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The continuous interaction between different ethnic groups throughout China's long history has developed a rich and diverse culture, which in turn has been reflected in Chinese movies, including many classic ethnic films. "Chinese Film Panorama 2014" will screen 10 outstanding films to showcase the unique and fascinating stories of different ethnicities in the new era.
The selected films include award-winning works and offer a glimpse into the sophisticated and rich content of Chinese ethnic films. The programme includes the opening film "Phurbu & Tenzin" (2014), an inspiring epic about Tibet's history; "Deep in the Clouds" (2010), a vivid portrayal of the generational conflicts in the Lisu ethnic group of Guangxi Province; "Courthouse on the Horseback" (2006), depicting the indigenous ethos of the Pumi, Nakhi and Yi ethnic groups in Yunnan; "When Ruoma was Seventeen" (2002), about a Hani girl growing up; and "Tuya's Marriage" (2006), a feminist film about a strong, good-hearted Inner Mongolian girl. The other selected films are "Lala's Gun" (2008), introducing the tribal customs of the Miao ethnic group; "The Red Jacket" (2006), filmed in the beautiful landscape of Fenghuang County and boasting a pure Xiangxi flavour; "Migration" (2013), adapted from the novel of the same title by ethnic Qiang author Gu Yunlong, which traces the migration of the Qiang tribe after the Wenchuan earthquake; the Uyghur comedy "Money on the Road" (2013); and "Thangka" (2012), which follows the artistic life of a Thangka painting master against the backdrop of the marvellous scenery in Tibet.
"Chinese Film Panorama 2014" is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the South China Film Industry Workers Union. The screenings will be held from October 9 to November 8 at the Theatre of Hong Kong City Hall, the Cinema of the Hong Kong Film Archive, and the Lecture Halls of the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong Space Museum.
The opening film "Phurbu & Tenzin" tells the tale of a young Tibetan master in a feudal land and his serf, and their mutual love and hate oscillate in a changing era. The film won Outstanding Minority Theme Film at the 15th Chinese Huabiao Film Awards, as well as several other awards at the 17th Shanghai International Film Festival. Also with the background set in Tibet, "Thangka" depicts how a Thangka painting master searches for an heir, thus displaying the Tibetan devotion to the arts.
"Tuya's Marriage" depicts touchingly how a woman living on the Inner Mongolia grassland remarries. The film reaped film awards in both China and overseas, including the Golden Bear prize for Best Film at the 57th Berlin International Film Festival. "Deep in the Clouds" meanwhile explores conflicts concerning an ethnic group's attitudes to love and marriage, the value of life, traditional beliefs and modern civilisation. The film won several awards at the 13th Shanghai International Film Festival.
In "Courthouse on the Horseback", a roving courthouse passes through fortified hill villages in the remote areas of northwest Yunnan. Conflicts between laws, tradition, the natural environment and social development are reflected. The film was awarded at the 63rd Venice International Film Festival and was a Top 10 Best Film in the 16th Shanghai Film Critics Awards. Also a winner of several film awards, "When Ruoma was Seventeen" depicts an ethnic Hani girl in Yunnan who faces the temptation of city life and embarks on a beautiful youthful escapade.
Portraying a Miao boy's journey in search of his missing father, "Lala's Gun" presents Miao concepts and unique customs on life and death and was selected for the Generation 14plus competition at the 59th Berlin International Film Festival. "The Red Jacket", another movie on the Miao ethnic group, is the story of an old Xiangxi lady buying her granddaughter a new cotton-padded jacket to embody family affection.
The comedy "Money on the Road" is a breakthrough work among ethnic movies. The film presents the ethnic charm of Xinjiang through the kind-heartedness and humour of the Uyghur people. "Migration" traces the relocation and rebirth of a Qiang village after the Wenchuan earthquake.
"Phurbu & Tenzin" is in Tibetan, English and Putonghua; "Thangka" is in Tibetan; and "Lala's Gun" is in the Miao dialect. Apart from "Tuya's Marriage" and "Courthouse on the Horseback", which are in Putonghua only, the remaining films are in their respective ethnic dialects and Putonghua. All films have Chinese and English subtitles.
Tickets priced at $55 are now available at URBTIX. Half-price concessionary tickets are available for senior citizens aged 60 and above, people with disabilities and their minders, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Credit card telephone bookings can be made on 2111 5999, or on the Internet at www.urbtix.hk.
For enquiries, please call 2734 2900. For ticketing details, please see the programme booklets, distributed at all URBTIX outlets, or browse the webpage at www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/filmprog/english/2014cfp/2014cfp_index.html.
Ends/Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:18
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