Odyssey: a Chinese cinema season - Panel 10

New business ideas and model for UK-China film collaboration

Panelists:

Cedric Behrel, Managing Director, Trinity CineAsia

Dr Xiaochun Zhang, Senior Lecturer in Translation Studies, University of Bristol

Charlotte Duanmu, Content/Operations Manager and Film Festival/Event representative at CathayPlay

Dr Kiki Tianqi Yu, Senior Lecturer in film at Queen Mary, University of London

Convenor:

Ethan Shi, Producer and International Film Relations Negotiator, UK-China Film Collab

Panel Description:

The emergence of China as a modern nation has shaped the concurrent emergence of new cinematic styles. However, with all of that excitement, the visibility of Chinese films is still limited in the UK since UK audiences may only recall older generations of Chinese filmmakers like Zhang Yimou (Raise The Red Lantern) and Chen Kaige (Farewell My Concubine). Chinese language films rarely appear other than at film festivals, art-house cinemas, or digitally on demand. Therefore, the fluidity of foreign film distribution has complicated our understanding of international film culture, distribution, and exhibition of modern Chinese films across the UK. Innovative distribution methods might be the key to success, as it determines who gets to watch films, under what circumstances, and where.

Through this panel, Ethan aims to have an open debate with industry specialists from film distributors to academics in the UK specialising in Chinese cinema and international distribution. Distribution strategies, translation, and UK-China film collaborations like co-productions could be referenced, along with discussions about the importance and impact of Chinese film releases on UK audiences.

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