richard Curtis, who wrote "Notting Hill" and "Four Weddings and a Funeral." Unfortunately, it has yet to come to our local Cinemark. So until then, I'm going to watch "Bridget Jones's Diary," based on Helen Fielding's popular novel of the same name. The film has a script by Curtis and stars Hugh Grant and Colin Firth, both of whom are in "Love Actually," so really, it's almost as good. Renee Zellweger is Bridget, the clumsy but lovable thirtysomething everywoman of the title. Grant and Firth play her two love interests, the handsome and charming Daniel Cleaver and the rich and reserved Mark Darcy, respectively.