The 2007 George D. Aiken Lectures present
Social Change in China Film Series

All films shown at 6:00pm in the Fleming Museum downstairs screening room

Each screening will have time for a discussion led by UVM Professors Matthew Carlson and/or Hyon Joo Yoo Murphree

Oct. 15: Interesting Times: The Secret of My Success (2002)
Directed by Duan Jinchuan, 59 min
This powerful, revealing study of Chinese rural politics depicts a system in which corruption, fear, and opportunism thrives. Within the small farming community in which the film is set, there is a growing culture of distrust and duplicity, one that fosters a low regard for life and self-worth. One is tempted to draw a parallel between the village and China itself, but it's just as tempting to draw a wider parallel with the aspirations of globalization. One of the very best films of the year that no one saw.

Also screened with:

Sunrise over Tiananmen Square (1998) animated film
Directed by Shui-Bo Wang and Donald McWilliams, 30 min.
Sunrise Over Tiananmen Square is a visual autobiography of an artist who grew up in China during the historic upheavals of the '60s, '70s and '80s. Through a rich collage of original artwork and family and archival photographs, Shui-Bo Wang offers a personal perspective on the turbulent Cultural Revolution and the years that followed.

 

Oct. 22: Happy Times (2000)
Directed by Zhang Yimou, 102 min.
Zhao is an old laid-off worker who's dreaming of getting married. After trying unsuccessful proposals, he finally pair off with a gargantuan divorcée with two children. She, however, demands a lavish wedding and that Zhao finds a job and another place to stay for her blind step-daughter. Pretending he's the General Manager of a non-existent posh hotel "Happy Times," Zhao had to find ways and means of keeping both mother and stepdaughter happy.

Oct. 29: East Palace, West Palace or Behind the Forbidden City (1996)
Directed by Yuan Zhang, 90 min.
In China, homosexuality isn't illegal, but homosexuals are routinely persecuted by police and arrested for "hooliganism". The film focuses on a young gay writer A-Lan who, being attracted to a young policeman, manages to have himself interrogated for a whole night. His life-story which he tells during the interrogation reflects the general repression of the Chinese society. The policeman's attitude shifts from the initial revulsion to fascination and, finally, to attraction

Nov. 5: Together
Directed by, Kaige Chen, 116 min.
Young violinist Xiaochun and his father move from their small, provincial town to Beijing so Xiaochun can audition for a prestiguous music academy. Their new life is unfamiliar but full of promise, allowing the young man to truly figure out which direction he wants to take in life.