In this season we will be screening films from the three main Chinese cinemas – mainland China, the Hong Kong SAR, and Taiwan, along with a selection of shorts from diasporan filmmakers in Singapore.
Two films from each of China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan will be shown, one with a historical focus and the other more experimental.
Each screening will be preceded by a short introduction and followed by an open discussion.
China
In the Heat of the Sun
Wen Jiang | China | 1994 | 134 minutes
A coming of age story set against the backdrop of the Cultural Revolution.
24 City
Zhangke Jia | China | 2008 | 112 minutes
A factory in Chengdu is being demolished to make way for luxury apartments. Three women, born in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, recall their experience of working in the factory at different points in its – and the nation’s – recent history.
Taiwan
A City of Sadness
Hsiao-hsien Hou | Taiwan | 1989 | 157 minutes
The 228 Incident of 28th February (2 / 28 in the US calendar) 1947 was a taboo subject in Taiwan until recently. This film presents the impact of the incident on one family. Hsiao-hsien Hou won the Golden Lion at the Venice International Film Festival.
The Wayward Cloud
Ming-liang Tsai | Taiwan | 2005 | 114 minutes
While winning an award for outstanding Artistic Achievement at the Berlin International Film Festival for its experimental narrative and musical set-pieces this film from one of Taiwan’s major auteurs divided audiences and critics. Come along and make your mind up.
Hong Kong
Song of the Exile
Ann Hui | Hong Kong | 1990 | 99 minutes
The most prominent female director in Hong Kong, Ann Hui, tells the story of a Cantonese woman (Maggie Cheung) trying to emotionally connect with her Japanese mother.
Happy Together
Kar Wai Wong | Hong Kong | 1997 | 96 minutes
Against the backdrop of the imminent transfer of Hong Kong from the UK to China Kar Wai Wong explores themes of the nomad and the exile via the story of two gay men from the island on vacation in Argentina. Kar Wai Wong won the Best Director award at Cannes for the film.
Singapore shorts
A selection of short films from Singapore, presenting its distinctive social situation and cinema culture.