The inaugural CHINESE FILM FESTIVAL will launch nationally on Thursday 15 February to Sunday 18 February 2024.
This is a brand-new celebration of Chinese film in Australia, aligned with Chinese Lunar New Year.
The program includes a curated selection of new and classic Chinese film titles including:
- Green Night – From director Han Shuai comes this thrilling action drama in the vein of Thelma and Louise but with a difference. Starring China’s biggest movie star Fan Bingbing, the film highlights the idea that an invisible hand restrains women’s agency and maybe gender equality is, after all, an illusion.
- Absence – Chinese writer-director Wu Lang’s striking debut feature tells the story of Han Jiangyu (Lee Kang-Sheng) who returns to his hometown on Hainan Island after 10 years in prison to find everything has changed.
- All Ears –Winner of the best director and best actor Golden Goblet Awards at the 25th Shanghai International Film Festival, this film examines the life of a failed screenwriter who does freelance work writing eulogies.
- Farewell My Concubine – 4K Restoration –Thirty years ago Farewell My Concubine premiered at the Cannes Film Festival taking home the Palme d’Or prize. Now a new uncut 4k restored version revitalises this classic Chinese film.
- Snow Leopard – The final film from renown Tibetan director Pema Tseden continues his determination to reflect a true Tibetan culture through the cinematic lens. The late director described Snow Leopard as “a story about unparalleled compassion, solicitude, and love.”
- The Breaking Ice – A romance drama from director Anthony Chen who describes the film as “a love letter to the young people of China.” It tells the story of three young adults seeking to liberate themselves from an icy world.
Chinese Film Festival is programmed by Dendy Cinemas’ National Programming Manager, Andrew Perkin, who has previously had programming roles at the Capital Film Festival, Canberra International Film Festival, the Antenna Film Festival, Bollywood Film Festival, and the Sydney Film Festival. Of the Chinese Film Festival, he says: “From the first Chinese film, Dingjun Mountain, made in 1905 to today’s thriving film industry we have seen significant transformations. It is an exciting time to be showcasing Chinese film now and I am looking forward to presenting a diverse program featuring the best of Chinese film in cinemas across Australia.”
Chinese Film Festival is pleased to announce HSBC as the official sponsor of the festival. HSBC is a proud partner of some of Australia’s leading arts and sporting organisations across the country and is the perfect partner to support this event.
Jessica Power, Head of Wealth and Personal Banking, HSBC Australia said: “Dendy is a fantastic partner in bringing these international film festivals to life. I’m positive that the Year of the Dragon will be full of opportunities for all, and we look forward to celebrating Lunar New Year with our people, customers, and clients.”
Chinese Film Festival
15-18 February 2024
Dendy Cinemas Nationally
www.chinesefilmfestival.com.au
