Please Vote for Me

The film captures an entertaining snapshot of the politics within a classroom election between three eight-year olds.

Intl Documentary Competition

China, 2007, 58 min, VIDEO
In Mandarin with English subtitles

DIR: Weijun Chen
PROD: Don Edkins
DP: Weijun Chen, Hua Zhao
ED: Jean Tsien

In attendance: Weijun Chen, Don Edkins

Winner of the Sterling Audience Award at the AFI Silverdocs Film Festival, PLEASE VOTE FOR ME is one of the most insightful and enjoyable documentaries of the year.

In a school of Wuhan, China, it’s class monitor election time. Three eight—year old contenders are chosen to square off: an incumbent known for his harsh dictatorship, the smart yet shy girl with a penchant for gossip, and the much—loved class clown. While their parents coach and strategize as the free election approaches, the children face their fears and their challengers in a no—holds—barred series of classroom debates. They illicit betrayals, tears and laughter, and reveal the hardships of the campaign and coming to terms with defeat.

In this immensely entertaining snapshot of a culture going through change and the growing pains of their children, Weijun Chen’s (TO LIVE IS BETTER THAN TO DIE) expertly crafted film will have you on the edge of your seat as the winner is announced.

 - Natalie McMenemy

SCREENING SCHEDULE

Thursday, November 8th 9:45pm
ArcLight Theatre 12 $11.00
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Saturday, November 10th 4:30pm
ArcLight Theatre 12

*see website for ticket purchases

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