| Film
The Sun Rises On Us All
by Cai Shangjun, 2025 (131')
A powerful popular melodrama portraying China’s forgotten lives. Meiyun, a clothing vendor, lives with a younger man when her husband Baoshu returns after seven years in prison. Old wounds resurface as he seeks redemption and she forgiveness. Their reunion ends in a final, heartbreaking embrace. Premiered in competition at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, The Sun Rises on Us All earned Zhilei Xin the Volpi Cup for Best Actress.
The Botanist
by Jing Yi, 2024 (96’)
In a remote mountain village in Xinjiang, the solitary Kazakh boy Arsin finds solace in the quiet companionship of plants. His tranquil world is upended when he meets Meiyu, a free-spirited Han Chinese girl whose vitality reminds him of a rare, almost unreal flower. Sensitive and tender, Jing Yi’s debut film won the Grand Prix of the Generation Kplus section at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival.
Hippopotami
SHORT FILM
by Lin Jianjie, 2025 (13’)
In the suburbs of a rapidly urbanizing northern Chinese city, a quirky girl eager to see the animals at the zoo embarks on a journey that will forever change her outlook on life.
Brief History of a Family
by Lin Jianjie, 2024 (99’)
After a high school accident, the extroverted Wei forms a mysterious bond with his classmate Shuo, who comes from a troubled family. Often invited into Wei’s home, Shuo gradually uncovers cracks beneath the family’s perfect façade - hidden secrets, repressed desires, and telling silences. Selected for the Sundance and Berlin International Film Festivals 2024, Lin Jianjie’s intriguing debut offers a sharp social and psychological study reminiscent of Pasolini’s Teorema.
Living the Land
Friday 17 Oct. h18:30
by Huo Meng, 2025 (135’)
Set in 1991, during a time of sweeping socio-economic change in China, Living the Land explores the tension between tradition and modernity through the eyes of ten-year-old Chuang, whose family remains in their rural village following the rhythms of agricultural life while many others leave for the cities. Both rigorous and poetic, Huo Meng’s second feature won the Silver Bear for Best Director at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival.
Big World
by Yang Lina, 2024 (131’)
From acclaimed director Yang Lina comes a delicate and compelling story of emancipation against all odds. Chunhe, a young man with cerebral palsy (played by international star Jackson Yee), overcomes countless challenges to pursue his dreams, guided by his eccentric and spirited grandmother. With empathy and clarity, Yang delivers a deeply human and socially resonant portrayal of resilience and hope.
A Story About Fire
by Li Wenyu, 2025 (85’)
Presented at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival, A Story About Fire is a stunning gem of cinematic artistry. Drawing inspiration from the aesthetics of traditional Chinese painting, director Li Wenyu brings to life a Qiang minority legend in which a monkey raised among humans embarks on an initiatory journey in search of fire. An animated film that blends visual experimentation with emotional depth, enchanting audiences of all ages.
Hard Boiled
by John Woo, 1992 (128’)
One of the most emblematic cult films in Hong Kong cinema returns in its 4K restored version, presented at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Amid corruption and arms trafficking, a hot-headed detective joins forces with an undercover agent to dismantle a powerful criminal organization. A triumph of hyperkinetic action choreography that propelled John Woo to international fame and Hollywood success.
Dead to Rights
by Shen Ao, 2025 (137’)
In December 1937, as the Japanese army occupies Nanjing, a postman posing as a photographer develops film for Japanese military photographers to save his fellow citizens - only to uncover shocking photographic evidence of war crimes. A powerful historical drama and one of China’s biggest box office hits of the year, Dead to Rights will represent China in the race for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
Panda Plan
by Zhang Luan, 2024 (99’)
Global action star Jackie Chan is invited as guest of honor to the adoption ceremony of a rare panda cub. Unbeknownst to the organizers, an international criminal syndicate plans to kidnap the animal and Jackie Chan is the only one who can stop them. A family - friendly action comedy with a strong ecological message.
Her Story
by Shao Yihui, 2024 (123’)
A moving and heartfelt female story that has captivated both critics and audiences in China. Single mother Wang Tiemei moves with her daughter to a new city in search of a fresh start. There she meets Xiao Ye, a romantic dreamer, and together they form a bond of mutual support and solidarity that helps them heal past wounds and face present challenges. Winner of the Golden Mulberry Award at the 2025 Far East Film Festival in Udine.
Blush
by Li Shaohong, 1995 (115’)
The first film by a Chinese woman director to win an award at the Berlin International Film Festival, where it received a Silver Bear in 1995, Blush is based on a novel by Su Tong, author of Raise the Red Lantern. Set in the early years of the People’s Republic, Li Shaohong’s film follows two former prostitutes forced to rebuild their lives after the brothels are closed. While one chooses to adapt to the new social order, the other continues to chase her own idea of freedom. With elegant cinematography and powerful direction, Li offers a moving reflection on the female condition in a time of profound historical change.