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Movie Night -- Blind Shaft
On Thursday, May 22nd, The Northwest China Council is premiering the first film of it’s new “Chinese Movie Night” presentations. Once a month we will schedule dinner and a film showing, followed by discussion of the social, cultural and historical aspects each film presents. After much deliberation, the Film Committee selected “Blind Shaft” (pinyin: Mángjng) a 2003 film about a pair of brutal con artists operating a murderous scam in the illegal coal mines of present-day northern China. At least 10,000 people die each year in China's illegal mines. This film is shedding light on the laborers who risk everything to scrape out a living in the dark.
The film was written and directed by Li Yang, and is based on Chinese writer Liu Qingbang's short novel Shen Mu (Sacred Wood) which won China’s “Lao She Literary Prize”.
Although the film has won at least twelve awards abroad, including the "Silver Bear" award at 2003 Berlin International Film Festival, this gritty drama of the economic reality of life for the rural working poor, has been banned in China.
Discussing the film's themes, Li emphasizes the universal, human elements: “Economic disparity is a common problem of all humanity. Man’s desire for money and other attractions is boundless and this is how he loses his humanity. My film is set in China but the story could have occurred in Germany, the US or in Australia. I made it in China simply because I am Chinese and familiar with the country. The basic theme is universal”.
Come join us to kick off this exciting new China Council program. Enjoy a delicious Chinese dinner, see an excellent film which explores contemporary issues in today’s working class China, and participate in a lively discussion. We look forward to seeing you.
Thursday, May 22, 2008, 6:00PM dinner, 7:00 film House of Louie Restaurant Banquet Room
331 NW Davis, ChinatownDinner & Movie: $20 members; $25 general. Please register on or before May 21, 2008 Register On-line (click here), or Call 503-973-5451 Pay On-line via Credit Card or Paypal (click here) SmartPark on NW Davis, between NW Naito Parkway
and NW 1st Ave.