Odyssey: a Chinese cinema season - Panel 5

Chinese regional cinemas

Speaker:

Dr Zhaoyu Zhu, Teaching Fellow in Communication and Cultural Studies, Ningbo Nottingham University

Convenor:

Jiakai Nie (Franklin), Research Specialist for Regional Cinema and Head of Film Festival (Odyssey), UK-China Film Collab

Panel Description:

This panel discussion will focus on mainland Chinese regional cinema from the past to present. We aim to expand the scope of Chinese cinema discussions by not relying on big cities, such as Shanghai and Beijing. Instead, this panel discussion will remind audiences of the diversity of Chinese cinemas by tracing the history and development of different regional expressions in cinema. For example, we will touch upon multiple waves that are emerged in contemporary Chinese cinema with strong regional elements, from Northeast to Southern new wave. Furthermore, we will explore whether these waves can be seen as different directors’ identification with their hometowns.

How do we interpret regional expressions? What constitutes the locality of mainland Chinese cinema, from local dialects, sceneries, memories, and unique cultures? Dr. Zhaoyu Zhu will do a presentation at first, following a discussion between Zhaoyu and this panel discussion’s chair Jiakai Nie. Finally, audiences will have a chance to ask questions.

About Odyssey:

Odyssey aims to empower a shared appreciation of film, to create an inclusive cinematic experience, and to encourage cross-cultural understanding. From 10th May to 10th June 2022, with more than 60 films in 6 curated sections, 10 panel discussions and many inspiring Q&A sessions, we will bring you a whole month of outstanding and innovative Chinese cinema that promises to illuminate your mind. The festival will not only introduce the latest young Chinese film talents to the UK audience, but also provide forums for professionals to exchange creativity and business ideas.

Odyssey will take place in a hybrid format in 2022. The opening film screening will be hosted in person by our venue partner, the Picturehouse Cinemas, in London and Edinburgh on 10th May with a reception. Most of the programme will be available online for all audiences across the country, and we will also organise several pop-up special cinema screenings throughout. The online festival platform of Odyssey will be powered by Shift 72.

Presented by UK-China Film Collab

Related Information:

Festival Date: 10th May - 10th June 2022

Format: Offline in London, Edinburgh, and Online via Shift 72

Festival Website: odysseychinesecinema.uk

Festival Instagram & Twitter: odysseyccs