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While Chinese directors of the "fifth generation" won numerous awards in different international film festivals, some young directors in mainland China also become mature and popular. Eight refreshing films directed by these young directors will be screened in the "Chinese Young Cinema" from October 16-27 at the Kwai Tsing Theatre, the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong City Hall.

"Chinese Young Cinema" is co-organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, Sil-Metropole Organisation Limited and Southern Film Company Limited. In addition to the screening, a forum on "The Way Forward for Chinese Young Directors" will be held at 7pm on October 17 (Tuesday) at the Hong Kong Science Museum Lecture Hall. Speakers include director of Beijing Film Studio Han Sanping, film directors Feng Xiaogang, Lu Xuechang and Jin Chen. The free forum will be conducted in Putonghua.

The eight selected films include the opening film "A Sigh" by well-known director Feng Xiaogang, "A Lingering Face" by Lu Xuechang, "Qiuyue" by Ma Huiwu, "Dream House" by Wang Xiaoshuai, "Love Story by Tea" by Jin Chen, "Goodbye, our 1948" by Guan Hu, "Female Coach, Male Players" by Qi Jian and

"Happy Dancing" by Chen Li.

The opening film "A Sigh" is Feng Xiaogang's latest production. After three best-selling comedies, Feng deals with extra-marital relationship this time. A playwright is caught between his wife and his lover. The dilemma is solved only when his wife has an accident and he has to take care of her. When he supposes that the love affair has

ended, his lover appears again.

"A Lingering Face" has rewarded this year's Best Director and Best New Corner Awards of the University Film Festival as well as Shanghai Best Ten Film Award. Through a rape case, the renowned director Lu Xuechang shows the real world of city

life.

Some people make big money in mainland real estate market. Ironically, their wealth fails to help fulfil their desire because of the environment - poverty of the people around, backwardness in communications, different moral standard - all are the barriers. Wang Xiaoshuai tries to tell more about this experience in "Dream House".

"Quiyue" is a story about how the heroine Quiyue succeeds in supporting the living of her mother-in-law and her stepdaughter after having been abandoned by her husband. In "Goodbye, Our 1948", the children learn the difficult lesson of growing up during the civil war. Director Guan Hu's previous film "Dirt" was screened in the 19th

Hong Kong International Film Festival.

The couple in "Love Story by Tea" attracted to each other as both of them are devout tea lovers. Because of the wife's illness, they have to maintain a platonic relationship. After experiencing a car accident and the death of a close friend, the couple understand the truth of life and determine to do what they always wish to do.

Two of the films are about sports and arts. In "Female Coach, Male Players", the relationship between the female coach and the male players changes gradually from hostile to that of mutual-trust. Through the stories of several dancers, "Happy Dancing" shows not only the sorrows of the teenagers in their growing, but also the young dancers' love of art, their passion for life and their elegant demeanor of the

youth.

All films are conducted in Putonghua with Chinese and English subtitles. Tickets for the screening at $45 are now available at all URBTIX outlets. Half-price tickets are available for senior citizens, people with disability and full-time students. Reservation can be made at 2734 9009 and programme enquiries at 2734 2892 / 2527 7284 / 2780 5355

End/Friday, September 29, 2000

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