Odyssey: a Chinese cinema season – 60+ films in 8 curated sections, 10 discussion panels, exclusive Q&As and 4 awards. A not-to-be-missed festival in the UK to celebrate international cinema!
The appearance of China as a modern nation has shaped the concurrent emergence of new cinematic styles. However, with all of that excitement, the visibility of Chinese films are still limited in the UK since the UK audience may only recall older generations of Chinese filmmakers like Zhang Yimou (Known for the Raise The Red Lantern) and Chen Kaige (Known for the Farewell My Concubine). Chinese language films rarely appear anywhere other than at film festivals, art-house cinemas, or digitally on demand. Therefore, the fluidity of foreign film distribution has complicated our understanding of international film culture, distribution, and exhibition of modern Chinese films across the UK. Innovative distribution methods might be the key to success, as it determines who gets to watch films, under what circumstances, and where.
Through this panel, Ethan aims to have an open debate with industry specialists from film distributors to academics in the UK specialising in Chinese cinema and international film distribution. Distribution strategies, translations, and UK-China film collaborations like co-productions could be referenced, along with discussions about the importance and impact of Chinese film releases on the UK audience.
*This panel will be conducted in English.
Panel Rundown:
Introducing Panel guests: 5 mins
Feature presentation and questionnaire results: 15 mins
Guests Discussion: 30 mins
Q&A session with the audiences: 10 mins
Date: 10 June 2022, Friday | 13:00-14:00 BST (20:00-21:00 CN time)
Format: Online Panel Discussion via Zoom
Registration Here.
Panellists
Dr Xiaochun Zhang
Dr Xiaochun Zhang is a Senior Lecturer in Translation Studies at the University of Bristol. Her research interests lie in the translation and distribution of films with a special focus on inclusive and accessible cinema.
Cedric Behrel
Cedric Behrel is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Trinity CineAsia, an all-rights film distributor which had released some of the most prominent Chinese films in UK & Ireland cinemas recently, including YOUTH, NE ZHA, the biggest B.O hit animation in Asia, THE EIGHT HUNDRED and THE BATTLE AT LAKE CHANGJIN, which is the highest-grossing film in China to date, as well as films from up-and-coming film-makers such as Bai Xue’s acclaimed THE CROSSING. Cedric obtained a MA in Philosophy at the Sorbonne-Paris University before completing the MA Filmmaking programme at the London Film School.
Charlotte Duanmu
Charlotte Duanmu is the Content/Operations Manager and Film Festival/Event representative at CathayPlay, an emerging platform aiming to promote Chinese independent films and culture in the UK and worldwide through breaking free of the mainstream film industry and discovering more Chinese films/genres with social commentaries and different stylistics. She also works as an independent short film producer, practising on how to spread Chinese Indie Films & Arthouse Cinema worldwide.
Dr Kiki Tianqi Yu
Dr Kiki Tianqi Yu is a Senior Lecturer in film at Queen Mary, University of London. She has researched on how philosophies in non-western cultures and approaches in other disciplines enhance our understanding of global cinema. Some of her works include documentary images and nonfiction films in China which were screened in numerous film festivals around the world such as IDFA. Her focus is on social, ethical, and aesthetic aspects of first-person expression, the essayistic nonfiction in non-western cinemas, amateur cinema, the political economy of international co-productions. The other area of her specialism lies in cinema and artists’ moving image in China and East Asia, especially in relation to eastern philosophies and aesthetics, on women’s cinema, ‘image-writing’ practice, and independent cinema culture.
Convenor:
Ethan Shi
Ethan is the Producer and International Film Relations Negotiator at the UK China Film Collab, member of 2021-2022 Future Talent Programme and ambassador for Odyssey: a Chinese cinema season. His research focuses on the impact of Chinese films abroad through stages of international collaboration, co-production, and overseas distribution. He has a lot of film producing experience, collaborating with numerous directors and international broadcasters such as NHK. His film reviews have been published at Easternkicks.com.
10 Discussion Panels at Odyssey
Industry-focused panels were the highlight of Odyssey. This year we have prepared another 10 new topics – all designed to explore film-related collaborations between the UK and Greater China:
Panel 1: TwinFlame: the receptions of British cinema among a Chinese audience
Panel 2: A new exploration of UK-China co-production film
Panel 3: Women’s practice in the contemporary Chinese film industry: female film programmers on the rise
Panel 4: Potentials and Obstacles for British cinema showcase in China
Panel 5: Chinese regional cinemas
Panel 6: Global sustainability as a storytelling strategy for non-Hollywood films
Panel 7: Future development of Chinese animation industry and international collaboration
Panel 8: An investigation into current press coverages of Chinese-language films in the UK
Panel 9: New business ideas and model for UK-China film collaboration
Panel 10: New distribution strategies for Chinese films in the UK
About Odyssey
Odyssey aims to empower a shared appreciation of film, to create an inclusive cinematic experience, and to encourage cross-cultural understanding. From 10th May to 10th June 2022, with more than 60 films in 8 curated sections, 10 panel discussions and many inspiring Q&A sessions, we aim to bring you a whole month of outstanding and innovative Chinese cinema that promises to illuminate your mind. The festival not only introduces the latest young Chinese film talents to the UK audience, but also provide forums for professionals to exchange creativity and business ideas.
ODYSSEY’S HEADLINE SPONSOR
Who is our Headline Sponsor this year? – Your most reliable renting company in London!
Azad Ayub Limited is a multi-national award-winning property management and development company, founded by investor, entrepreneur and philanthropist Azad Ayub who has a background in international civil engineering. The company owns and manages properties in North London and has been providing high-quality houses to its clients for over 30 years. Recently the company’s portfolio has expanded to Spain, Pakistan and the USA.
Apart from his property business, Azad has been generously giving back to society as a reputable philanthropist. He is a keen supporter of some of the most prestigious charities in the UK, including Able Child Africa, Lord Mayor’s Appeal Charity, Television for the Environment (Trustee), Royal Institute (Patron) and many more.
We would like to thank Mr Azad Ayub for his generous support toward our Odyssey journey.
Related Information
Keep yourself updated with our upcoming exciting programme announcements by following our social media accounts!
Festival Date: 10th May – 10th June 2022
Format: Offline in London, Edinburgh, and Online via Shift 72
Presented by UK-China Film Collab
Festival Website: odysseychinesecinema.uk
Festival Instagram & Twitter: odysseyccs
For Press Enquiry Please Contact
Liao Zhang
Lead of Public Relations
Email: liao.zhang@ukchinafilm.uk
WeChat: LZ_Gloria
