Odyssey: a Chinese cinema season - Panel 4

Potentials and Obstacles for British cinema showcase in China

Panelists:

Zita Zhong, Film Curator, Programming and Marketing Manager of Broadway Cinematheque Shenzhen, China

Dr Bruce Chu, Lecturer in Film Studies, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Convenor:

Xiaolian Qiu, International Film Exhibition Curation Specialist, UK-China Film Collab

Panel Description:

Foreign countries’ film exhibitions have been practised in cinemas in China for years, and there is a sophisticated model of organising non-Chinese films season led by arthouse cinema chains or film distribution associations. Showcases regarding French, Italian, and German films were regularly screened annually in China in the past few years. In the last several years, Chinese audiences also enjoyed large-scale Spanish film seasons, Finnish film exhibitions, Japanese film seasons, and even Brazilian film seasons in the cinemas. The organisational chain of foreign cinema showcases, together with audience groups has been well-developed by this special form of film screening, which gives foreign films that haven’t been officially screened or distributed in China another opportunity to meet today’s Chinese audiences.

The showcase of British films, however, compared with its’ fellow ‘western non-Hollywood cinemas’, was rarely screened in China. We can draw the conclusion that there hasn’t been a cross-city British film exhibition in China. This panel tries to analyse the rarity of British film exhibitions in China and disclose the underlying reasons by answering the following questions. How does a foreign country's film exhibition happen; do British films have the potential, what kind of British film exhibition would be expected by Chinese audiences; what are the obstacles when organising a foreign film exhibition, what would be the most possible barrier if we organise a British cinema showcase?

*This panel will be conducted in Chinese, but open to audiences from all backgrounds to attend. Simultaneous interpretation available in English.

Simultaneous Interpretation Support:

Catalina, Master of Science in Modern and Contemporary Art

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