Celebrating Chinese Cinema: A New Film Festival in Japan

This winter, Chinese Cinema Today is set to make waves in Japan, showcasing an extraordinary selection of 15 Chinese films, including four Japanese premieres. The event will run from November 22 to December 12 at Tokyo’s Cinelibre Ikebukuro, before moving to Osaka from December 13 to 26. This festival offers a unique glimpse into the flourishing landscape of Chinese cinema, with an eclectic mix of commercial hits and critically acclaimed festival favorites.

Deep dive into a unique artistic vision

The festival is thoughtfully divided into four sections, each offering a distinct perspective on Chinese cinema. The Director in Deep Focus segment shines a spotlight on the multifaceted works of Qiu Jiongjiong, a distinguished artist and filmmaker. For the first time in Japan, audiences will witness three of his seminal works: “Madame,” “Mr. Zhang Believes,” and “A New Old Play.” These films are characterized by Qiu’s innovative approach to cinematic language, blending artistic fervor with profound storytelling.

Qiu Jiongjiong: An artist with a vision

Qiu Jiongjiong’s contribution to cinema is nothing short of transformative. This contemporary mainland Chinese artist has garnered international acclaim, not only for his unique cinematic style but for his deep exploration of cultural and historical narratives. His ability to weave complex themes into visually compelling stories makes his works essential viewing for anyone interested in the arts.

Spotlight on commercial successes

The Chinese Now Hits section features recent box office sensations, showcasing the commercial dynamism of mainland China’s film industry. The much-anticipated thriller “Hidden Blade”, directed by Cheng Er and starring icons Tony Leung and Wang Yibo, is set to captivate audiences. Marking Cheng’s triumphant return after a seven-year hiatus, this film promises to be an engaging and intense experience.

Other notable inclusions are “Like a Rolling Stone,” starring Yong Mei, Berlin Film Festival’s Best Actress winner, and “Post Truth,” each offering a window into different facets of contemporary Chinese society.

Embracing the new wave

Emerging talents take center stage in the Chinese New Wave section, which is a celebration of innovative storytelling and fresh perspectives. Films like Cai Jie’s “Borrowed Time”, which gained significant attention at the Busan International Film Festival, Chen Shizhong’s “Good Autumn, Mommy,” starring Shu Qi, and Liang Ming’s “Carefree Days,” which screened at the San Sebastián International Film Festival, spotlight the next generation of Chinese filmmakers.

Discovering new favorites

These films provide an introduction to upcoming directors who are redefining Chinese cinema with their unique voices and narrative styles. Their works reflect the burgeoning creativity and ambition within China’s film industry, positioning it as a significant global player.

Revisiting the classics

The Play Back selection offers a curated journey through recent festival circuit highlights. This section includes “Art College 1994” (Berlin Competition), “Gone with the Boat” (Shanghai Best Asian New Screenplay winner), Wei Shujun’s “Ripples of Life” (Tokyo FILMeX Competition), Gu Xiaogang’s “Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains” (Cannes Critics’ Week closing film), Qiu Sheng’s “Suburban Birds” (Locarno), and “Journey to the West,” a Beijing Film Academy graduation project that has achieved recognition across Asian festivals.

Highlights of the festival circuit

This selection emphasizes the depth and diversity of Chinese cinema, offering audiences a chance to revisit acclaimed works that have left an indelible mark on the international stage. Each film in this collection is a testament to the artistic and narrative richness of China’s film productions.

Qiu Jiongjiong’s journey of exploration

Qiu Jiongjiong’s personal journey is a cornerstone of this festival. Known for his avant-garde style and his ability to blend documentary realism with imaginative fiction, Qiu has crafted a niche for himself in the world of independent filmmaking. His solo fiction film “A New Old Play” secured prestigious accolades, including the Special Jury Prize at the Locarno Festival in 2021 and the Best Film Prize at the Hong Kong International Film Festival’s Firebird (young filmmaker) competition.

As Qiu nears completion of his second fiction feature film, “Fuxi,” anticipated to debut next year, this festival offers a comprehensive look at his evolving artistry.

Join the celebration of Chinese Cinema

“Chinese Cinema Today” isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration of the rich, diverse, and continually evolving landscape of Chinese filmmaking. As these films unfold on the screens of Tokyo and Osaka, they invite viewers to explore new cultural landscapes, ask probing questions, and appreciate the artistry that transcends borders.

Share this extraordinary experience with friends and family, and stay tuned for more exciting updates in the world of cinema. Engage with us on social media to continue the conversation and discover more about these captivating films.