Happy Lunar New Year from the USC US-China Institute!
Screening: Together in Guangzhou
Written and Directed by Jun Gu. Followed by a Q&A with Jun Gu, moderated by USC Professor Stan Rosen.
When:
May 7, 2012 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Where
About Together in Guangzhou
The first feature film to document an Asian Games, Together in Guangzhou is a celebration of Asian sports in the 21st century. Now, journey with the film as it narrates the stories of athletes from China, Myanmar, India, Iraq,
Beginning with the popular Chinese sport, the Dragon Boat Race, the Chinese team has to overcome the mental pressure and perfect their techniques to engage in a battle with neighboring country, Myanmar. Then travel to South Asia, and watch India Men’s National Kabaddi team display their skills at home and in Guangzhou, promoting this popular ancient sport to the Chinese people and the world. Next, watch middle distance runner, Adnan who uses sports as a form of expression to seek peace in his war-torn country, Iraq. He overcomes the dangers of his own safety and persists in his training in the hopes of bringing home a medal from Guangzhou.
The film moves on to show the bravery of private ranch owner, Aljunaibi from the United Arab Emirates. For him, owning cheetahs and gliders have brought him motivation, strength and confidence as an equestrian who is ready for the Games. For Kazakhstani weightlifter, Ilya Ilin who reigned at the men’s 94kg weightlifting competition during the
Throughout these athletes’ journeys from their homelands to the competition grounds of Guangzhou, Together in Guangzhou also encapsulates a more humanistic approach of ordinary people who build relationships with these athletes. They together bring a more vivid story of passion, dreams and friendship in the world of sports.
Provided courtesy of China Central Newsreel and Documentary Film. Not Rated. Running time: 95 minutes. In Cantonese, Chinese, Arabic, English, Russian, Myanmar, Hindi, Japanese and Kazak, with English subtitles and English narration.
About the Director
In 1991, I graduated from the Beijing Film Academy. With a strong interest in anthropology and sociology, I took on the position of Director focusing on documentaries when I worked for China Central Television (CCTV) in 1993. Then, my works included a broad subjects ranging from history, culture and local customs etc. As I researched, interviewed and filmed people, places and events, my knowledge on social practices and social investigation increased. This would eventually spark my interest in the ordinary people’s way of life and the fates of these people in times of major events.
An opportunity came when the 29th Olympiad were awarded to Beijing in 2001. Amidst the joy and celebration among the Chinese, I began to divert my attention on how the Olympics will impact Beijing, the way of life of the people such as the athletes, coaches, architects, volunteers etc. Hence, for the next 7 years, I would dedicate myself to doing up-close research and investigation to capture Beijing’s preparations for the Olympic Games in the documentary, Dream Weavers – Beijing 2008 (2008). While the film was still in production, I made another film, The Torch Relay in Beijing (2004) which focused on events during the passing of the Athens 2004 Olympic torch in Beijing.
7 years to document a film was a first for me, the Chinese documentary film industry and in the history of the Olympics movement. In recognition of such a feat, the International Olympic Committee had archived Dream Weavers – Beijing 2008 (2008) in the Olympic museum in Lausanne, Switzerland. After the completion of Dream Weavers – Beijing 2008 (2008), Gu took on the role of Chief Director for the Official Film of the Beijing 2008 Olympics, The Everlasting Flame – Beijing 2008 (2009) and more recently, the Official Film of the 16th Asian Games, Together in Guangzhou (2011).
About Outside the Box [Office]
Outside the Box [Office] is a weekly showcase for upcoming releases highlighting world cinema, documentary and independent film titles. Recognizing a need for greater diversity on campus, the series will draw from around the globe to present movies that may challenge, inspire or simply entertain. The weekly screenings will be on Wednesday and Sunday nights (and other select dates, as they arise) in the School of Cinematic Arts Complex, George Lucas Building.
To view the calendar of screenings, click here.
Check-In & Reservations
This screening is free of charge and open to the public. Please bring a valid USC ID or print out of your reservation confirmation, which will automatically be sent to your e-mail account upon successfully making an RSVP through this website. Doors will open at 2:30 P.M.
All SCA screenings are OVERBOOKED to ensure seating capacity in the theater, therefore seating is not guaranteed based on RSVPs. The RSVP list will be checked in on a first-come, first-served basis until the theater is full. Once the theater has reached capacity, we will no longer be able to admit guests, regardless of RSVP status.
Parking
The USC School of Cinematic Arts is located at 900 W. 34th St., Los Angeles, CA 90007. Parking passes may be purchased for $8.00 at USC Entrance Gate #5, located at the intersection of W. Jefferson Blvd. & McClintock Avenue. We recommend parking in outdoor Lot M or V, or Parking Structure D, at the far end of 34th Street. Please note that Parking Structure D cannot accommodate tall vehicles such as SUVs. Metered street parking is also available along Jefferson Blvd.
Cost:
Free, RSVP required at aago@cinema.usc.edu
Event Website URL:
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