For the love of art films

Film-loving audience members attend a talk after watching Chinese movie “Like Father and Son” at Broadway Cinematheque on Feb. 11. Photo courtesy of the cinema

The Shenzhen Art Film Screening project has captivated local moviegoers since January thanks to its carefully curated, globe-spanning selection of exciting and visionary films by established and aspiring directors, as well as inexpensive tickets and inspirational talks between filmmakers and audience members.

Starting this weekend, Shenzheners will be treated to new screenings of art films, such as Chinese touching tale “Like Father and Son” and Indian comedy “English Vinglish.” Seven old Argentine movies will be screened at a special program at Broadway Cinematheque in Nanshan District.

Bai Zhiqiang, director of Chinese movie “Like Father and Son,” talks with moviegoers at an event under the Shenzhen Art Film Screening project Feb. 11 at Broadway Cinematheque. Photo courtesy of the cinema

The seven Argentine movies, all 4K restored versions, are “La Película del Rey” (1986), “Made in Argentina” (1987), “Un Lugar en el Mundo” (1992), “Sol de Otoño” (1996), “La Sonámbula” (1998), “Historias Mínimas” (2002) and “Lugares Comunes” (2002).

Under the Shenzhen Art Film Screening project, moviegoers can watch the movies for 20 yuan each in selected screenings at Broadway Cinematheque.

A scene from “Like Father and Son.” File photos unless otherwise stated

Hosted by the Publicity Department of the Shenzhen Municipal Committee of the CPC, the Shenzhen Art Film Screening event has invited a team of film experts, critics, curators, directors, scriptwriters, actors and the press to select films. The nine-month screening project aims to propel the development of art films, support outstanding young filmmakers and bring more quality films to citizens.

In January, “When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit,” “Les Choristes,” “Little Joe,” “Virgin Blue” and “Pink” all received acclaims from local moviegoers.

A poster of “English Vinglish.”

The new Shaanxi-dialect film “Like Father and Son” tells the story of truck driver Gou Ren and left-behind child Maodou, who meet under unusual circumstances and set out on a journey to find Maodou’s father.

At a talk between director Bai Zhiqiang and film-loving audience members Feb. 11 at Broadway Cinematheque, behind-the-scenes stories at every stage of the filmmaking and creative visual ideas in the film were freely discussed.

A scene from “Sol de Otoño.”

“I like the pre-screening and talk event very much, which reminded me of the old cultural salons in Paris. It was the openness and inclusiveness of the salons that yielded various art genres to flourish across Europe,” said a moviegoer at the event.

“It is surprising that the director-audience talks at the Shenzhen Art Film Screening event had a full house every time,” said another moviegoer at the Feb. 11 event. “Appreciating art films is different from simply watching films for entertainment; one needs to explore film culture and experience many types of films.”

To support art films in China, some local cinemas in recent years have been devoted to art film screenings by organizing special screenings and director-audience talks to fuel creativity, ignite minds and provide inspiration.

The Shenzhen Art Film Screening hopes to discover new works and provide more screening opportunities for acclaimed films. Shenzhen-produced films will also be a focus during this year’s event.

Schedule and ticketing:

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Venue: Broadway Cinematheque, 5/F, MixC World, Nanshan District

Metro: Line 1 to Hi-tech Park Station, Exit A