Happy Lunar New Year from the USC US-China Institute!
The Cultural Revolution on Film
In this short course of six films, made during and after the Cultural Revolution by both Chinese and Western filmmakers, experts in the Chinese and cinema studies fields examine the period and discuss its relevance for China today.
When:
October 15, 2014 12:00am to November 19, 2014 12:00am
Where
One of the most dramatic periods in Chinese history, still reverberating today, the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) is also one of the least understood. In this short course of six films, made during and after the Cultural Revolution by both Chinese and Western filmmakers, experts in the Chinese and cinema studies fields examine the period and discuss its relevance for China today. This series is organized in conjunction with China Institute's exhibition, "Mao's Golden Mangoes and the Cultural Revolution."
Series Schedule:
Wednesday, October 15, 2014, 6:00 PM-8:30 PM
Two Stage Sisters (1964)
One of China's most beloved modern feature films, depicts the exploitation of two female opera stars and the different paths their lives take. Directed by Xie Jin and introduced by Richard Peña, Director Emeritus of the New York Film Festival and Professor of Film Studies at Columbia University.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014, 6:00 PM-8:30 PM
Morning Sun (2003)
Documentary based on rare archival footage and interviews with participants, both famous and ordinary, seen through the lens of propaganda cinema. Directed by Geremie Barmé, Richard Gordon, and Carma Hinton. Introduced by Carma Hinton, who was raised in China, and is both a filmmaker and the Robinson Professor of Visual Culture and Chinese Studies at George Mason University .
Wednesday, October 29, 2014, 6:00 PM-8:30 PM
The Drugstore and The Football Incident (1975)
A famous leftist documentarian’s take on the Cultural Revolution, in two films from the only cinema verite series ever made on the Cultural Revolution. Directed by Joris Ivens and Marceline Loridan, introduced by Nancy Jervis, China specialist who worked with the filmmakers on the English versions of the films.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014, 6:00 PM-8:30 PM
An Evening of Cultural Revolution Cinema.
Immerse yourself in the Cultural Revolution in this illustrated lecture by Richard Peña, with excerpts from the eight model operas and the feature film Breaking with Old Ideas (1975).
Wednesday, November 12, 2014, 6:00 PM-8:30 PM
Though I am Gone (2006)
A gripping documentary about the Cultural Revolution’s first violent event, which took place at a prestigious girls’ high school in Beijing. Directed by Hu Jie and introduced by Weili Ye, a former student at the girls’ school and Professor of Chinese History at UMass/Boston.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 6:00 PM-8:30 PM
Sacrificed Youth (1985)
An elegiac and rarely screened feature film about the “sent-down youth,” set among the Dai minority in Southwestern China. Directed by Zhang Nuanxin with post-film discussion by Renqiu Yu, Professor of Chinese History at SUNY/Purchase. (Pending availability of the film.)
Cost:
$12 member / $15 non-member
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